iOS 8 AirPlay won't need a network connection

June 4, 2014

Here's an interesting tidbit about iOS 8 that Apple didn't give stage time to, and that's the removal of a necessary network connection for AirPlay. It's not even easily noticeable on Apple's iOS 8 preview site either, but there, nestled within the enterprise section is what we're looking for:

With iOS 8, you can wirelessly connect iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to Apple TV without first connecting to the organization's network. Which means you can present or share your work even if you're offline or the organization has a complex network.

Peer-to-peer connections are nothing new but until now AirPlay has required a network connection to make the magic happen. While the obvious enterprise applications are described by Apple, the consumer market will no doubts have its fun with it too. Such as connecting to a friend or family members Apple TV without first having to go through connecting to their WiFi.

It's a small touch, but a great one for us nevertheless. How about you guys; offline access to AirPlay going to help you out at all?

Source: Apple via AppleInsider