what is new with network

What's New with Network at WWDC 2024

Local Network Access

• macOS Sequoia introduces control over local network access. When an app attempts to access data from the local network, a prompt is shown. Developers need to ensure that their app requests access contextually and includes a clear, descriptive usage string in the info plist. This is crucial for apps using Bonjour services or networking multicast entitlements (What’s new in privacy).

Private Wi-Fi Controls

• iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia bring private Wi-Fi controls for MAC address rotation. This feature helps protect user privacy by rotating MAC addresses, which can otherwise be used to track users. The MAC address for a network will change approximately every two weeks if the "Rotate Wi-Fi address" setting is on (What’s new in privacy).

Network Storage Management

• A new disk management configuration allows IT admins to manage external and network storage. They can choose whether to allow or disallow external or network storage altogether or limit mounting to read-only volumes (What’s new in device management).

Network Slicing and VPN

• iOS and iPadOS 18 support multiple private cellular network payloads, enabling configuration for up to five private 5G or LTE networks. If network slicing and per-app VPN are both configured for an app, all traffic from the managed app will be routed to the 5G network slice while still providing VPN benefits (What’s new in device management).

Relevant Sessions

1. What’s new in privacy
2. What’s new in device management

These updates highlight Apple's continued focus on enhancing privacy and control over network access and storage, providing both users and developers with more robust tools and settings.