Apple's iOS 9.3 software update lets Verizon Wireless customers place voice calls over Wi-Fi, and they'll soon be able to use VoLTE for higher quality, more reliable cellular calls. Verizon Wireless customers who use an iPhone 6 or newer can now make voice calls over Wi-Fi, a feature that can improve call quality in areas where the cellular signal is weak. Later this week, Verizon plans to push another free update to late-model iPhones that will enable an HD Voice feature to improve call quality and add other enhancements. [Related Analysis: CIOs upbeat on iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro] It’s free to place calls over Wi-Fi, and unlike Apple’s FaceTime video chat, you can call any phone and not just other iPhones. If you’re traveling internationally, you can also place free Wi-Fi calls to U.S. numbers, according to GottaBeMobile.com. Wi-Fi calling routes calls over any compatible Wi-Fi network that’s in range. Of course, you might have to log into that network for the feature to work. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe Verizon plays catchup on Wi-Fi calling for iPhone Verizon is the last of the four major U.S. carriers to offer Wi-Fi calling on the iPhone. The company said it was waiting for Apple to update its mobile OS to iOS 9.3, which was released on Monday. It’s an especially useful feature for making calls when you’re far away from cell towers, or when you’re inside buildings with structures that interfere with cellular reception. [Related Analysis: Why Apple no longer needs an iPhone ‘wow factor’ ] To use the new feature, you need to upgrade your iPhone to iOS 9.3 — the update is free — and then set up Wi-Fi calling. As soon as you complete the setup process, your calls move automatically from the cellular network to Wi-Fi when it’s available. A number of Verizon Android phones, including recent Samsung Galaxys and Nokia Lumias, have supported Wi-Fi calling for some time. Verizon HD Voice for iPhone via VoLTE HD Voice is based on a technology called voice over LTE (VoLTE). Calls made over the 4G LTE network are clearer and less prone to interference, according to Verizon. The tech also enables conference calls with as many as six participants, and it lets users talk and access the Web or download data at the same time. Verizon iPhones running iOS 9.3 should get the VoLTE update on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Related video: iOS 9.3’s best new features Related content opinion Consumers love to hate the companies that deliver pay TV and broadband A survey of thousands of consumers shows that a lack of competition and u201cabysmalu201d customer service make cable companies and ISPs the most disliked industries in the country. By Bill Snyder May 24, 2017 3 mins Broadband Consumer Electronics opinion Get ready to say goodbye to T-Mobile A Japanese conglomerate wants to buy T-Mobile and merge it with Sprint. What a disaster for consumers that will be. By Bill Snyder May 12, 2017 4 mins Small and Medium Business Consumer Electronics Mobile opinion Cunning hack attacks built-in Windows anti-malware software Quick action by Google and Microsoft appears to have put out the fire. But itu2019s another reminder that running old versions of Windows can be dangerous. By Bill Snyder May 10, 2017 2 mins Small and Medium Business Malware Windows Security opinion How to survive a move when your ISP can’t go with you Moving is a huge hassle, but hereu2019s a two-step solution that will keep you connected to the Internet without busting your budget. By Bill Snyder May 05, 2017 4 mins Internet Consumer Electronics Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe