Updated Dec. 13, 2022: Apple has informed Berkeley IT that the software updates that were needed to rectify the issues their devices were having with Wi-Fi have been released and that this should resolve the previous connectivity problems. Our network team is working to confirm this information. If you use Apple devices (e.g. phone, laptop, iPad, etc.) please be sure to perform any recommended software updates or contact us if your machine is owned and managed by the University.
To our campus community,
We are aware of a significant issue with Apple Devices connecting to enterprise Wi-Fi networks. This is an Apple OS (operating system) issue impacting most Apple devices. We are working with Apple engineers and expect a fix to the issue in future OS updates. Berkeley IT has made some changes to our Wi-Fi network to minimize the impact of this Apple OS issue, but we are unable to completely fix the problem since it exists within Apple’s software. Until Apple provides a permanent solution, we are providing the campus community with instructions on how to work around this issue.
Temporary Workaround Steps*
We have been collaborating with our UCLA colleagues on the best workaround for this situation and are providing links to some of their knowledge-base articles below. The process varies based on which OS your device uses. First, identify your OS here, then proceed with the associated instructions:
* Instructors and students will want to take these steps for any Apple devices they are using prior to the start of classes and/or exams.
Why is this happening?
Apple released software updates on Oct. 24 and Nov. 9 that correlate to these network connectivity issues for users of Apple devices. These updates are impacting the ability of devices to connect to enterprise Wi-Fi networks (like we have on campus). It does not seem to impact devices on home networks.
Impacted Devices
We have confirmed the issue is impacting newer devices, as well as older versions of the Mac operating system on laptops, iPhones, and iPads, including devices with newer Apple silicon, M1, M2 technology, and later versions of iPhones and iPads. The following list is not exhaustive:
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Any M1 or M2 Macbooks
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The M1 chip also appears in the
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iPad Pro 12.9″ 5th gen
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iPad Pro 11″ 5th gen (2021 could also be M2)
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iPad Air 5th gen
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iPhone14 and 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Max
Options for Getting Wi-Fi Support
We continue to offer several options for you to get technical support if you encounter connectivity issues specific to your device or location:
Support for: |
In-Person Wi-Fi Drop-in Help |
Call the Help Desk |
Submit a Ticket |
|
Faculty & Staff |
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - noon | 1 - 4 p.m. |
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
|
|
Students |
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Zoom supportget service details here |
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
Email: sts-help@berkeley.edu |
Hotspots to Support Teaching & Learning
Instructors experiencing connectivity issues in classrooms may call the hotline at 510-664-9000 (option 9) to obtain a hotspot. Students with financial need can request a hotspot through STEP
We will continue to work with Apple and post updates to our System Status page.
Regards,
Jenn Stringer, Associate Vice Chancellor for IT and Chief Information Officer
Dave Browne, Executive Director of Campus IT Infrastructure
Related Links: Apply Workaround | Network Improvements | Access Wi-Fi | Get IT Help | System Status | Sign-up for System Alerts
This message was sent campus-wide to all students, faculty, and staff. If you are a manager who supervises UC Berkeley employees without email access, please circulate this information to all.