[CharlesW]

> Does anyone here have a basis that could explain this bold statement ?

It's just wrong. On iPhones, Airplane Mode turns off all radios except Bluetooth.

[grenoire]

WiFi still remains on, no?

[FreezerburnV]

By default the WiFi system is turned off, but you can turn it back on individually. If you want to connect to an in-flight system for watching shows, as an example.