Using an iPhone as a Wi-Fi host for another network is generally not supported, as it primarily functions as a basic Wi-Fi access point. The issue with the laptop's connection to public Wi-Fi may stem from its settings, which can be adjusted for better compatibility. Network profile software can help manage these settings automatically, but proper TCP/IP configuration is essential. While it may be theoretically possible for the iPhone to bridge to another network, it would likely require a specific app to achieve this functionality. Overall, the iPhone's capabilities as a Wi-Fi host are limited and may not meet the user's needs.