ESPHome extends its new cellular modem connection into a Wi-Fi hotspot: devices joining the ESP32’s access point can route internet traffic through the modem. Yesterday’s component supplied connectivity to the ESPHome device itself; this addition shares that connection with other devices.
Companion access-point work keeps a setup portal available while the upstream connection is down and closes the portal when the station reconnects, without closing the access point. A separate always-on mode keeps an access point beside the home-network connection without routing traffic.