Update:
Adjusting my app to have the “Access WiFi Information” capability did indeed work! 
My app now works again as expected, and has no issues connecting over SoftAP.
You can add the setting in your target settings:
Note, you need to be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program in order to have this option available to you. Have to pay for membership 
, but you need that to publish an app to the App Store anyway. If you are not in the ADP, this specific capability won’t be listed as an option.