Why No Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 6E provides access to the 6GHz band on compatible routers, but it isn’t the most advanced wireless technology available. Many expected Apple’s new M4 Mac models to support Wi-Fi 7, but Apple chose not to include it. Interestingly, the iPhone 16 series, released in September, became the first Apple device to feature a Wi-Fi 7 chip by Broadcom. This chip supports the new 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 standard and a 2×2 MIMO function.
The Advantages of Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 offers faster speeds, lower latency, and a wider channel bandwidth of 320MHz. Unfortunately, Apple limited the iPhone 16’s Wi-Fi 7 to 160MHz. This decision restricts the standard’s full potential, but the iPhone 16 supports Multi-Link Operation (MLO). MLO allows devices to connect to multiple frequency bands, improving data transmission and reducing latency.
The Future of M4 Series Macs
Apple might add Wi-Fi 7 support in future high-end models like the M4 Pro and M4 Max. However, for now, the M4 series Macs rely on Wi-Fi 6E. While the absence of Wi-Fi 7 may seem limiting, the M4 series still delivers impressive performance.
Why This Matters for Mac Users
The decision to exclude Wi-Fi 7 from Apple’s new M4 Mac series might not be a dealbreaker today, but it could affect performance in the future. As technology advances, users might want to upgrade to models with Wi-Fi 7 for smoother gaming, streaming, and video conferencing experiences.
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