Apple’s next-generation “iPhone 13” devices could feature Wi-Fi 6E technology for even better connectivity, according to a new report.
The extended version of Wi-Fi 6 — which is already available in iPhone 11 and later — promises even faster speeds and better range using the 6GHz band. But you probably won’t be able to enjoy it out of the box.
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Wi-Fi 6 is already a huge improvement over earlier standards, delivering significantly faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi 6E isn’t vastly different, but it adds support for the more robust 6GHz band.
With the 6GHz band, you can enjoy even faster Wi-Fi speeds and greater range that’s less susceptible to interference. And rumor has it that Apple wants to integrate Wi-Fi 6E into next-generation iPhone models.
Wi-Fi 6E coming to iPhone 13?
“Apple is set to incorporate Wi-Fi 6E technology into its new iPhones for this year, and the technology is expected to become a standard feature of both iOS and Android smartphones in 2022,” reports Digitimes.
“Many chipmakers including Qualcomm, Broadcom and MediaTeK are commercializing production of Wi-Fi 6E core chips,” adds the report, which cites industry sources familiar with Apple’s plans.
Of course, to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E technology, you’ll need a compatible router, so you probably won’t be able to enjoy it right away. Most of today’s routers — even those compatible with the Wi-Fi 6 standard — support only 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Those that do already support the Wi-Fi 6E standard aren’t cheap. The Netgear Nighthawk is currently listed at $529.99 on Amazon — and that’s after a $70 discount. The Asus ROG Rapture router with Wi-Fi 6E support is priced at a whopping $754.24.
LiDAR won’t expand its reach
The Digitimes report also claims that the LiDAR Scanner, currently found in iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, as well as iPad Pro, will remain exclusive to Apple’s more expensive smartphone models this fall.
This is despite earlier reports from other sources that suggested LiDAR Scanners would be extended to all next-generation iPhone models.
