The next-generation Apple iPhones could support the WiFi 6E: this is what is claimed in a note distributed to investors by Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Tom O'Malley, according to what colleagues at MacRumors. They could therefore be the first iPhones with tri-band Wi-Fi. This is a rather plausible prediction, given that several Apple products with this technology are already on the market – the latest generation iPad Pros, the very latest MacBook Pro 14 and 16 and the equally new Mac MinisThe common denominator is Apple Silicon M2 chip, in some of its variants, but it is interesting to note that this is not a sufficient condition: the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models in fact still have to make do with dual-band Wi-Fi 6.
It is true, however, that the arrival of Wi-Fi 6E in iPhones, which has been around for some time now despite its very limited availability (the prices of equipment such as routers and access points are still prohibitive for the general public) has been expected since last year's 13th generation. We also know that Apple tends to prefer to arrive "late" with an innovation but be sure to have implemented it in the best possible way. The distribution of the protocol on other product lines, however, leaves us a little more optimistic for this year.
The main new feature of Wi-Fi 6E, we were saying, is the addition of a third 6 GHz band alongside the traditional 2,4 and 5 GHz ones: this third band guarantees significantly higher speeds, promises less congestion and risk of interference especially in very crowded areas, as well as the ability to manage many more devices connected at the same time. It is technically already “old”, in the sense that Wi-Fi 7 has already been presented, also tri-band.
From what we've seen so far, there could be several substantial changes in the next-generation iPhones. The design is expected to return to implement rounded edges, a return if you like to the style seen with the iPhone 6 through 12. Thinner bezels are also expected. Dynamic Island should also arrive on all four models, even the two non-Pro ones. There are also rumors of the arrival of the USB-C port in place of Lightning.
Article published on 26 January 2023 - 11:41
