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Wi-Fi Support in Apple Devices

Wi-Fi has consistently been a popular topic on this blog so it prompted me to write about Wi-Fi support in Apple iPhone and other devices.

The following 802.11 technologies are supported by different Apple devices. Not all devices support all technologies and the same device may support different technologies in different regions. The following is 802.11 compatibility and frequency band: 

  • 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E), 
  • 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), 
  • 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), 
  • 802.11a, 
  • 802.11b/g 
  • 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
  • Apple platforms supporting Wi-Fi 6E can join Wi-Fi 6E networks that are discoverable on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz channels, and on 6 GHz Preferred Scanning Channels, where 6 GHz is allowed by regulatory domain.
    • Wi‑Fi 6E isn’t available in mainland China.

In addition, various roaming optimisation support technologies are implemented to improve roaming performance and device battery life with features such as:

  • Radio Measurement (802.11k): To deliver the list of neighbouring access points.
  • Fast BSS Transition (802.11r) and Cisco Adaptive 802.11r: To help devices quickly and securely roam between access points.
  • Pairwise Master Key Identifier (PMKID) Caching: To enable fast roaming back to previously associated access points.
  • Interworking with External Networks (802.11u): To enable easy and secure Wi-Fi service discovery and connection.
  • Wireless Network Management (802.11v): To help identify the optimal wireless access points for roaming.

You can read more about Apple devices' Wi-Fi support here and roaming information here.

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