Skip to main content

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.

Related Posts: 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability (UHR), a.k.a. Wi-Fi 8

Back in 2020 we looked at the introductory post of Wi-Fi 7 which was followed up by a more detailed post in Feb 2022. We are now following on with an introductory post on the next generation Wi-Fi.  A new paper on arXiv explores the journey towards IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability (UHR), the amendment that will form the basis of Wi-Fi 8. Quoting selected items from the paper  below: After providing an overview of the nearly completed Wi-Fi 7 standard, we present new use cases calling for further Wi-Fi evolution. We also outline current standardization, certification, and spectrum allocation activities, sharing updates from the newly formed UHR Study Group. We then introduce the disruptive new features envisioned for Wi-Fi 8 and discuss the associated research challenges. Among those, we focus on access point coordination and demonstrate that it could build upon 802.11be multi-link operation to make Ultra High Reliability a reality in Wi-Fi 8. The IEEE 802.11bn UHR: Whose ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Highlights from XGMF's Conference to Advance Millimetre Wave Technology

On April 1, 2024, two of Japan's leading connectivity organizations—the 5G Mobile Promotion Forum (5GMF) and the Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium (B5GPC)—joined forces to create the XG Mobile Promotion Forum ( XGMF ). This merger symbolizes a pivotal step in accelerating the adoption of next-generation wireless technologies. In May 2024, XGMF's Millimeter Wave Promotion Ad Hoc (Millimeter Wave AH) hosted the International Workshop on Millimeter Wave Dissemination for 5G. This event aimed to foster the adoption of millimeter wave (mmWave) technology in Japan and beyond, drawing an audience of approximately 200 attendees and broadcasting in both English and Japanese. The workshop featured opening remarks by Mr. Naohiko Ogiwara, Director of the Radio Department, Telecommunications Infrastructure Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). Key speakers included: Mr. Takanori Mashiko (MIC, slides ) Mr. Sam Gielges (Qualcomm, online - no slides) Mr. Christopher Pric...
Post a Comment
Read more

Testing, Refining, and Improving Stratospheric Connectivity: NTT Docomo’s HAPS Trials

At MWC 2025, NTT Docomo highlighted its latest initiatives under the NTT Group's "NTT C89" space-business strategy, such as mobile-connectivity services using unmanned vehicles, or high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), that fly in the stratosphere for days or months, using relays to provide mobile connectivity in mountainous and remote areas, including at sea and in the sky. A presentation on NTT C89 Aerospace Business Strategy is available here while a presentation on NTT DOCOMO's Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) for Extreme Coverage Extension is available here . Stratospheric connectivity, enabled by High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), is emerging as a key solution for extending mobile coverage to remote and underserved areas. However, ensuring that these airborne platforms can provide stable, high-quality connectivity requires extensive testing and refinement. At MWC 2025, NTT Docomo showcased its progress in this domain, highlighting multiple real-world trials...
Post a Comment
Read more