Which Devices Support WiFi 7? Unwrap the Future of Connectivity This Holiday Season!

It has only been a year since transformational WiFi 7 was released, featuring massive WiFi technology improvements.

Next-generation WiFi 7 devices are a big part of the picture this 2024 holiday season, so let’s unwrap the future of connectivity into 2025 and beyond!

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WRITTEN BY

NETGEAR Team


Understanding WiFi 7

WiFi 7 (802.11be) is the seventh-generation WiFi standard introduced by the IEEE and the WiFi Alliance.

The new standard WiFi 7 retains important features of WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and WiFi 6E, while also introducing groundbreaking technologies such as:

  • Multi-Link Operation (MLO)
  • 4K-QAM
  • 320MHz Channels
  • Preamble Puncturing
  • The latest Qualcomm Chipsets

The result is a huge leap forward in wireless technology performance and potential. WiFi 7 offers faster speeds, lower latency, high throughput, and real-time responsiveness to handle gaming, streaming, AI, and virtual reality.

Benefits of WiFi 7 for Consumers

WiFi 7 technology is keeping pace with state-of-the-art virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI. The flow-on benefits for gaming, streaming, remote work, and entertainment are enormous. WiFi 7 promises an immersive user experience with the latest WiFi devices, gaming consoles, and smart home gadgets. WiFi 7-enabled technologies are catching on fast, including the latest Apple iPhones and Android smartphones.

WiFi 7 is expansive, but also future-proofed and very manageable. With a NETGEAR WiFi 7 Router, you can create a home network, guest network, and smart home IoT network with 200+ connected devices. The setup can include power-saving Target Wake Time to switch devices on and off at predetermined times, along with robust security and parental controls to ensure everyone under your roof is safe online. And of course – WiFi 7 routers are back-wards compatible with WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 devices.


Devices Supporting WiFi 7 in 2024

Smartphones


iPhone 16 – The iPhone 16 has been designed and built for the Apple Intelligence system that helps you get things done effortlessly. iPhone 16 is optimized for WiFi 7 capabilities, including superfast streaming, strong privacy protections, and seamless networking for work or play.

Android – The latest Android smartphones like the Samsung S24+ include AI-enhanced WiFi 7 capability. Filming, editing, and storage of high-resolution media is a breeze. The adaptive display cuts glare and the all-day Samsung S24+ battery gives you 24/7 wireless connectivity.

Laptops and Tablets

DELL Alienware m18 R2 Gaming Laptop – This is an expansive 18” laptop with loads of customizable features for graphics, sound, cloud gaming, and multiplayer experiences. Alienware m18 R2 comes WiFi 7-ready.

HP Envy x360 – This smaller 14-inch 2-in-1 Laptop showcases a True Vision 5MP Camera, Thunderbolt 4, Backlit Keyboard, and DTS:X® Ultra Surround Sound. HP Envy x360 is a compact, versatile, and future-proofed WiFi 7 powerhouse.

WiFi technology development takes time during the transition between WiFi standards, but we will see WiFi 7 progressively introduced into the best Apple and Windows devices. In the meantime, MacBooks, iPads, and Microsoft Surface Pro remain hugely popular, with imaginative graphics for an immersive experience.

Gaming Consoles

Sony PS5 Pro – The world’s greatest game creators make Sony PlayStation famous. The addition of WiFi 7 is the secret behind games with incredible features like advanced ray tracing, super sharp image clarity for your 4K TV, cloud gaming, and high frame rate gameplay.

WiFi 7 offers improved speeds, stability, and minimal latency for modern gaming setups. However, both your console and router must support WiFi 7 to unlock their full potential. If you plan an upgrade to a next-gen gaming console like the Sony PS5 Pro or an X-Box Series X, a WiFi 7 router will future-proof your gaming setup.

Smart Home Devices

Loads of smart home devices and applications are expected to support fast and secure WiFi 7. Smart TVs, streaming devices, security systems, lighting, thermostats, and more all benefit from advanced WiFi technologies. WiFi 7 enables smoother operation and integration of smart home ecosystems.

*Connect devices with a NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router or NETGEAR Orbi WiFi 7 Mesh System for astounding WiFi 7 performance.

WiFi 6E Devices and WiFi 7 Backwards Compatibility

WiFi 7 was introduced fast on the heels of WiFi 6/6E. Fortunately, the best WiFi 7 routers are backward compatible, meaning your WiFi 6/6E devices will function optimally with low latency. They will even benefit from some new WiFi technologies. However, the full potential of WiFi 7 will be appreciated as you progressively upgrade your network with WiFi 7-enabled devices. An upgrade to a WiFi 7 router or a whole-home WiFi 7 mesh system is the best way to guarantee improved performance for all your WiFi connections.

Enhancing Your Experience with WiFi 7 Routers

Wireless networking is everywhere in 2024. Homes and offices around the US are ditching unsightly cables and isolated work cubicles and embracing open-plan WiFi 7, where WiFi dead zones are a thing of the past and everyone can have their own space for gaming, streaming, and networking. Give the gift of a WiFi 7 router upgrade in 2024!

Why Upgrade to a WiFi 7 Router or Mesh System?

The router is the backbone of any home network. WiFi 7 routers and mesh systems are a quantum leap forward, unlocking the full potential of new gaming, streaming, virtual reality, and AI. WiFi 7 offers reduced congestion, better range, and support for multiple high-bandwidth devices. WiFi 7 uses the 2.4GHz band, 5GHz band, and 6GHz band, with a dedicated backhaul channel and multi-link operation to free up bandwidth for multi-gigabit speeds.

NETGEAR's WiFi 7 Solutions

Quad-band and tri-band WiFi 7 provides the Gbps data rates required for today’s networks. NETGEAR continues to lead the way, introducing WiFi 7 since its inception. The NETGEAR router range is second-to-none, with models to suit every size and style of household.

NETGEAR WiFi 7 Routers:

 

NETGEAR WiFi 7 Mesh Systems:

  • World-leading NETGEAR Orbi WiFi Mesh Systems such as the Orbi 970 and Orbi 770 include the main router access point and multiple router satellites that relay the WiFi signal and expand coverage. Holiday magic starts with exceptional whole-home WiFi!

Maximizing Your New Devices

Holiday season tech gifts for friends, loved ones, and yourself need to use technology that will remain relevant. WiFi 7 is a major wireless technology step that will prepare you for upcoming tech advancements and future-proof your network for years. Multiplayer AR/VR gaming, AR headsets, and unbeatable speeds for 8K streaming are all possible with WiFi 7. Looking to improve your holiday shopping list with cutting-edge technology? Choose NETGEAR!