Apple Might Limit Wi-Fi 6E Support to iPhone 15 Pro Models
Apple is believed to be making one connectivity feature exclusive to the Pro models of the iPhone 15 – Wi-Fi 6E support.
MacRumors shared documents leaked by researcher Unknownz21 (@URedditor), who's said to have a relatively credible track record, containing schematics of the iPhone 15's antenna architecture. The documents indicate that the Pro models of the upcoming flagship line feature Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, while the standard models feature Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6E is capable of faster wireless speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi 6. The former is also the only wireless standard so far that supports the new 6GHz frequency band, on top of the more widely used 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
MacRumors also noted that it's seen additional documentation that supports the leak in question.
Apple has already launched a number of products that support Wi-Fi 6E, including the new iPad Pro, Mac mini and Macbook Pro models, and if the leak is to be believed, it could soon add the iPhone 15 Pro models to that list.
Limiting the new connectivity feature to the higher-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max makes financial sense for Apple as it reportedly wants to boost shipments of those two models when they launch, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. It's not the first time the Cupertino tech giant is using such a tactic, though, in previous iPhone generations, the differences between the Pro and non-Pro models were primarily focused on cameras. Last year's iPhone 14, however, is perhaps the exception, with the Pro models boasting a significant performance boost and a new design over the standard models.
What’s not clear yet is if Apple plans to limit the latest Wi-Fi standards on new models moving forward, or if the iPhone 15 is a one-off.
Unknownz21 also obtained documents that claim the iPhone 15 Pro models are set to come equipped with the new 3nm A17 chips and solid-state volume and power buttons. The non-Pro models, meanwhile, are expected to continue to use the existing A16 chips and won’t have redesigned buttons.
Apple is believed to be making Wi-Fi 6E exclusive to the Pro models of the iPhone 15.
Leaked schematics of the iPhone 15's antenna architecture indicate the Pro models feature Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, while the standard models feature Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6E is capable of faster wireless speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi 6.
It's not clear yet if Apple plans to limit the latest Wi-Fi standards on new models moving forward, or if the iPhone 15 is a one-off.