With the launch of iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2, Apple has made significant upgrades to the wireless connectivity capabilities of select Mac and iPad models that are compatible with Wi-Fi 6E, particularly enhancing their performance in the 5GHz frequency band. Following this update, a range of Apple devices, including the M4 iPad Pro, M3 iPad Air, A17 Pro iPad mini, as well as MacBook Pro models from M2 to M5, and MacBook Air variants equipped with M2, M3, and M4 chips, can now fully utilize a maximum channel bandwidth of 160MHz when connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. This enhancement brings their 5GHz performance in line with the theoretical maximum throughput achievable in 6GHz networks. Prior to this update, these devices were constrained to a maximum bandwidth of just 80MHz in the 5GHz band, which limited their data transfer speeds and overall network efficiency.

In its announcement, Apple also highlighted that, despite the notable increase in 5GHz bandwidth, 6GHz networks continue to offer distinct advantages. These include even wider bandwidth capabilities, reduced interference from other wireless devices, and lower levels of network congestion, making them ideal for high-bandwidth applications and environments with multiple connected devices.