
What Devices Uses Wifi 7? Future Devices Revealed
Introduction If you have been shopping for new tech lately, you have probably noticed a new badge appearing on spec sheets: Wi-Fi 7. The latest wireless standard, officially known as IEEE 802.11be, promises dramatically faster speeds, lower latency, and more r
Introduction
If you have been shopping for new tech lately, you have probably noticed a new badge appearing on spec sheets: Wi-Fi 7. The latest wireless standard, officially known as IEEE 802.11be, promises dramatically faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections than anything we have had before. But the big question on everyone’s mind is simple: What Devices Uses Wifi 7? In this guide, we break down every category of hardware that already supports Wi-Fi 7, what is coming next, and how you can prepare your home or office for the upgrade.
Wi-Fi 7 is not just an incremental bump. It introduces technologies like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 320 MHz channel widths, and 4K QAM modulation, which together can push theoretical speeds past 40 Gbps. That is roughly four times faster than Wi-Fi 6 and more than double Wi-Fi 6E. But none of that matters unless your devices actually support it.
Table of Contents
- What Is Wi-Fi 7?
- Smartphones That Use Wi-Fi 7
- Laptops and Tablets
- Wi-Fi 7 Routers and Access Points
- Mesh Systems
- Gaming Consoles and Handhelds
- Smart TVs and Streaming Boxes
- VR and AR Headsets
- Smart Home and IoT Devices
- Automotive and In-Vehicle Tech
- Enterprise and Industrial Devices
- Comparison Table of Wi-Fi Standards
- How to Check If Your Device Supports Wi-Fi 7
- How to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7
- Tips and Best Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is Wi-Fi 7?
Wi-Fi 7 is the seventh generation of Wi-Fi, standardized as IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput. It builds on the foundations of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E but adds significant improvements in speed, capacity, and responsiveness. The headline features include wider 320 MHz channels (double the 160 MHz maximum of Wi-Fi 6E), 4K QAM for denser data encoding, and Multi-Link Operation, which lets a device send and receive data across multiple bands simultaneously.
For consumers, the practical benefits are lower latency for cloud gaming and video calls, faster file transfers, smoother 8K streaming, and better performance in crowded environments. For businesses, Wi-Fi 7 means denser deployments and more reliable connectivity for mission-critical applications.
Smartphones That Use Wi-Fi 7
Smartphones were among the first consumer devices to adopt Wi-Fi 7, and the list is growing quickly. Flagship Android phones led the charge, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 chips both integrating Wi-Fi 7 modems.
Android Flagships
Devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Google Pixel 8 Pro (in select regions), OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14, and Asus ROG Phone 8 all ship with Wi-Fi 7 radios. These phones can take advantage of MLO to maintain stable connections even in congested areas like stadiums or apartment buildings.
iPhones
Apple has been more conservative. As of the latest cycle, iPhone 15 models support Wi-Fi 6E, while the iPhone 16 lineup is widely expected to bring Wi-Fi 7 support. If you are an Apple user wondering What Devices Uses Wifi 7?, the answer for now is that iPhones are catching up, and Wi-Fi 7-capable iPhones are on the horizon.
Laptops and Tablets
Premium laptops are rapidly adopting Wi-Fi 7, especially those powered by Intel’s Core Ultra processors and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chips. Many 2024 and 2025 flagship laptops from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and Microsoft include Wi-Fi 7 as standard.
Windows Laptops
Intel’s BE200 and BE202 Wi-Fi 7 adapters are now common in high-end Windows machines. Business laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Dell XPS 14 also offer Wi-Fi 7 configurations. These adapters support 320 MHz channels and MLO, making them ideal for heavy workloads.
MacBooks
Apple’s MacBook lineup has historically lagged slightly behind Windows in Wi-Fi adoption. Current MacBook Pro and Air models support Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 7 support is expected in future Apple silicon revisions, likely alongside broader ecosystem upgrades.
Tablets
High-end Android tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series and select Lenovo Tab models now include Wi-Fi 7. The iPad Pro, as of the latest generation, supports Wi-Fi 6E, with Wi-Fi 7 anticipated in upcoming refreshes.
Wi-Fi 7 Routers and Access Points
To actually experience Wi-Fi 7, you need a router that supports it. The good news is that the router market has matured quickly, with options ranging from budget-friendly dual-band units to premium tri-band and quad-band models.
Consumer Routers
Brands like TP-Link, Asus, Netgear, and Linksys all offer Wi-Fi 7 routers. Popular models include the TP-Link Archer BE800, Asus RT-BE96U, and Netgear Nighthawk RS700S. These routers often feature 10 Gbps Ethernet ports, making them future-proof for multi-gigabit internet plans.
Access Points
For larger homes or small offices, standalone Wi-Fi 7 access points from Ubiquiti, TP-Link Omada, and EnGenius provide enterprise-grade features at consumer-friendly prices. These are ideal for ceiling or wall mounting and integrate with existing PoE infrastructure.
Mesh Systems
Mesh Wi-Fi 7 systems are arguably the most exciting development for whole-home coverage. Products like the TP-Link Deco BE85, Asus ZenWiFi BQ16, and Netgear Orbi 970 series deliver multi-gigabit speeds across every corner of your home.
These systems use MLO to maintain strong backhaul links between nodes, reducing the speed drop-off that plagued older mesh systems. If you have a large home or thick walls, a Wi-Fi 7 mesh system is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Gaming Consoles and Handhelds
Gaming is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Wi-Fi 7’s low latency. While current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support Wi-Fi 6, the next wave of hardware refreshes is expected to include Wi-Fi 7.
PC Gaming Handhelds
Devices like the Asus ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go are beginning to ship with Wi-Fi 7 in newer revisions, improving cloud gaming performance and faster game downloads.
Future Consoles
Rumored mid-generation refreshes and next-generation consoles are widely expected to adopt Wi-Fi 7, especially as cloud gaming and 4K streaming become standard.
Smart TVs and Streaming Boxes
8K streaming and high-bitrate content demand more bandwidth than ever. Premium Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony are starting to include Wi-Fi 7 in their flagship models. Streaming boxes like the Apple TV 4K (future generations), Nvidia Shield, and Amazon Fire TV Cube are also expected to adopt the standard.
For now, most mid-range TVs still ship with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, but the premium tier is moving fast. If you are building a home theater, look for Wi-Fi 7 in the spec sheet to ensure smooth 8K playback.
VR and AR Headsets
Virtual and augmented reality headsets are extremely sensitive to latency. A few milliseconds of delay can cause motion sickness. Wi-Fi 7’s MLO and lower latency make it ideal for wireless VR streaming.
Devices like the Meta Quest 3 already use Wi-Fi 6E for PC VR streaming, and future headsets are expected to adopt Wi-Fi 7 for even smoother experiences. Apple’s Vision Pro uses Wi-Fi 6, with Wi-Fi 7 likely in future revisions.
Smart Home and IoT Devices
Most smart home devices like bulbs, plugs, and sensors do not need Wi-Fi 7 speeds. However, higher-end devices such as smart security cameras, video doorbells, and whole-home audio systems benefit from the improved reliability and lower latency.
Expect Wi-Fi 7 to appear first in premium smart home hubs, high-resolution security cameras, and multi-room audio systems. Budget IoT devices will likely remain on Wi-Fi 6 or even Wi-Fi 4 for years to come due to cost constraints.
Automotive and In-Vehicle Tech
Modern vehicles are becoming rolling data centers. Infotainment systems, over-the-air updates, and passenger connectivity all benefit from faster wireless. Several automakers are beginning to integrate Wi-Fi 7 into their latest models, particularly in luxury and electric vehicles.
Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and others are expected to adopt Wi-Fi 7 for in-car hotspots and software updates. This will make downloading large map updates or streaming 4K content in the back seat far more seamless.
Enterprise and Industrial Devices
On the business side, Wi-Fi 7 is gaining traction in warehouses, factories, and offices. Industrial tablets, handheld scanners, and autonomous robots benefit from the deterministic latency and reliability.
Enterprise access points from Cisco, Aruba, and Juniper already support Wi-Fi 7, and industrial IoT gateways are beginning to follow. For businesses running latency-sensitive applications like real-time video analytics or automated guided vehicles, Wi-Fi 7 is a game-changer.
Comparison Table of Wi-Fi Standards
| Feature | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEEE Standard | 802.11ac | 802.11ax | 802.11ax | 802.11be |
| Max Channel Width | 160 MHz | 160 MHz | 160 MHz | 320 MHz |
| Modulation | 256 QAM | 1024 QAM | 1024 QAM | 4096 QAM |
| Theoretical Max Speed | 3.5 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps | 9.6 Gbps | 46 Gbps |
| Bands | 5 GHz | 2.4 / 5 GHz | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz |
| Multi-Link Operation | No | No | No | Yes |
| Typical Use Case | Basic streaming | Smart homes | Low congestion | 8K, VR, gaming |
How to Check If Your Device Supports Wi-Fi 7
Not sure whether your current gear supports Wi-Fi 7? Here is a step-by-step process to find out.
- Check the spec sheet: Look for “Wi-Fi 7,” “802.11be,” or “BE” in the wireless section of the product specifications.
- Inspect the chip: On Windows, open Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, and look for chip names like Intel BE200, Qualcomm FastConnect 7800, or MediaTek Filogic 380.
- On macOS: Click the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then System Report, and check the Wi-Fi section for supported protocols.
- On Android: Go to Settings, About Phone, and look for Wi-Fi details, or use an app like WiFi Analyzer to see supported bands.
- On iPhone: Apple lists Wi-Fi capabilities on the tech specs page for each model. Currently, iPhone 15 supports Wi-Fi 6E.
- Router admin panel: Log into your router and check the wireless settings for “802.11be” or “Wi-Fi 7” options.
How to Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7
Ready to make the jump? Follow these steps to upgrade your network and devices effectively.
- Audit your current setup: List all devices and identify which ones are bottlenecks. Older laptops or phones may not benefit from a new router.
- Choose the right router: Pick a Wi-Fi 7 router or mesh system that matches your home size and internet speed. A 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps WAN port is ideal for multi-gig plans.
- Place it centrally: Position the router in a central, elevated location away from walls and interference sources.
- Update firmware: After setup, update the router firmware to ensure you have the latest MLO and stability improvements.
- Enable MLO: Turn on Multi-Link Operation in the router settings if your devices support it.
- Upgrade client devices gradually: Replace laptops, phones, and adapters over time. You do not need to upgrade everything at once.
- Test performance: Use speed test tools and latency tests to verify real-world improvements.
Tips and Best Practices
- Do not expect instant miracles: Wi-Fi 7 benefits are most noticeable with compatible clients and high-bandwidth applications.
- Use 6 GHz band: If your environment is congested, the 6 GHz band offers cleaner spectrum.
- Keep firmware updated: Wi-Fi 7 is still maturing, and firmware updates often improve stability and MLO performance.
- Mind your internet plan: A Wi-Fi 7 router cannot make a 100 Mbps plan faster. Match your hardware to your internet speed.
- Consider Ethernet backhaul: For mesh systems, wired backhaul still provides the most consistent performance.
- Check regional availability: The 6 GHz band is not available in all countries. Verify local regulations before buying.
- Buy for the future: Even if few of your devices support Wi-Fi 7 today, a good router will serve you for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi 7 backward compatible?
Yes. Wi-Fi 7 routers work with Wi-Fi 6, 6E, 5, and older devices. You will not need to replace all your gear at once.
Do I need Wi-Fi 7 if I have Wi-Fi 6E?
Not necessarily. If your current setup is fast and stable, you can wait. However, if you experience congestion or want lower latency for gaming and VR, Wi-Fi 7 is worth it.
What is Multi-Link Operation?
MLO allows a device to connect across multiple bands simultaneously, improving throughput and reducing latency by dynamically switching or aggregating links.
How much does a Wi-Fi 7 router cost?
Prices range from around $200 for entry-level models to over $1,000 for premium mesh systems. Expect prices to drop as adoption grows.
When will iPhones support Wi-Fi 7?
Apple is expected to introduce Wi-Fi 7 in future iPhone generations, likely starting with the iPhone 16 lineup or later.
Can Wi-Fi 7 replace Ethernet?
For most users, yes for everyday tasks. But for ultra-low-latency competitive gaming or server workloads, wired Ethernet still has the edge.
Conclusion
So, What Devices Uses Wifi 7? The answer is: more than you might think, and growing every month. From flagship smartphones and premium laptops to routers, mesh systems, smart TVs, VR headsets, and even cars, Wi-Fi 7 is steadily becoming the new standard. While not every device needs the upgrade today, investing in Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure now ensures your network is ready for the next wave of high-bandwidth applications. Start with a quality router, upgrade client devices as your budget allows, and enjoy the speed, stability, and low latency that Wi-Fi 7 delivers.