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Several rumors suggest that the next generation of iPhone 15 will support the WiFi 6E standard that Apple has already introduced in the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro. Now a leaked Apple document seems to confirm this.
The document, which was published by Apple leaker Unknownz21 (@URedditor) comes (via MacRumors), shows diagrams of the iPhone 15's antenna architecture. D8x refers to the iPhone 15 Pro models, and the information suggests that the faster WiFi 6E specification will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 15 models, designated D3y, will continue to use WiFi 6 and not WiFi 6E. D7x refers to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, and D2y to the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, with the document detailing the changes in antenna design between the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro. So far, WiFi 6E has already been introduced in some Apple products, but only in the latest models of iPad Pro, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro.
WiFi 6E routers are already available
Apple has not yet limited the new WiFi standards to a Pro iPhone. But the iPhone 15 Pro models will have some features that are not available in the iPhone 15. The limitation also makes sense for cost and availability reasons. WiFi 6E allows devices to connect to routers and modems that support the WiFi 6E standard. However, this is a newer technology that is not yet widely used. WiFi 6E routers are already available, but since they have only been on the market in the last few years, many individuals and companies have not yet upgraded. WiFi 6E routers use the 6 GHz band in addition to the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. So to use 6 GHz, both a WiFi 6E router and a WiFi 6E device are required.
Faster connection speeds and lower latency
Compared to WiFi 6, WiFi 6E offers more bandwidth, meaning faster connection speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity. WiFi 6E has 1.2GHz more spectrum in the 6GHz band, supporting gigabit coverage throughout the home, multi-gigabit connectivity for venues, and has the bandwidth for higher data streams like those used for AR and VR experiences. Because WiFi 6E requires both routers and devices to support the standard, it's currently a largely empty band with little traffic. This means iPhone 15 Pro models with WiFi 6E will be able to connect to WiFi 6E networks where there isn't much competition in the form of traffic from other devices.
iPhone 15: More leaks – including pictures – to follow in March
Unknownz21 has previously leaked information about devices like the iPhone 14. In 2020, he managed to obtain a copy of iOS 14 before its release and leaked details about the update. Unknownz21 told MacRumors that the graphics were "just the tip of the iceberg" and that more leaks about the iPhone 15 series, including full images, would appear before the iPhone 15 models entered the EVT (Engineering Validation Test) phase in March. The documents he obtained also confirm that the iPhone 15 Pro models will feature faster 3nm A17 chips and fixed volume and power buttons. The iPhone 15 models will continue to use A16 chips, as previously rumored, and will not feature the redesigned volume buttons. (Photo by TierneyMJ / Bigstockphoto)
