Apple has quietly enhanced Wi-Fi performance on certain Wi-Fi 6E-compatible Macs and iPads with the release of iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2. These updates enable support for wider 160MHz channels on 5GHz networks — up from the previous 80MHz limit —potentially delivering faster speeds and better throughput on compatible routers. The changes are reflected in updated Wi-Fi specifications within Apple’s platform deployment guide.
The M4 iPad Pro models, M3 iPad Air models, A17 Pro iPad mini, M2 to M5 MacBook Pro models, M2, M3, and M4 MacBook Air models, and other Wi-Fi 6E Macs and iPads now support 160MHz maximum channel bandwidth when connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, the same theoretical maximum throughput supported by 6GHz networks. Previously, these devices were limited to 80MHz.
In ideal conditions, a 160MHz maximum means that iPad and Mac users should see faster file transfers, quicker uploads, and smoother streaming. Wi-Fi 6E devices can take advantage of 6GHz networks, but 5GHz networks remain far more common. 6GHz networks require new router hardware, along with a machine that can take advantage of a 6GHz network.
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