With the release of iPadOS 26.2 features and the latest macOS Tahoe 26.2 updates, Apple has quietly introduced a major improvement to Apple Wi-Fi 6E performance. Select Mac and iPad models now support 160MHz Wi-Fi support on 5GHz networks, effectively boosting Mac 5GHz Wi-Fi speed without requiring access to the 6GHz band. While Apple did not highlight this change in its release notes, the update can significantly improve real-world wireless throughput and latency for users with compatible hardware.
What Changed in iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2?
The most important change involves 5GHz Wi-Fi channel width.
Before iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2, even Wi-Fi 6E-capable Macs and iPads were limited to 80MHz channel width when connected to 5GHz networks. With these updates, Apple has enabled 160MHz channel width on 5GHz, effectively doubling the available bandwidth under the right network conditions.
This brings 5GHz performance much closer to what users expect from Wi-Fi 6E, without requiring a 6GHz-compatible router or regulatory support.
Quick Comparison: Wi-Fi Performance Before and After 26.2
| Feature | Before (Pre-26.2) | After (iPadOS / macOS 26.2) |
|---|---|---|
| 5GHz Channel Width | 80MHz | 160MHz |
| Max Theoretical Speed (2×2 MIMO) | ~1.2 Gbps | ~2.4 Gbps |
| Latency | Standard | Reduced |
| Router Requirement | Standard 5GHz | 5GHz with 160MHz support |
This structured improvement allows Apple devices to make better use of existing 5GHz networks, especially in environments where 6GHz Wi-Fi is unavailable or impractical.
Which Mac and iPad Models Support the Upgrade?
The update applies to select Apple devices that already support Wi-Fi 6E. While Apple has not published a single definitive list, reporting and updated specifications indicate support across many recent models.
Supported iPad Models (Examples)
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iPad Pro (M4)
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iPad Air (M3)
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iPad mini (A17 Pro)
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Other recent iPads equipped with Wi-Fi 6E
Supported Mac Models (Examples)
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MacBook Pro (M2, M3, M4, and later)
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MacBook Air (M2, M3, M4)
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Other modern Macs with Wi-Fi 6E, including select iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models
Actual availability may vary by region and hardware configuration, but the update generally targets 2023-and-newer Apple silicon devices with Wi-Fi 6E support.
Why This Update Matters in the Real World
Although Wi-Fi 6E introduced the 6GHz band, 5GHz Wi-Fi remains far more common in homes, offices, hotels, and public spaces. Many users still rely on 5GHz networks due to router compatibility, regional restrictions, or stability concerns.
By enabling 160MHz bandwidth on 5GHz, Apple allows users to:
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Achieve faster wireless file transfers
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Improve cloud backup and restore speeds
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Reduce latency during video calls and streaming
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Get better performance from NAS and local network workflows
Best of all, this improvement requires no new hardware—it is unlocked purely through software.
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How to Check If Your Mac Is Using 160MHz Wi-Fi
If you’re running macOS Tahoe 26.2, you can easily verify whether your Mac is benefiting from the update.
On Mac:
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Hold the Option (⌥) key on your keyboard
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Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar
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Look for “Channel Width” in the Wi-Fi details
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If it shows 160 MHz, the upgrade is active
If it still shows 80 MHz, your router may not support 160MHz or may require additional configuration.
Why Isn’t My Wi-Fi Reaching 160MHz?
Many users search for “Why is my Wi-Fi not hitting 160MHz?”, even after updating to the latest Apple software.
One common reason is DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection).
To achieve 160MHz on 5GHz Wi-Fi, most routers must use DFS channels. If DFS is disabled, restricted by regional regulations, or affected by radar interference, your Apple device will automatically fall back to 80MHz, even if it supports 160MHz.
Other factors that may limit 160MHz performance include:
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Router firmware not updated
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Regional DFS limitations
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Network congestion or interference
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Mesh Wi-Fi systems prioritizing stability over channel width
Final Thoughts
The Wi-Fi enhancements in iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 may seem subtle, but they unlock real performance gains for users with compatible hardware and routers. By enabling 160MHz channel width on 5GHz Wi-Fi, Apple has extended the usefulness of Wi-Fi 6E devices and delivered faster wireless speeds without relying on 6GHz infrastructure.
For Mac and iPad users running modern hardware, this update is another strong reason to keep your devices fully up to date.
