Apple, Google, and Meta have been granted access by the FCC to use the 6GHz wireless band for Wi-Fi tethering, potentially marking the end of wired connections. This approval comes after years of lobbying by the tech giants. However, it’s important to note that the access granted is for very low power (VLP) uses, meaning the signals won’t travel far and won’t interfere with other 6GHz devices. Higher power uses may be allowed as long as interference protections are in place.
This development could pave the way for the use of fast 6GHz connections as a replacement for wires in various devices, such as virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headsets like the upcoming Apple Vision Pro. It could also be used for in-car purposes, such as connecting iPhones via CarPlay.
With faster and more reliable wireless connections, it becomes possible to eliminate some of the most annoying wires in our lives. This is particularly exciting for Apple and Meta, who are both working on VR/AR headsets. The use of 6GHz could expand the possibilities of these devices, allowing users to stray further from the powering device, such as a smartphone or laptop.
Although the prospect is exciting, it may take some time before short cables for tethering become obsolete. Currently, only modern and typically more expensive products support 6GHz Wi-Fi. For instance, only this year’s MacBook Pros and the iPhone 15 Pro support it. Older or less expensive devices like the iPhone 15 or the MacBook Air (15-inch, 2023) do not have this capability.
While not everyone may have access to 6GHz Wi-Fi yet, it’s fascinating to witness the advancements in wireless technology. The possibility of a cable-free future is becoming increasingly tangible.
You might also like
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years.