Wi-Fi 7 release date: When is Wi-Fi 7 coming?

The Wi-Fi 7 release date officially kicked off on January 8, 2024, with the start of the Wi-Fi Certified 7 program. It’s already available in places like the U.S., U.K., Australia, Japan, and Mexico. However, full-scale adoption and broader availability are still developing. More devices will continue to roll out throughout 2024 into 2025, giving users a chance to see what this upgrade can do.

This post will unpack the following:

• An in-depth look into what Wi-Fi 7 is
• Why enterprises should pay attention to Wi-Fi 7
• What devices are and are not expected to be Wi-Fi 7 compatible
• Why you shouldn’t necessarily buy into the hype and upgrade too fast
• A few challenges early adopters might face with Wi-Fi 7
• When is the right time to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7
• How Meter can simplify the Wi-Fi 7 upgrade process for your business

The question to answer now is, “Should you upgrade, and when?” But first we’ll discuss exactly what Wi-Fi 7 is and what it plans to bring to the table.

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), is shaping up to be the next big leap in wireless networking. Its main perks include faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded environments compared to Wi-Fi 6.

But before businesses jump on the bandwagon, it’s worth noting a few real-world caveats. Early adoption can mean hefty price tags and potential device compatibility problems, so careful planning is necessary to avoid unnecessary costs or tech issues.

The promise vs. reality of faster speeds

Wi-Fi 7’s claim to fame is its blazing speeds, boasting up to 46 Gbps with 320 MHz channels and 16 spatial streams. It’s theoretically four times faster than Wi-Fi 6, which sounds like a dream to network engineers managing high-bandwidth environments like packed stadiums or cloud-driven enterprises.

But here’s the catch: Real-world performance often falls short. Getting those top speeds requires perfect conditions that most places just don’t have—think minimal interference in the 6 GHz band and full device compatibility.

Most current routers and devices aren’t built to handle that kind of bandwidth, so major infrastructure updates would be needed to start seeing the real benefits. For most businesses, Wi-Fi 6 is already fast enough, so Wi-Fi 7’s big promises might not deliver dramatic results right away.

Talks of lower latency

Wi-Fi 7 brings the promise of reduced latency, which sounds perfect for:

• AR/VR
• Cloud gaming
• Remote surgeries
• And more

Who wouldn’t love a more responsive connection? But it’s not an all-in-one solution. Network congestion, interference from other devices, and physical obstacles still affect real-world performance. Even with shiny new Wi-Fi 7 access points, existing network conditions and client device limitations might hold back those anticipated improvements.

Finding the balance between power and performance

Wi-Fi 7 offers significant advancements, particularly through its Multi-Link Operation (MLO) feature. Rahul Patel, the Senior VP and GM for Cloud Connectivity and Networking at Qualcomm, described MLO as “a pillar by itself.”

Wi-Fi 7’s MLO lets devices connect to 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands at once. The increase in speed spreads out network traffic for better performance. Handling these connections can use more power, affecting battery life on phones and laptops.

The hidden costs

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 involves more than swapping out a few routers. Networks looking to support higher speeds and features like MLO may need:

• New access points
• Switches
• Routers with Wi-Fi 7 capabilities
• High-capacity Ethernet cables
• Network interface cards (NICs) for devices
• Updated firewalls to handle increased traffic

In addition to the costs outlined above, businesses must still consider:

• Installation costs
• Potential downtime
• Training costs and support
• Future-proofing

Big enterprises could see significant expenses with this kind of upgrade. Moving from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6 was easier, but Wi-Fi 7 brings bigger changes. Checking if your current Wi-Fi 6 setup meets your needs can help you avoid a costly upgrade.

The hype surrounding it

With many businesses asking, when does Wi-Fi 7 come out, it’s important to remember that early adoption might not be necessary right now. Wi-Fi 6 already covers high-density and real-time applications for most needs. While Wi-Fi 7 offers better performance, the cost is hard to justify. The technology is still new, and many features haven’t been tested much outside of labs.

Devices that fully use Wi-Fi 7 features will take time to roll out. For businesses using Wi-Fi 6, waiting makes more sense until Wi-Fi 7 matures and more compatible devices are available. Replacing a network for small gains isn’t worth it when current setups work well. Find out more about how we at Meter feel about the Wi-Fi 7 hype in this article.

A practical perspective

Wi-Fi 7 has a lot of potential, but its full value won’t show up overnight. To get the most out of it, businesses need:

• Careful planning
• Big investments in new infrastructure
• A lot of patience

It’s smart to review current network setups, spot real bottlenecks, and decide if Wi-Fi 7 is the right move or just a nice-to-have that can wait. Jumping in too fast could mean high costs for gains that may not be urgent.

Why enterprises should pay attention

Wi-Fi 7 is getting a lot of buzz as the next step for high-performance networks, but it’s not all straightforward. Companies handling huge amounts of data—like media production, cloud services, or IoT-heavy operations—stand to benefit the most. Faster speeds and higher capacity can make tasks like 4K or 8K streaming smoother and help real-time editing run without delays.

Improved latency and throughput could also boost cloud services and support factories with many connected devices. Upgrading isn’t urgent in most cases. Wi-Fi 6 handles current needs well, so moving to Wi-Fi 7 can wait until it’s more established.

Let’s explore why.

The reality of enterprise use cases

Wi-Fi 7 brings big promises, but most businesses won’t see huge changes right away. Companies already using Wi-Fi 6 may not notice much difference unless they handle high-data loads or need lots of bandwidth. Tasks like video calls, file sharing, and software updates run well on Wi-Fi 6.

Remote or hybrid setups might miss out on Wi-Fi 7 benefits for now. Offices can upgrade, but remote employees need compatible devices to take full advantage. Older home networks often limit performance, becoming the bottleneck even if the office has top-tier Wi-Fi.

What devices will be compatible with Wi-Fi 7?

One nice perk of Wi-Fi 7 is that it plays well with older Wi-Fi standards. Wi-Fi 7 routers will still work with devices that use Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 6E. Businesses don’t need to swap out every piece of equipment at once, making it easier to roll out new tech bit by bit. This helps enterprises that have invested in Wi-Fi 6 to add Wi-Fi 7 gear gradually.

But, there’s a catch. Even though Wi-Fi 7 routers work with older devices, those devices won’t enjoy Wi-Fi 7-level performance. Legacy equipment will run within its own limits, not taking full advantage of the speed and features Wi-Fi 7 offers. True gains will come when most of your devices support the new standard.

The following items are expected to see Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.

Smartphones leading the way

High-end smartphones will be among the first to adopt Wi-Fi 7. Models like the iPhone 16, Google Pixel 8, and Samsung Galaxy S24 are expected to include support for the new standard.

These phones can tap into features like multi-link operation and faster speeds. However, unless a business depends heavily on mobile data transfers, the impact on daily tasks might not be dramatic​.

Laptops with new chips

Intel is rolling out Wi-Fi 7-compatible chips, so expect to see laptops with these processors soon. The real benefits will show up in tasks like real-time data crunching or moving massive files. But don’t expect magic—existing infrastructure might still be the biggest roadblock. The laptops can only go as fast as the network they’re on.

Wi-Fi 7 routers on the horizon

What about a Wi-Fi router release date? ASUS and other big names have already released Wi-Fi 7-capable routers to the public. These models promise faster, more reliable connections for lots of devices at the same time. That’s great news for busy offices or packed warehouses. But here’s the catch: If your Internet connection isn’t multi-gigabit, those benefits might not stand out much.

Tablets join the lineup

High-end tablets from Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo are expected to jump on the Wi-Fi 7 train. Models like the iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, and Lenovo Tab P12 Pro will get:

• Smoother streaming
• Clearer video calls
• Better multitasking

Users will enjoy the boost in speed and connectivity, making everyday use feel more effortless.

Smart TVs get an upgrade

LG, Samsung, and Sony are rolling out new smart TVs with Wi-Fi 7. Better bandwidth means improved 4K and 8K streaming quality on models like the LG OLED EVO series, Samsung QN900C, and Sony Bravia XR A95K. Say goodbye to annoying buffering and hello to a better viewing experience.

Gaming consoles level up

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X could get a boost from Wi-Fi 7’s faster speeds and lower latency. To fully use Wi-Fi 7, these consoles would need firmware updates or hardware changes.

While they can connect to a Wi-Fi 7 network thanks to backward compatibility, they won’t be able to access top features like multi-link operation without updates. The best Wi-Fi 7 performance will come with future consoles built with this technology in mind.

IoT devices embrace Wi-Fi 7

Brands like Philips, Google Nest, and Amazon Echo are gearing up to add Wi-Fi 7 to their IoT products. Expect better connectivity in smart home gadgets like Philips Hue lights, Nest thermostats, and Echo speakers. The upgrade means faster and more reliable connections, making smart devices even smarter. More responsive homes, fewer "Why isn't this working?" moments.

Access points and network equipment

Cisco, Netgear, and Ubiquiti are bringing Wi-Fi 7 to their access points and NICs. Models like the Cisco Catalyst 9100, Netgear Nighthawk RS700, and Ubiquiti UniFi APs will support higher speeds and multi-link features for better network performance. Meter plans to roll out its Wi-Fi 7 access points by Spring 2025, giving businesses an option to upgrade and enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 7.

AR/VR headsets in the mix

AR and VR headsets from companies like Meta (Oculus), HTC, and Sony are expected to support Wi-Fi 7. The upgrade should lead to more reliable and immersive experiences for users. Devices like the Meta Quest 3, HTC Vive Pro 2, and Sony PlayStation VR2 will benefit from faster speeds and stable connections that Wi-Fi 7 provides.

Wi-Fi 7 can enhance performance, but how well these headsets use the new technology will make a difference. Better connectivity may reduce lag and improve performance, especially in crowded networks. Other factors, like how VR applications handle encoding and decoding, will also affect performance.

Devices that won't benefit

Older devices using Wi-Fi 4 or earlier won't gain anything from Wi-Fi 7. They’ll keep working, but they won’t enjoy any of the speed or efficiency boosts that Wi-Fi 7 brings. Even devices that use Wi-Fi 5 will only see minor improvements when connected to a Wi-Fi 7 network.

Businesses with older IoT devices need to plan for upgrades. These devices will still operate but won’t take advantage of Wi-Fi 7’s features. Relying on them is like trying to enjoy a fancy buffet with a paper plate—you miss out on the full experience.

The problems with rushing to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7

Jumping into Wi-Fi 7 now might not be the best idea. The tech is still in its early days, and while manufacturers are rolling out Wi-Fi 7 routers and devices, most of us won’t see widespread compatibility until at least 2025. Early birds may end up paying more and dealing with bugs that make you want to pull your hair out.

When is Wi-Fi 7 coming out? If your current Wi-Fi 6 setup is already doing a decent job, upgrading might not be worth it. Many businesses won’t notice Wi-Fi 7’s benefits unless they're really pushing their networks. If you’re getting good speeds and performance, now might not be the time to spend big bucks​.

Let’s not forget the troubleshooting fun that comes with early upgrades. New hardware can lead to unexpected issues, like devices not playing nice or network speeds that suddenly decide to take a vacation. Your IT team might find themselves busier than ever fixing these issues. Weighing the pros and cons is essential before making the leap into Wi-Fi 7.

What challenges does Wi-Fi 7 face?

Wi-Fi 7 brings exciting improvements, but it also has challenges. Network engineers and decision-makers will need to think about these before upgrading. While Wi-Fi 7 promises faster speeds and better performance, some practical issues might limit its benefits.

Compatibility with legacy devices

Wi-Fi 7 routers can connect with older devices, but those devices won’t benefit from the new features. Wi-Fi 5 and 6 devices can’t use MLO, which leads to uneven performance in networks with mixed devices. IT teams may find it frustrating to manage networks where newer devices work much better than older ones. Keeping everything operational can become more challenging because of this mix.

Think about creating a phased upgrade plan. Start by figuring out which older devices are truly needed and swap them out one at a time. This way, businesses can boost performance without breaking the bank all at once.

Significant infrastructure investment

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 can be expensive. Businesses will need to buy new routers, switches, and access points to use the wider channels and higher speeds that come with it. Many existing Internet connections may not be fast enough to support Wi-Fi 7, which could slow things down and make the upgrade less worthwhile.

Before jumping into Wi-Fi 7, it’s smart to check your current setup and internet speed—kind of like making sure your car is ready for a long drive. Meter can help with this by providing detailed assessments of your existing infrastructure. We help businesses identify any weak spots and suggest upgrades that fit your needs, so you don’t end up with a speed limit on your network!

When it comes to equipment, Meter has your back there too. Our solutions include scalable technology that can grow with your business. That means you won’t have to keep buying new gear every time you expand. With Meter, you get the performance boost you need today, plus the flexibility to adapt tomorrow. No more feeling stuck in the slow lane while your competitors zoom ahead.

Spectrum availability concerns

Wi-Fi 7's success depends on the 6 GHz spectrum being available. In places where this band isn’t open yet, the technology must rely on crowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It can lead to congestion and slower speeds, making it hard to get the full benefits of Wi-Fi 7.

Stay alert for any updates about the 6 GHz spectrum in your area. If it’s not ready yet, you might want to hold off on upgrading until it is. In the meantime, take some time to fine-tune your current network. Making tweaks now can help manage traffic and cut down on congestion. Think of it as giving your network a little workout before the big game.

Complexity of mixed environments

Managing a mix of Wi-Fi 7 and older devices can be tricky. IT teams might face more troubleshooting issues, especially with new Wi-Fi 7-specific problems that older devices can’t handle. The added complexity could make network management feel like herding cats.

Prepare your IT staff for the upgrade with solid training. They'll need the skills to manage both old and new devices without the stress! Monitoring tools can help spot issues before they escalate, and clear troubleshooting guidelines can keep everything on track.

When does it make sense to upgrade?

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 7 makes sense for industries that rely on bandwidth, like large-scale IoT networks and high-definition media production. Most businesses should stick with Wi-Fi 6 for now.

Meter offers a useful solution with its Network as a Service (NaaS) model, allowing you to delay a big upgrade. You can keep using your current setup and receive automatic upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 as your needs change. Taking this route will allow you to avoid unnecessary costs while your network keeps up with your business demands.

Simplify Wi-Fi 7 upgrades with Meter’s NaaS solution

With the Wi-Fi 7 release date approaching in 2025, businesses are beginning to explore how this new technology will fit into their network plans. However, there’s no need to rush into upgrading.

Meter’s NaaS solution simplifies the process by handling the full lifecycle of your network, from setup to ongoing support. Your IT team can focus on higher-value tasks while Meter takes care of the technical upgrades, including Wi-Fi 7, without disrupting your operations.

Meter is set to roll out Wi-Fi 7 access points in Spring 2025 for all NaaS customers. This upgrade will be part of the existing service with no extra fees or hardware costs, making it easy for businesses to adopt Wi-Fi 7 when they’re ready.

Here’s how Meter’s NaaS helps you transition:

• Automatic hardware updates: New Wi-Fi 7 access points will be deployed across your network without requiring any additional purchases or manual intervention.
• Predictable monthly costs: With Meter, there are no surprise expenses. The subscription model covers network upgrades, making budgeting straightforward.
• Centralized network management: From the initial installation to ongoing monitoring, Meter manages every aspect of your network, freeing your IT staff from day-to-day maintenance.
• Optimized ISP connections: Meter works directly with your Internet service providers to guarantee your network is fully optimized for the new speeds and capacities that Wi-Fi 7 can deliver, helping you get the most from your ISP connection.
• Real-time monitoring and support: Our service includes continuous network oversight, addressing issues before they become disruptions.

Interested in learning more? Contact Meter today to explore how NaaS can help your business make the leap to Wi-Fi 7 effortlessly.