Apple doubled Wi-Fi bandwidth for Mac and iPad users through December software updates that went unnoticed until this month. iPadOS 26.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.2 enable 160MHz maximum channel bandwidth on 5GHz networks for Wi-Fi 6E devices, approaching 6GHz network speeds without requiring new router hardware.
The change affects M4 iPad Pro, M3 iPad Air, and A17 Pro iPad mini models. MacBook Pro models from M2 through M5 and MacBook Air with M2, M3, and M4 chips also gain the bandwidth boost. These devices previously limited 5GHz connections to 80MHz bandwidth.
MacRumors first reported the improvement after spotting updated specifications in Apple's platform deployment guide. The updates rolled out in mid-December but the Wi-Fi enhancement remained undiscovered until January 2026.
Wider 160MHz bandwidth allows more data transmission simultaneously, translating to faster file transfers, quicker uploads, and smoother video streaming. Users with compatible routers will see throughput approaching 6GHz network speeds while remaining on more common 5GHz networks.
The improvement only works with routers supporting 160MHz bandwidth on 5GHz channels. Devices connected to routers limited to 80MHz will not experience speed increases. Most home and office networks still operate on 5GHz rather than 6GHz, which requires newer hardware.
Many recent iPad and Mac models support Wi-Fi 6E, though earlier software limited their 5GHz capabilities. iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 17 models already supported 160MHz bandwidth on 5GHz networks.
While 6GHz networks offer less congestion and more spectrum, this software update brings near-6GHz performance to existing 5GHz infrastructure. The bandwidth increase particularly benefits large local file transfers and Time Machine backups to network-attached storage.
Users can install the updates through Settings > General > Software Update on iPad or System Settings > General > Software Update on Mac. The updates also include security patches and other features like Edge Light for video calls on macOS Tahoe 26.2.
