By Claus Hetting, Wi-Fi NOW CEO & Chairman
Yesterday Apple launched a brand new second-generation iPhone SE and yes – if you look deep in the specs – it does indeed support Wi-Fi 6. That (probably) makes the new iPhone SE the world’s most affordable Wi-Fi 6-capable smartphone. Read Apple’s full press release here.
So we’ve not checked the price of every Wi-Fi 6 capable phone in every market. But given that thus far Wi-Fi 6 has been a feature of high-end devices (such as the new iPhone 11 Pro models, the Samsung Galaxy S20, and others) we’re fairly convinced that Apple’s new iPhone SE – retailing in from $399 in the US – is the most affordable Wi-Fi 6-capable smartphone yet.
For some reason Apple is not particularly excited about the new iPhone SE’s Wi-Fi 6 capability so you have to look deep in the specs to find any mention of Wi-Fi 6 (see all the specs here). The new iPhone SE’s form factor is practically identical to the iPhone 8.
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Apple became only the second smartphone manufacturer (following Samsung) to launch Wi-Fi 6-capable phones – in this case both iPhone 11 Pro models – in September of last year. Apple’s timing in releasing this model during a global lockdown – and as millions may be challenged to afford higher-end models – could be just right, although the company could not possibly have known of impending crisis when planning the product and its release date.
Apple’s Wi-Fi technology is provided by Wi-Fi 6 chipset leader Broadcom, who recently entered into two supply deals with Apple estimated to be worth US$15 billion.
/Claus.