As the next generation of wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) promises lightning-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and better support for bandwidth-hungry applications like AR/VR, 8K video, and cloud gaming. Though the standard is still being finalized (expected by 2025), major tech giants have already jumped into the race to dominate early adoption.
The Frontrunners
1. Qualcomm Qualcomm is leading on the chipset front, having launched its FastConnect 7800 platform, one of the first commercial Wi-Fi 7 solutions. It has partnered with smartphone makers like Samsung and Xiaomi to integrate Wi-Fi 7 into premium devices.
2. Broadcom & MediaTek Broadcom is aggressively targeting enterprise and router markets with Wi-Fi 7 chips that promise better network stability and performance. MediaTek has also released its Filogic series, powering many of the first Wi-Fi 7 routers.
3. TP-Link, Asus, and Netgear In consumer hardware, brands like TP-Link and Asus have been quick to release Wi-Fi 7-ready routers, while Netgear is focusing on mesh systems with support for multi-gigabit connections.
Device Ecosystem
So far, high-end phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 Pro already support Wi-Fi 7. Laptops with Intel’s Wi-Fi 7 modules are expected by late 2025, setting the stage for mass adoption in the next 12–18 months.
Global Readiness
South Korea, the U.S., and China are leading in terms of spectrum availability, having opened the 6 GHz band—crucial for Wi-Fi 7’s performance. India, the EU, and others are still in regulatory discussions, which could delay wider rollout.
Verdict: While Qualcomm and MediaTek are winning on the chipset side, and TP-Link and Asus lead in consumer devices, the real winner of the Wi-Fi 7 race will depend on how fast global spectrum policies align and how quickly device manufacturers bring it to the mid-range market. For now, it’s a tightly contested race with Qualcomm emerging as the early leader.
