WhiteSpace Education Series | Which Devices Can Actually Use WiFi 7?

This article is part of WhiteSpace’s Education Series, where we speak to our colleagues in the industry and collaborate to make building technology clearer, more practical, and easier to navigate.The goal isn’t hype—it’s understanding, so owners and developers can make informed decisions that hold up over time.

WiFi 7 is the next major leap in wireless connectivity — delivering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in dense environments like multifamily buildings.

But one important reality often gets overlooked:

Most consumer devices today cannot fully use WiFi 7 yet.

As WhiteSpace Vice President, Matt Pemberton, notes:

“We’re still early in the adoption curve. Most buildings today are operating on infrastructure that already meets resident needs, and most devices can’t fully take advantage of WiFi 7 yet. The bigger question is whether the building is designed to support future demand—because the infrastructure decisions you make today determine how easy those upgrades will be down the road.”

Like every new wireless generation, adoption happens gradually as new hardware enters the market.

Below is a quick snapshot of what devices can — and cannot — currently take advantage of WiFi 7.

Devices That Currently Support WiFi 7

Only the very newest consumer devices can fully use WiFi 7 today.

Examples include:

Smartphones

• iPhone 16 and newer

• Samsung Galaxy S24 and newer

• Some flagship Android phones released in 2024 or later

Laptops

• Some new premium laptops released in 2024 and 2025

Gaming

• Some new gaming laptops and custom gaming PCs

In short: Most devices purchased before 2024 will not support WiFi 7.

Devices That Do NOT Support WiFi 7

Most existing consumer devices will connect to WiFi 7 networks — but only using older WiFi standards.

Examples include:

Apple Devices

• All iPhones prior to iPhone 16

• Most existing MacBooks

• All current Apple TVs

Fitness Equipment

• Peloton bikes and treadmills

• Most connected gym equipment released prior to 2024

Smart Home Devices

• Smart thermostats

• Smart plugs

• Smart lighting

• Smart doorbells

Many IoT devices still operate on WiFi 4 or WiFi 5.

The Reality in Multifamily

In a typical apartment unit today you’ll see a mix like:

• A WiFi 7-capable phone

• Several WiFi 6 devices

• Multiple WiFi 5 laptops or TVs

• IoT devices running WiFi 4

This mixed environment is exactly why modern managed WiFi networks need to support multiple generations simultaneously.

The Takeaway

WiFi 7 is coming — but adoption will take years.

For property owners and operators, the goal isn’t just installing the newest technology. It’s designing networks that support every device residents bring with them, from brand-new smartphones to five-year-old smart TVs.

The best networks aren’t just fast.

They’re compatible, scalable, and ready for what’s next.