Is it a software or a hardware "bug" that the new MBP 16" only supports 80 mhz channel bandwidth?

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Is it a software or a hardware "bug" that the new MBP 16" only supports 80 mhz channel bandwidth?

The new MBP is really a powerful machine but Wi-Fi is really a weak spot. Not only that it is only 2x2 compared to 3x3 previously but it seems that it only supports 80 mhz channel bandwidth. However if I click on the Wi-Fi symbol in macOS in detailed mode channel bandwidth switches permanently between 80 and 160. Could it be that the MBP could support 160 but it is limited by software? Can I unlock the 160?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.1

Posted on Nov 28, 2021 10:27 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 29, 2021 9:22 AM in response to TranelG

Hello TranelG,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. Upon review of your post, it seems that you have questions about the Wi-Fi hardware in your new MacBook Pro. We can see why you’d want this clarified, so let us help from here! Let’s start by reviewing the following article which may help: MacBook Pro Wi-Fi specification details. As this article explains, 80 MHz is the maximum channel bandwidth available for the Mac. With 802.11n for 5 GHz band, two 20 MHz channels can be combined to create a 40 MHz channel. With 802.11ac for 5 GHz band, four 20 MHz channels can be combined to create an 80 MHz channel.

Please let us know if you have follow up questions, so we can continue assisting. Take care!

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Answer 2

TranelG Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 30, 2021 5:04 AM in response to barberlives123

Thanks. I have already read this article. Unfortunately it confirms that the new MBP is very weak in the Wi-Fi area. However, I was curios why the detailed Wi-Fi information switches between 80 and 160 MHz bandwidth.

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Is it a software or a hardware "bug" that the new MBP 16" only supports 80 mhz channel bandwidth?

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