Android 16 Unveiled: Google Tests Perfect Wi-Fi for High-Speed Compatibility!

Google is currently developing a feature that aims to provide Android users the best of both worlds in terms of Wi-Fi connectivity: enhanced compatibility along with high-speed internet.

Wi-Fi technology continues to advance, increasingly offering higher speeds. By default, Android sets up a mobile hotspot that supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies: although this dual-band hotspot allows a wide range of devices to connect, its settings do not support the high speeds enabled by the 6 GHz frequency. Although Google now allows users to select this frequency, it comes with certain limitations.

Even though more devices today support 6 GHz Wi-Fi, many models, especially older ones, do not. Besides the issue of compatibility, the 6 GHz frequency also has a shorter range, as higher frequency waves do not penetrate obstacles as well (such as walls). Google is thus preparing a new option that would provide users with broad compatibility in addition to very high speeds.

Read also – Here is the world’s fastest smartphone on Wi-Fi, and it’s not the iPhone 17

Google Develops New Wi-Fi Hotspot Feature Enhancing Speed and Compatibility

This innovative feature was discovered by Android Authority in the Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot and Tethering > Wi-Fi Hotspot > Speed and Compatibility section of the latest Android Canary version.

There are now three options available. The first is the 2.4 and 5 GHz: a dual-band Wi-Fi hotspot supported by most devices. The 6 GHz option remains: as mentioned, it offers the fastest speeds but is currently compatible with fewer devices.

Read also – WiFi 6, WiFi 7: quickly change these settings on your router to boost your internet connection

The third and newest option is a dual-band 2.4 and 6 GHz hotspot which combines the benefits of the two other options: it maintains compatibility with most devices – including older ones via the 2.4 GHz band – and offers the highest speeds available on the 6 GHz frequency.

This appears to be the missing middle option between the more restrictive 6 GHz option in terms of compatibility and the default 2.4 and 5 GHz option, which offers slower speeds. Since it has been spotted in the latest Canary version of Android, it is expected to roll out in the upcoming Android 16 QPR3 beta.