The latest M4 iPad Pro has encountered unexpected performance drops when connected to 6GHz Wi-Fi networks, limiting speeds to around 200Mbps. While the iPhone 16 performs well under the same conditions, the iPad Pro struggles to reach expected speeds. Speculations point to Wi-Fi 6E chip issues, with users eagerly awaiting Apple’s response.

Performance Issues on 6GHz Wi-Fi with iPad Pro M4

The M4 iPad Pro has recently been under scrutiny for experiencing performance issues when connected to 6GHz Wi-Fi. Despite expectations of high-speed connections, many users report that their iPad Pro is limited to a mere 200Mbps. This drop in speed is especially frustrating considering the iPad Pro M4 is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E technology, which was supposed to deliver faster and more stable connectivity.

The issue seems to be particularly prevalent among users who own the latest TP-Link BE65 Pro routers, although it is not limited to a single brand of routers. While some have speculated that the problem could stem from router settings or interference, others point towards the iPad Pro’s Wi-Fi 6E chip as the likely culprit. Apple has yet to officially acknowledge the issue, but reports of speed drops are widespread, leaving many users searching for answers.

This performance issue is a critical concern for users relying on high-speed internet for tasks like streaming or large file transfers. For now, the exact cause of the issue remains unclear, but the fact that other devices work well on the same 6GHz band makes it clear that the problem lies within the iPad Pro’s hardware or software.

Comparison with Other Apple Devices: iPhone 16 Performs Flawlessly

One of the most perplexing aspects of the iPad Pro’s 6GHz performance issues is that other Apple devices, like the iPhone 16, seem to be unaffected. Users who have tested both the iPad Pro and iPhone 16 on the same 6GHz network report that the iPhone is able to achieve speeds of up to 1Gbps. This stark contrast in performance has raised questions about the underlying cause of the iPad’s speed limitations.

The iPhone 16, which also uses Wi-Fi 6E technology, handles 6GHz connections without any noticeable slowdown. This difference in performance between the iPhone and the iPad Pro has led many to believe that the issue might be related to the specific implementation of the Wi-Fi 6E chip in the iPad. Some speculate that software optimizations for the iPhone may not yet be fully applied to the iPad, resulting in the inconsistent experience.

Given that the iPhone and iPad Pro both use similar Wi-Fi technologies, the fact that the iPhone can achieve full speed while the iPad struggles indicates a possible firmware or software issue specific to the iPad. Until Apple releases a fix, users are left comparing the performance of their devices and speculating on what might be going wrong.

Impact of Wi-Fi 6E and Router Settings on Device Performance

Wi-Fi 6E, the next step in wireless technology, offers access to the 6GHz band for faster and more reliable connections. However, the iPad Pro M4’s inability to fully leverage this technology has led many to explore how router settings and configurations might be contributing to the problem. Several users have reported that disabling 2.4GHz bands and prioritizing 6GHz connections did not resolve the issue, indicating that the router settings may not be the root cause.

Despite the wide adoption of Wi-Fi 6E, its integration with certain devices, like the iPad Pro, has been inconsistent. Some users have tried altering the settings on their TP-Link BE65 Pro routers, experimenting with different channels, frequency settings, and even firmware updates, but these changes have had limited success. Even switching to 5GHz bands has not improved speeds for some users, suggesting that the issue lies within the device itself rather than the network setup.

The complex nature of Wi-Fi 6E and the technical nuances of different routers add to the challenge of troubleshooting these issues. While router settings play a role in network performance, the iPad Pro’s persistent speed drops suggest a deeper issue with the device’s ability to handle 6GHz connections. This has prompted calls for a software update from Apple to address the problem.

Possible Solutions and Apple’s Expected Response

For now, iPad Pro M4 users facing slow speeds on 6GHz networks have few options for resolving the issue. Some have found that switching to 5GHz Wi-Fi provides a temporary solution, though this sacrifices the full potential of Wi-Fi 6E. Others have suggested that turning off automatic Wi-Fi 6E settings in the iPad’s network preferences might offer some relief, though this too has not proven to be a consistent fix.

Apple has yet to release an official statement regarding the iPad Pro’s performance on 6GHz Wi-Fi, but many users are hopeful that an upcoming software update could address the issue. Speculation is growing that the problem could be fixed with a firmware patch or iPadOS update, which would optimize the device’s use of Wi-Fi 6E technology. Until then, users are advised to keep their devices updated in case a fix is rolled out.

The frustration among iPad Pro M4 users is palpable, as they wait for a solution to what should have been one of the device’s major selling points. While it’s possible that third-party routers could play a role, the fact that other Apple devices like the iPhone 16 are unaffected suggests that the issue is more likely tied to the iPad’s hardware or software. As such, all eyes are on Apple for an official response and, hopefully, a timely resolution.