Wi-Fi is one of those technologies we rely on every single day, even if we rarely think about it. From routers and laptops to smartphones, smart TVs, and countless connected gadgets around the house, anything that accesses wireless internet depends on a specific Wi-Fi standard to do its job.
As of early 2026, most devices are still running on Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac, introduced in 2013) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax, released in 2021). Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) officially launched in 2024, but adoption has been slow. While many new laptops and PCs unveiled at CES 2026 now support Wi-Fi 7, the reality is that most homes and networks are still built around older standards.
What’s surprising is that even before Wi-Fi 7 becomes mainstream, something newer is already on the horizon.
At CES 2026, early mentions of Wi-Fi 8 started circulating—most notably after ASUS showcased a concept router called the ROG NeoCore, advertised as a Wi-Fi 8 device. While this hardware won’t represent the final version of the standard, it offered a glimpse of what’s coming next.
So what exactly is Wi-Fi 8, and why does it exist?
What Is Wi-Fi 8?
Wi-Fi 8 is the next generation of wireless networking, officially known as IEEE 802.11bn. Unlike previous updates that focused heavily on faster speeds, Wi-Fi 8 is being developed with a different priority: reliability.
The Wi-Fi Alliance—Wi-Fi Alliance—refers to Wi-Fi 8 as Ultra High Reliability (UHR). That name is intentional. Instead of pushing headline-grabbing speed numbers, the goal is to deliver stronger, more stable connections in real-world environments where Wi-Fi congestion, interference, and signal drops are common.
This shift makes sense as Wi-Fi is now expected to support demanding use cases such as cloud gaming, virtual and augmented reality, video conferencing, healthcare systems, enterprise networks, and massive IoT deployments.
Improvements Coming with Wi-Fi 8
Wi-Fi 8 introduces several technical upgrades designed to keep connections stable, responsive, and dependable—even when conditions aren’t ideal.
New Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) Levels
Wi-Fi 8 adds four new MCS levels designed to handle weak signals more gracefully. Instead of experiencing sharp speed drops when you move farther from your router, performance should degrade more smoothly, making connections feel more consistent throughout your home or office.
Multi-Access Point Coordination
Homes and businesses increasingly rely on mesh networks or multiple access points. Wi-Fi 8 improves coordination between these access points, reducing interference and improving performance in environments where signals overlap.
Seamless Roaming Enhancements
Switching between access points can cause brief disconnections, especially during calls or gaming sessions. Wi-Fi 8 aims to make these transitions virtually invisible, allowing devices to move between access points without noticeable interruptions.
Dynamic Sub-Channel Operation (DSO) and Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA)
These features allow Wi-Fi 8 networks to assign bandwidth more intelligently. Devices that need more data—like gaming PCs or VR headsets—can receive priority access to wider channels, while lighter tasks use less bandwidth.
Enhanced Long Range (ELR)
ELR improves signal strength at greater distances, helping devices maintain usable connections even at the edges of a router’s coverage area.
Distributed-Tone Resource Units (DRU)
DRU improves upload reliability by enabling devices to transmit data more effectively over wider bandwidths—especially helpful for video calls, cloud backups, and live streaming.
In-Device Coexistence (IDC)
Wi-Fi 8 is designed to work more smoothly alongside other wireless technologies like Bluetooth. Since most devices use both, this improvement should reduce interference and improve overall stability.
Reduced Latency Technologies
New mechanisms, such as High-Priority Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (HIP EDCA) and TXOP preemption, are designed to reduce latency. This matters most for gamers, streamers, and anyone relying on real-time communication.
When Will Wi-Fi 8 Be Official?
The Wi-Fi 8 study group was formed back in 2021. Development began in earnest in 2022, with draft specifications entering later stages in 2025. These drafts are expected to continue evolving until around 2027.
The final approval of the Wi-Fi 8 standard is currently targeted for September 2028.
That said, early Wi-Fi 8 hardware will likely appear well before then. Manufacturers often release devices based on draft standards to get ahead of the market, especially when the core specifications are unlikely to change dramatically.
Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 8: Is It a Big Upgrade?
For most people, Wi-Fi 8 won’t feel like a dramatic leap over Wi-Fi 7—at least not right away. Raw performance specs remain largely the same:
- Maximum speed: 23Gbps
- Maximum channel width: 320MHz
- Modulation: 4,096-QAM
- Frequency bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz
Where Wi-Fi 8 shines is in consistency, reliability, and latency, especially in complex networks with many devices or access points. Mesh systems, crowded apartments, offices, and gaming setups stand to benefit the most.
Should You Care About Wi-Fi 8 Right Now?
For the average user, there’s no reason to rush into Wi-Fi 8 hardware. Most devices won’t support it for years, and the benefits won’t justify early-adopter prices for typical home use.
However, Wi-Fi 8 represents an important shift in direction. Instead of chasing speed alone, it focuses on making wireless connections more dependable—something that matters far more as our reliance on Wi-Fi continues to grow.
In short, Wi-Fi 8 isn’t about being faster than Wi-Fi 7. It’s about being better when it matters most.
Do I need to buy a new router to use Wi-Fi 8?
Yes. Wi-Fi 8 requires new hardware, so you’ll need a router that supports the standard. To fully benefit from its features, your phones, computers, and other devices will also need built-in Wi-Fi 8 support. Older devices can still connect, but they won’t be able to use Wi-Fi 8–specific improvements.
My Wi-Fi already feels fast. Is upgrading to Wi-Fi 8 necessary?
Not really. If your current setup works well for streaming, gaming, and everyday use, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. Wi-Fi 8 isn’t focused on boosting top speeds—it’s designed to refine stability, reliability, and latency compared to Wi-Fi 7. For many people, those improvements won’t be noticeable right away.
When will Wi-Fi 8 officially launch?
The final Wi-Fi 8 standard is expected to be approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance around September 2028. That said, early Wi-Fi 8 routers and devices will likely appear on the market before then, based on draft specifications.
Are there any Wi-Fi 8 devices available right now?
At the moment, only one Wi-Fi 8 product has been publicly shown: the ASUS ROG NeoCore. It’s a concept router revealed by ASUS and is expected to launch sometime in 2026, well ahead of the finalised standard.
Will my older devices benefit from a Wi-Fi 8 router?
Yes, to a degree. While older devices will continue using their original Wi-Fi standards (such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7), a Wi-Fi 8 router can still improve overall network stability, coverage, and congestion handling. You won’t get full Wi-Fi 8 features without compatible devices, but the improved infrastructure can still make your network feel more reliable.
