Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), the global industry body focused on enabling seamless and interoperable Wi-Fi services across the wireless ecosystem, has shared its 10 predictions for Wi-Fi in 2026 and beyond.
Detailed in the WBA Industry Report 2026, the outlook indicates that Wi-Fi is entering a strong new growth phase. Wi-Fi 7 is scaling rapidly, while early groundwork is being laid for Wi-Fi 8 and millimeter-wave (mmWave) technologies. At the same time, 6 GHz, Wi-Fi HaLow, and mesh networking are extending reliable coverage from homes and enterprises to factories and smart cities. Integration with offload, fiber, satellite, and LEO-powered in-flight services is also transforming Wi-Fi into a ubiquitous, carrier-grade connectivity fabric that underpins both 5G today and 6G in the future.
Tiago Rodrigues, president and CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, said, “It is clear that Wi-Fi is becoming fundamental as the digital backbone of modern business. From Wi-Fi 7 and 6 GHz to Wi-Fi HaLow and OpenRoaming, we’re seeing rapid innovation turn into real deployments that improve user experience, unlock new services, revenues, and reduce costs for operators and enterprises. As 5G and, in the future, 6G increasingly converge with Wi-Fi, organizations can design connectivity to achieve the outcomes they need, whether that’s smarter factories, more resilient cities, or new ways to engage customers. The WBA is helping the ecosystem make that leap together.”
10 Wi-Fi Predictions for 2026 and Beyond
- Wi-Fi 7 adoption to accelerate: Industry adoption of Wi-Fi 7 gathered pace in 2025 as consumers and enterprises sought to leverage the 6 GHz band and advanced features of the standard. Shipments of Wi-Fi 7 access points rose from 26.3 million in 2024 to a projected 66.5 million in 2025. ABI Research expects this momentum to continue, forecasting annual shipments of 117.9 million Wi-Fi 7 APs in 2026.
- Standard Power 6 GHz to gain further traction: After a slow start due to regulatory and infrastructure challenges, Standard Power 6 GHz is expected to see accelerated deployment in 2026 as regulatory clarity improves and more equipment becomes available. Large public venues, education, and industrial manufacturing are anticipated to be early adopters, with additional regulators expected to authorize SP 6 GHz.
- Early prototypes of Wi-Fi 8 to emerge: Although the Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) standard will not be finalized for several years, initial chipset announcements appeared at the end of 2025. In 2026, more chipset announcements and early prototype Wi-Fi 8 access points are expected, including demonstrations at MWC 2026.
- Wi-Fi offload gains prominence with OpenRoaming: Rising cellular traffic and the need to improve user experience are driving mobile operators to expand Wi-Fi offloading. Smart cities are also leveraging offload to provide continuous connectivity and enable applications such as smart traffic management and disaster prevention. Further OpenRoaming advancements in 2026 are expected to reinforce this trend.
- Wi-Fi HaLow momentum accelerates: Following extensive trials, 2025 marked the start of scaled commercialization for Wi-Fi HaLow, supported by new chipsets, infrastructure announcements, and the first Wi-Fi HaLow Global Summit. The WBA expects continued momentum in 2026, with additional product launches and real-world deployments.
- Greater clarity on Wi-Fi and 6G convergence: The WBA’s 6G vision highlights close collaboration between Wi-Fi and cellular technologies. As early 6G development progresses in 2026, further clarity is expected on how Wi-Fi and 6G will converge to deliver cost-effective and efficient connectivity.
- Major advances in in-flight Wi-Fi: In-flight Wi-Fi quality is set to improve significantly with LEO satellite-based connectivity, enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and uninterrupted service. In 2026, airlines including British Airways and United are expected to adopt LEO-supported in-flight Wi-Fi, with many offering free access to all passengers.
- Broadband access continues to expand: Global fiber broadband subscriptions are projected to reach 808.7 million by the end of 2026, up from 776.3 million in 2025. Satellite broadband subscriptions are also expected to grow sharply, rising from 6.76 million in 2024 to 12.67 million by the end of 2026, helping connect underserved regions.
- Mesh adoption continues to rise: Demand for Wi-Fi Mesh is increasing as consumers and ISPs seek broader coverage and improved quality of service. Annual shipments of Wi-Fi mesh equipment are projected to grow from 41.7 million units in 2024 to 63.6 million in 2026.
- Progress on integrated mmWave Wi-Fi (802.11bq): Following the initiation of the 802.11bq project in late 2024, work continues to define how Wi-Fi can utilize the 60 GHz band. While completion is expected later in the decade, 2026 should provide early insight into the direction of the standard and its potential for high-gigabit, low-latency wireless data transfer.
About the Wireless Broadband Alliance
Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) is the global organization that connects people with the latest Wi-Fi initiatives. Founded in 2003, the vision of the WBA is to drive seamless, interoperable service experiences via Wi-Fi within the global wireless ecosystem. Its key programs include NextGen Wi-Fi, OpenRoaming, 5G, 6G, IoT, Smart Cities, Testing & Interoperability, and Policy & Regulatory Affairs.
Click here to download the complete WBA Industry Report 2026.
