Wi-Fi 7 is forecasted to soar to new heights by late 2024, with Taiwan-based IC design houses gearing up for the anticipated surge in demand. The market is expected to be driven by strong interest from mobile and PC applications, paving the way for a significant rise in Wi-Fi 7 shipments in the second half of 2024.
Taiwan’s leading IC design houses, including MediaTek, Realtek, and RichWave Technology, are strategically preparing for the impending boom by stockpiling essential Wi-Fi 7 main chips and RF modules. This proactive approach positions them well to capitalize on the imminent increase in demand, with shipments projected to skyrocket from the second quarter of 2024 onwards.
While prices have historically posed a barrier to widespread Wi-Fi 7 adoption, industry experts anticipate a decrease in prices as production volumes ramp up. This reduction, coupled with the innovative capabilities of Wi-Fi 7, is expected to drive accelerated adoption rates and propel the market forward.
PCs and routers are set to be at the forefront of Wi-Fi 7 adoption, with high-end PC models already slated to integrate the advanced technology. Additionally, routers equipped with Wi-Fi 7 are anticipated to offer not just enhanced speed but a range of new functionalities that transform them into intelligent hubs. By leveraging AI computing, these next-generation routers will optimize Wi-Fi channels and traffic to deliver an unparalleled user experience.
Traditionally, Taiwanese IC design houses have taken a cautious approach to the Wi-Fi 7 market, allowing US-based counterparts to dominate the consumer segment. However, recent developments indicate a shift in this dynamic, with Taiwan-based companies swiftly narrowing the gap and securing key customers in Europe and the US. This shift in momentum is exemplified by MediaTek’s reported success in securing consumer Wi-Fi 7 orders and RichWave’s increasing traction with telecom operators in Europe and the US.
Looking ahead, industry insiders are optimistic about the future of Wi-Fi 7, foreseeing its mainstream adoption by the second half of 2025. By 2026, Wi-Fi 7 is expected to achieve widespread acceptance comparable to Wi-Fi 6/6E. However, realizing this optimistic outlook is contingent upon market acceptance of the new technology and effective price management strategies.
The Wi-Fi 7 landscape is poised for significant transformation, with Taiwan-based IC design houses at the forefront of this evolution. As industry players continue to innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics, the stage is set for a new era of connectivity driven by cutting-edge Wi-Fi technology.
