Apple is expected to support the new 802.11ac WiFi specification this year, according to AppleInsider. This new standard can reach speeds above 1GB, about 3 times as fast as 802.11n networks. 802.11ac also promises better networking range, improved reliability and more power efficient chips.
This “Gigabit WiFi” specification is not finalized yet, but the final specification is expected to be certified in the second half of 2012. Apple is known for using unfinalized WiFi technology in the past. Apple used 802.11n in AirPort base stations years before the standard was officially certified.
