Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro confirmed to lack Wi-Fi 7 connectivity

Yesterday, Google confirmed the date of its next Pixel launch event, where it is expected to introduce the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, as well as the Pixel Watch 2. While the latter has already been cleared for sale in the US by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro remained absent from the commission's database. As 9to5Google notes, the FCC has since published initial documentation for four new Pixel smartphones, likely only a few hours after Google acknowledged that it had new Pixel products lined up for release.

According to the website, Google has certified five new model numbers with the FCC: GKWS6, G9BQD, GZPF0, GPJ41 and G1MNW. Previously, only the model number GKWS6 had surfaced online, which the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) associated with the Pixel 8. The appearance of four additional model numbers does not mean that Google plans to release just as many smartphones, though.

Instead, the FCC confirms that G9BQD, GKWS6 and GZPF0 are identical but for the latter's lack of mmWave antennas. Additionally, GPJ41 appears to be another relative of GKWS6. 9to5Google adds that G9BQD, GKWS6, GPJ41 and GZPF0 all lack ultra-wideband (UWB) connectivity, which the website infers as confirmation that they all relate to the Pixel 8. By contrast, the G1MNW supports UWB, making it a probable candidate for the Pixel 8 Pro.

Although the FCC withholds many details about the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, it has outlined that the pair will support Wi-Fi 6E and not the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, contrary to earlier rumours. Google will unveil the Pixel 8 series on October 4 with its third-generation Tensor chipset. Incidentally, Google has already teased the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2, albeit not necessarily intentionally.

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