Some devs playing around with the beta OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.4 have come across code that hints at the future of Apple's Mac range.
According to 9to5mac, this code references 802.11ac Wi-Fi - superfast Wi-Fi capable of 1.3 gigabits per sec ond - a receiver for which is something that isn't present in the current OS X 10.8.3.
Talk of Apple doing a deal with Broadcom for its 802.11ac chips began back in January, though nothing was ever confirmed. But we'll take this is a strong suggestion that a handshake did end up taking place.
Ooh aah just a gigabit, ooh aah a gigabit more
So what does 802.11ac give us exactly? Aside from 1.3 gbps of Wi-Fi goodness, it also gives the Wi-Fi receiver a better range too.
Broadcom refers to 802.11ac as 5G Wi-Fi, with a connection speed that starts at 450Mbps - the maximum speed for Wi-Fi in most consumer gadgets.
As for when we'll see it, it's anyone's guess for now - but the MacBook range is due an upgrade in the next few months. Could we see it appear then? It's looking like a distinct possibility.
We contacted Broadcom to ask whether a deal with Apple had taken place, and will update if we hear more.
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