M1, M2 MacBook users are reportedly experiencing Wi-Fi issues on these networks

If you’ve been experiencing slow Wi-Fi speeds or frequent internet disconnections on your M1 or M2 MacBook at work lately, then you’re not alone. A recent report has identified several complaints about Wi-Fi connectivity issues with Apple’s silicon-powered MacBooks when connected to some office networks. The problem is said to have arisen after Apple recently released security updates for macOS Ventura. There is a temporary workaround for this issue and the report mentions that Apple is working on a more permanent fix, although there is no information on when the update will roll out.

The report comes above Meter, a San Francisco-based technology company that provides enterprise Internet infrastructure. The company says M1 and M2 MacBook users have complained of slow internet performance, dropped connections during Zoom calls, and complete loss of Wi-Fi connectivity when using certain Wi-Fi networks in the office.

This issue has been reported by several organizational Wi-Fi providers as well as educational institutions such as UCLA in the US, according to the report stating that the issue is related to Apple’s AWDL (Apple Wireless Direct Link) interface. used for features like AirDrop and AirPlay.

The company states that the occurrence of the issues is correlated with the recent macOS and iOS updates of October 24 and November 9, respectively, which seem to disrupt the Wi-Fi connection when AWDL is enabled. Meter states that the M1 and M2 MacBook Pro models appear to be the hardest hit. Disabling AWDL appears to provide an immediate improvement in Wi-Fi performance, and Meter detailed the steps to do this in its report.

The company also says you probably won’t have this problem at home, since the demand for your MacBook’s Wi-Fi radio isn’t as stressful as it is in some commercial setups. Hopefully we should have a more permanent fix from Apple in a future update.