Qualcomm ath12k Wi-Fi 7 client and access-point chipsets
Support code for Qualcomm's current-generation Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) silicon, including the QCN9274 access-point radio, the WCN7850/FastConnect 7800 client chip found in laptops and phones, the IPQ5332 router SoC, and the newer QCC2072. The wifi7 subdirectory is a dedicated module split out from the main ath12k driver to host Wi-Fi 7-specific bring-up.
recommendation
It should stay in the kernel because this is brand-new code for hardware Qualcomm is actively shipping in 2025 and 2026. Upstream development is visibly busy: the wifi7 directory was introduced in August 2025, maintainers were still merging patch series into it in November 2025, and a December 2025 series added QCC2072 support. Modules based on these chips remain on sale from mainstream resellers, so this is core current-generation Wi-Fi support, not legacy code.
repository signals
sources
- lists.infradead.org
The wifi7 directory was introduced as a separate ath12k_wifi7 module and was tested on QCN9274, WCN7850, and IPQ5332 hardware.
- lists.infradead.org
ath12k maintainers were still actively applying wifi7-directory patch series in November 2025, showing ongoing upstream development rather than removal.
- lwn.net
A December 2025 ath12k patch series added QCC2072 support and touched drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath12k/wifi7, indicating fresh hardware enablement.
- qualcomm.com
Qualcomm's FastConnect 7800 is a commercial Wi-Fi 7 client solution, confirming this driver family targets current-generation hardware rather than legacy gear.
- 524wifi.com
QCN9274-based Wi-Fi 7 modules were still listed in stock for sale, supporting ongoing new-hardware availability.
codex reasoning notes (technical)
Local source inspection via exec_command of wifi7/hw.c identified current target chips QCN9274, WCN7850, IPQ5332, and local git log showed first-tree entry in August 2025 plus substantive January 2026 work including QCC2072 enablement. URLs were obtained via web search_query: infradead ath12k list pages show creation and continued application of ath12k_wifi7 patch series; LWN summarizes the December 2025 QCC2072 enablement series; Qualcomm and current reseller pages show Wi-Fi 7 hardware is still commercial. No removal/deprecation discussion was found; evidence instead shows active upstream bring-up and ongoing deployments, so removal/deprecation is not indicated.