Owais Crawford
Apple's AirPort Express Base Station has been discontinued since 2018, and while it can still be used as a WiFi access point, there are concerns about its outdated firmware, which has not been updated in many years. Security researchers have discovered vulnerabilities in the AirPlay software stack, which is also available over wired ethernet on AirPort Express devices, that could allow hackers to gain control of connected devices and networks. Apple has not issued any recent updates to address these security concerns, and users are seeking solutions to improve security and performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Update Process | Open AirPort Utility on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, then select your base station. If there is an update button, click it to update the firmware. On an iPhone or iPad, the details screen shows a numbered badge next to Version when an update is available. Tap Version, then tap Download and Install. |
| Security Concerns | Security researchers have discovered vulnerabilities in the AirPlay software that leave AirPlay-capable devices open to attack, including code execution on vulnerable devices. Apple has also announced a security vulnerability with the Airport Express Router that could lead to malware attacks. |
| Discontinuation | The airport line has been discontinued since 2018. |
| Alternatives | Users have suggested alternatives such as Eero, AmpliFi, Gryphon, and ASUS XT12. |
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What You'll Learn
Updating Airport firmware
Updating the firmware on an Apple AirPort base station will improve its performance, security, and functionality. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to update your AirPort firmware:
First, ensure that your base station and Mac or iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) are connected to the internet. If your base station is performing a Time Machine backup or sharing a hard drive on your network, make sure none of your devices are currently using that drive. Updating the AirPort base station will cause it and its network services to be temporarily unavailable.
Next, open the AirPort Utility on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. You can find the Airport Utility in Applications/Utilities. Once opened, select your base station. If you have multiple base stations, start with the one farthest from your primary base station and restart your primary base station last.
After selecting your base station, enter the base station password if prompted. Then, on a Mac, the details pop-up will show an 'Update' button when an update is available. Simply click the 'Update' button to install the update. On an iPhone or iPad, the details screen will show a numbered badge next to 'Version' when an update is available. Tap 'Version', then tap 'Download and Install'. Your base station will automatically restart after the update is installed.
Repeat these steps for any other base stations you have, always updating your primary base station last. For Mac computers with OS X Mountain Lion or Lion, use AirPort Utility 6.3.1. For computers with Snow Leopard or Leopard, use AirPort Utility 5.6.1, which supports 802.11n models and the original AirPort Express.
You can also verify if your firmware needs updating by checking the lights on your AirPort Extreme. A blinking amber light may indicate a required firmware update, while a green light indicates that all is well.
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Security vulnerabilities
Airport cybersecurity is a critical component of airport operations, and the number of air passengers is increasing exponentially every year, which further enhances the infrastructure intelligence of airports. Airports handle sensitive data like passenger information, airline schedules, and cargo manifests, making them prime targets for cyber attackers. Their reliance on complex industrial control systems increases their vulnerability to disruptive cyber attacks.
Some common cybersecurity shortcomings in airports include outdated software and unpatched vulnerabilities. Airports have robust systems in place to address common hacking threats, but they haven’t always taken a holistic approach to the IT cyber environment or considered the broader threat to the aviation system. Airports need to implement a comprehensive cyber security strategy that includes risk assessment, access control, network security, and endpoint security.
The Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) has developed a guide to increase the security level of Air Traffic Management (ATM) by presenting cyber threats, risks, and threat actors with their motives. CANSO proposes a model to address cybersecurity in combination with international standards and a risk assessment methodology.
The identified practices for smart airports have been categorized into three main groups: technical good practices, organizational good practices, and policies and standards. The most implemented technical-based practices for all airports include firewalls and network segmentation.
Additionally, advancements in AI and emerging technologies also contribute to the growing importance of airport cybersecurity. AI-based facial recognition and drones improve efficiency but also pose security challenges.
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AirPlay software issues
Apple's AirPlay software has been a source of frustration for many users, with a range of issues impacting their experience. One of the significant problems is the vulnerability of AirPlay-capable devices to cyberattacks. Security researchers have discovered a collection of bugs known as AirBorne, which allow hackers on the same Wi-Fi network to execute malicious code on these devices. This has led to concerns about the security of devices running the AirPlay software stack, including Apple's own products and third-party devices.
While Apple has addressed some of these security concerns, such as the CVE-2025-24271 vulnerability fixed in iOS 18.4, there are still reports of AirPlay software issues. Many users have encountered problems when trying to stream content or mirror their screens using AirPlay, with issues ranging from black screens and red symbols to sudden disconnections and a lack of audio or video playback. These problems have occurred across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs, and have impacted streaming from both legal and non-paid subscription websites.
In some cases, the issues appear to be related to specific iOS updates, particularly iOS/iPadOS 18.4 and 18.4.1. Users have reported that AirPlay stopped working properly after installing these updates, experiencing issues such as connection problems, streaming failures, and unexpected disconnections. It's worth noting that not all apps are affected, as some users have found that YouTube still works while others do not. This suggests that the problem may lie within specific iOS apps rather than the AirPlay software itself.
To troubleshoot AirPlay issues, Apple recommends several steps. These include ensuring that AirPlay-compatible devices are turned on, nearby, and updated to the latest software, as well as connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Users should also allow AirPlay receiving in their device settings and restart the devices they want to use with AirPlay. Checking Home Settings and Apple TV access restrictions can also help resolve any restrictions on AirPlay usage. If these basic steps don't work, Apple suggests contacting their support team for further assistance.
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Base station restart
Restarting your Apple AirPort base station is a simple process, but it differs depending on the model and the device you are using to restart it.
Restarting your base station using a Mac
If you are using a Mac, open the AirPort Utility and select your base station. If you have multiple base stations, start with the one farthest from your primary base station and restart your primary base station last. Once you have selected the base station, choose "Base Station" from the menu bar and click "Restart".
Restarting your base station using an iPhone or iPad
If you are using an iPhone or iPad, open the AirPort Utility and tap on your base station. Similar to the Mac, if you have multiple base stations, start with a secondary base station and restart your primary base station last. Tap "Edit", then "Advanced", and finally "Restart Base Station".
Manually restarting your base station
If you are unable to restart your base station using the AirPort Utility, you can manually restart it. To do this, unplug the base station for a few seconds and then plug it back in.
Soft and hard reset
In addition to a simple restart, you can also perform a soft or hard reset on your base station. A soft reset will reset the base station password and disable security for 5 minutes, allowing you to join the network and make changes. If no changes are made within 5 minutes, the base station will revert to its previous settings. A hard reset, on the other hand, will reset the base station to an unconfigured state but will retain the last saved configuration and any profiles, allowing you to restore previous settings.
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Automatic updates
You can set up automatic updates for your Apple AirPort base station. To do this, open the AirPort Utility app on your Mac, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
Select “Check for updates when opening AirPort Utility” to automatically check for software and firmware updates each time you open AirPort Utility. You can also select “Check for updates automatically,” and then choose a time interval from the pop-up menu, such as weekly, to check for software and firmware updates in the background.
If you want to manually update your AirPort base station, first make sure that none of your devices are using the drive. Updating a base station causes it and its network services to be temporarily unavailable. Then, open AirPort Utility on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, and select your base station. If you have more than one base station, restart your primary base station last.
On Mac, a details pop-up shows an Update button when an update is available. Click the Update button to install the update. On an iPhone or iPad, the details screen shows a numbered badge next to Version when an update is available. Tap Version, then tap Download and Install. Your base station will automatically restart after the update is installed.
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Frequently asked questions
An AirPort base station is a wireless router produced by Apple Inc.
Yes, you can update an AirPort base station. First, restart your base station. Then, select the base station in AirPort Utility to see if there are any updates available. If there is an update available, click the "Update" button to install it.
Updating your AirPort base station can help to prevent security vulnerabilities and improve performance. For example, in 2020, Apple announced a security vulnerability with the AirPort Express Router that could lead to malware attacks.
To update the firmware on your AirPort base station, you can use the AirPort Utility app on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Open the AirPort Utility app and select your base station. If there is an update available, you will see an "Update" button next to the version number. Click this button to update your firmware.
