Apple Airports: Bluetooth Or Not?

Apple's AirPort Express is a device that adds flexibility to a home network and music listening. It can be used to extend Wi-Fi from a wireless router and also acts as an access point. The AirPort Express can access music or audio streamed from an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or iTunes via a computer. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the use of Bluetooth with AirPort Express. One source mentions that iTunes does not support Bluetooth output, while another mentions that AirPort Express can be used in combination with a Sonos multi-room audio system, which may include Bluetooth speakers. Therefore, while AirPort Express itself may not transmit via Bluetooth, it can be used as part of a system that includes Bluetooth functionality.

AirPlay 2 compatibility

AirPlay 2 is Apple's wireless multi-room audio system that lets you stream content from iOS devices to AirPlay 2-compatible TVs and products. It was introduced in 2018 as part of the iOS 11.4 software update and marked Apple's first move into multi-room audio technology.

AirPlay 2 allows you to stream music from your iOS device to more than one product, including Apple's HomePod speakers and speakers and audio system components from other brands. As long as all the devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can access the music controls on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV and select a connected speaker (or multiple speakers) to send the music to. You can also define where in your house the speaker is located, using labels such as 'Bedroom' or 'Kitchen' to identify them.

In addition to audio, AirPlay 2 also enables you to mirror your iPhone, iPad, or Mac screens to Apple TV and compatible smart TVs. This means you can wirelessly share photos, videos, presentations, and other content from your Apple device to your TV.

To support AirPlay 2, an Apple product must run iOS 11.4 or later. This includes the HomePod, Apple TV HD (4th Gen), iPad Pro (1st-6th Gen), iPad Air (1st-5th Gen), iPad mini (2nd-6th Gen), and iPod Touch (6th Gen and later).

Many leading TV manufacturers, including LG, Samsung, Sony, and VIZIO, have also incorporated AirPlay 2 into their TVs, allowing for a seamless content-sharing experience.

For a complete list of AirPlay 2-compatible products, including smart lights and other smart home accessories compatible with HomeKit, check out Apple's website.

Connecting to Bluetooth accessories

To connect your iPhone to Bluetooth accessories, you need to pair your device with a Bluetooth accessory. This will allow you to stream music and videos, play games, connect to keyboards, and more.

First, turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone by going to Settings > Bluetooth and ensuring Bluetooth is turned on. Stay on this screen until you complete the steps to pair your accessory.

Next, put your Bluetooth accessory in discovery mode. If you are unsure how to make it discoverable, check the instructions that came with your accessory or contact the manufacturer.

Once your accessory is in discovery mode, it should appear on your iPhone below the devices list. Tap the name of the accessory to pair with it. You might need to enter the accessory PIN or passcode, which can be found in the instructions that came with your accessory.

Note that your iPhone must be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the Bluetooth accessory to pair. If you have trouble pairing your accessory, see the Apple Support article "If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad."

To unpair a Bluetooth accessory, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the More Info button next to the accessory, and then tap "Forget This Device." This will remove the accessory from the list of available Bluetooth devices. If you want to add the accessory to your device again, simply place it back in discovery mode and repeat the pairing steps.

Streaming music from iPhone to AirPort

Apple's AirPort Express is a device that adds flexibility to a home network and music listening. It can be used to extend Wi-Fi from your wireless router and it can also act as an access point. The AirPort Express can access music or audio streamed from an iPhone, iPad, or iPod via your computer, and using AirPlay, play it on a connected speaker, stereo, or home theatre system.

To stream music from your iPhone to AirPort, make sure your iPhone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your AirPort Express. Then, open the Control Centre on your iPhone and tap the "AirPlay" button. Select your AirPort Express from the list of available devices. Next, open a music app on your iPhone, such as iTunes, and start playing a song. Tap the "AirPlay" button in the music app and select your AirPort Express. The music will now be streamed from your iPhone to the AirPort Express and played on the connected speakers.

It is worth noting that while you can stream music from your iPhone to a single AirPort Express, streaming to multiple AirPort Express units simultaneously from an iPhone is not currently supported. However, this feature may be available with the release of AirPlay 2. Additionally, you can stream music from multiple devices, such as a MacBook, to multiple AirPort Express units at the same time.

To enhance your wireless performance, ensure your iPhone is within a reasonable distance from the AirPort Express, typically within 33 feet (10 meters). If you encounter any issues with streaming, updating your iPhone's operating system to the latest version may help resolve any compatibility or software bugs.

AirPort as a Wi-Fi extender

Apple's AirPort can be used as a Wi-Fi extender to increase the range of your wireless network. This can be done by setting up additional base stations using AirPort Utility on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

To extend your Wi-Fi network using another base station, first ensure that the base stations are physically connected to each other using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the cable into the WAN port on the new base station and the other end into a LAN port on the primary base station. While a wireless connection is possible during the setup process, using an Ethernet cable is preferred for better throughput.

Once the base stations are connected, follow these device-specific steps:

On a Mac:

• Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select the new base station listed under "New AirPort Base Station."
• Follow the onscreen instructions, or click "Other Options" to customise your network settings.

On an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:

• Go to "Settings" > "Wi-Fi" and tap the name of your new base station listed under "Set up a new AirPort base station."
• Follow the onscreen instructions, or tap "Other Options" to customise your network settings.

It is important to note that Apple's "extend a wireless network" option only works with other Apple routers. If you are using a third-party router, such as Netgear, a permanent wired Ethernet connection between the AirPort and the router is required for the setup. Additionally, ensure that the wireless network name and password are the same for both the AirPort and the third-party network.

AirPort and Sonos multi-room audio

Apple's AirPlay 2 and Sonos' wireless sound system are two of the easiest ways to get multi-room audio. However, there are some key differences between the two.

AirPlay 2 allows you to play audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to multiple AirPlay 2-enabled speakers simultaneously. This means that you can have the same audio playing in multiple rooms at the same time, creating a multi-room audio setup. However, it is important to note that older AirPort Express devices do not support AirPlay 2, and there have been no firmware updates from Apple to add this functionality. As such, you would need to purchase newer AirPlay 2-enabled speakers to create a multi-room audio setup using AirPlay 2.

Sonos, on the other hand, offers a wireless sound system that is easy to set up and use. Their speakers can be linked together over your WiFi network, and you can control and manage playback using the Sonos app. With Sonos, you can group rooms and speakers together, as well as create custom groups or zones that are frequently synced together. For example, you can create a "Downstairs" group to enable playback across all the speakers on the same floor of your home.

When deciding between AirPort and Sonos for multi-room audio, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. AirPlay 2 may be a good option if you already have AirPlay 2-enabled speakers or are willing to purchase new ones. On the other hand, Sonos offers an easy-to-use wireless sound system with flexible grouping options, but it may be more expensive, especially if you need multiple speakers for different rooms. Additionally, Sonos requires a dedicated app for control and management, while AirPlay 2 allows you to use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Frequently asked questions