Apple's Airport Routers: Still In Production Or Not?

Apple discontinued its AirPort wireless routers in 2016, ending production of its Base Station Wi-Fi routers: the AirPort Time Capsule, AirPort Express, and AirPort Extreme. The AirPort Extreme was the last AirPort model to be released in 2013. Despite Apple no longer manufacturing these products, some users continue to use them, citing their reliability and simplicity. However, the lack of hardware updates and the emergence of newer Wi-Fi standards like WiFi 6 and 6E have prompted many to consider alternatives. Apple continues to provide limited hardware and software support for its discontinued AirPort routers.

Apple discontinued its AirPort routers in 2018

The AirPort Extreme went through three distinct physical forms. The earliest models featured a round "flying saucer" shape, while later versions adopted a flat, rounded-rectangle design similar to the Mac mini. The 2013 model introduced a vertical form factor, taller than it was wide.

Despite discontinuing the AirPort routers, Apple continued to provide limited hardware and software support for these devices. As of 2022, the base stations still offered up to WPA2-level wireless security, ensuring that users could maintain a secure connection.

Apple's decision to leave the router market created opportunities for other wireless router manufacturers to step in and offer alternatives. Some of the recommended replacements included routers from Asus, D-Link, Netgear, Synology, TP-Link, and Linksys.

While some Apple enthusiasts held onto their AirPort routers, hoping for a revival, others embraced new options, particularly those that supported newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E.

AirPort routers are stuck on WiFi 5

Apple discontinued its AirPort line of routers in 2018, and the last update for the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule models' internals came in 2013. The AirPort routers are stuck on WiFi 5, while WiFi 6 and 6E have been releasing with WiFi 7 releasing in a few months.

The AirPort Extreme was first introduced in 2003 and featured 802.11g wireless technology for the first time in an AirPort base station. The AirPort Extreme has gone through three distinct physical forms: the earliest models had a similar plastic housing to the original AirPort Base Station, in a round "flying saucer" shape. From 2007 to 2013, the devices took on a flat rounded-rectangle shape, similar in layout and size to the Mac mini or early models of the Apple TV. The 2013 model had a more vertical form, taller than it was wide.

The AirPort Extreme has a USB 2.0 interface for disk and printer sharing, and the AirPort Disk feature allows users to plug a USB hard drive into the AirPort Extreme for use as a network-attached storage (NAS) device for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows clients.

While the AirPort routers are stuck on WiFi 5, it is still safe to use them. However, Apple got out of the networking hardware business in 2018, and although they did provide a few updates since then, they haven't for quite a while, and it is unlikely that there will be any coming soon, or at all.

If you are looking for a replacement for your AirPort router, it is suggested to get another AirPort Express as it will match the rest of your network. However, it is going to be a coin toss as far as finding another unit that will fit seamlessly into your network.

Apple continues to support AirPort routers with limited hardware and software support

Apple discontinued its AirPort wireless routers in 2016, but as of 2023, it continues to provide limited hardware and software support. The AirPort Extreme, a line of residential gateways, was one of Apple's former AirPort products. It combined the functions of a router, network switch, wireless access point, and NAS, as well as other varied functions.

The first AirPort Extreme was announced at the MacWorld expo in San Francisco in 2003 and featured 802.11g wireless technology. Over the years, the AirPort Extreme went through several upgrades and design changes. In 2013, a major upgrade changed the physical structure of the device, added 802.11ac support, and additional antennas.

Despite Apple's exit from the router market, the company has continued to provide limited support for its AirPort products. This includes firmware updates and the ability to purchase remaining stock from authorised resellers. Apple's decision to leave the wireless router market has created opportunities for other manufacturers to offer alternatives to Apple's discontinued AirPort routers.

While Apple no longer produces new AirPort routers, existing users can continue to use their devices with the knowledge that limited hardware and software support is still available from the company.

AirPort routers are safe to use, but there are concerns about their longevity

Apple discontinued its AirPort wireless router product line in 2018, but the routers can still be purchased second-hand. While the AirPort routers are generally safe to use, there are concerns about their longevity and ability to keep up with modern Wi-Fi standards.

Security and Updates

AirPort routers are still considered secure, providing up to WPA2-level wireless security. While Apple has provided a few updates since discontinuing the product line, it is unlikely that any new updates will be released. Therefore, users may need to consider newer alternatives to ensure they have the latest security features and protections.

Performance and Speed

The performance of AirPort routers has been praised for their simplicity and ease of use, with some users reporting that their devices are still working well even after several years of continuous use. However, as newer Wi-Fi standards such as WiFi 6, 6E, and 7 are released, AirPort routers may struggle to keep up in terms of speed and performance. AirPort routers are limited to WiFi 5, which may not be sufficient for users with multiple wireless devices or those seeking faster internet speeds.

Longevity and Reliability

The longevity of AirPort routers has been a concern for some users, with reports of WiFi connectivity issues, internal power supply failures, and antenna problems. While some users have experienced reliable performance for several years, others have encountered issues within a year or two of purchase.

In summary, while AirPort routers are safe to use and provide adequate security, there are concerns about their longevity and ability to keep up with modern Wi-Fi standards. Users seeking improved performance, speed, and the latest security features may need to consider newer alternatives to AirPort routers.

AirPort routers can be replaced with other routers, but they may not integrate seamlessly into an existing Apple network

Apple discontinued its AirPort routers in 2018, but users can still buy replacements from third-party sellers. While you can replace an AirPort router with a non-Apple router, it may not integrate seamlessly into an existing Apple network.

AirPort routers were designed as consumer-grade products, offering a trade-off between full user configurability and "plug-and-play" simplicity. Non-Apple routers, on the other hand, may require a more complex setup process and may not work seamlessly with other Apple devices in your network.

If you're considering replacing your AirPort router with a non-Apple alternative, it's important to understand your networking requirements and goals. Ask yourself:

• Is my current networking hardware working?
• Does my current networking hardware meet all my networking goals?
• Is network security important to me?
• Do I need to take advantage of newer networking technology?

If you answer "yes" to the first two questions, then there may be no urgent need to replace your AirPort router. However, if you answer "yes" to the third and/or fourth questions, then it may be worth considering an upgrade to take advantage of improved security, speed, range, and device management offered by newer routers.

Some recommended alternatives to AirPort routers include:

• Asus AC2900 Wi-Fi Router (RT-AC86U)
• D-Link Exo AC2600 Wi-Fi Router (DIR-882)
• Netgear Orbi AC3000 Mesh Wi-Fi System
• Netgear Nighthawk (XR500) AC2600 Wi-Fi Router
• Synology RT2600ac AC2600 Wi-Fi Router
• TP-Link Archer C3150 V2 AC3150 Wi-Fi Router
• Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System

These options offer improved features and performance, but keep in mind that they may require a more complex setup process and may not integrate as seamlessly with your existing Apple devices.

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