Ruth Haines
Apple's AirPort Express, a small wireless router, was first introduced in 2004. It allowed users to set up or extend a wireless network almost anywhere and included a built-in audio jack for streaming music. In 2018, Apple announced the discontinuation of its AirPort line, including the AirPort Express. While Apple continued to support the AirPort Express after its discontinuation, the most recent firmware update for the AirPort routers was in 2019. With Apple exiting the Wi-Fi router business, the AirPort Express is no longer being produced, and users with older models may encounter compatibility issues and limited functionality.
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What You'll Learn
Apple discontinued the AirPort Express in 2018
While Apple no longer sells AirPort Express routers, the company has stated that it will continue to support the product. However, an older version of its "AirPort Utility" software is required to support the earliest version of the device. For those still using an AirPort Express router, it is important to note that the blinking yellow light (or "amber" light, as Apple calls it) indicates that a firmware update is available for installation.
As of 2022, users have reported that all capabilities of the AirPort Express should still work. However, some have encountered issues with AirPlay and have had to perform a "hard reset" of their AirPort base station. Additionally, older models with the model number A1064 or A1084 may not appear in the AirPort Utility and will not work with any recent macOS versions.
Given that Apple has discontinued the AirPort Express and exited the router business, it is recommended that users consider replacing their AirPort routers, especially if they are 6-7 years old or older, to ensure they have up-to-date security.
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Apple AirPort Express works to extend a wireless network
In April 2018, Apple announced it was discontinuing its AirPort line, including AirPort Express, exiting the consumer router market. However, Apple continued to support the AirPort Express, and the product was available to purchase while supplies lasted.
Apple AirPort Express can be used to extend a wireless network. To do this, you need to set up the AirPort Express with the same network name and password as the network used by your non-Apple router. The network mode needs to be set to "Create a wireless network," and the connection should be set to "Ethernet," with Connection Sharing set to "Off (Bridge mode)." You can also set up a roaming network if your AirPort Express is connected to Ethernet.
If you want to extend the range of an existing Apple wireless network, you can place the AirPort Express in range of your primary base station, such as an AirPort Extreme or another AirPort Express, and near the area where you want your wireless connection. You can then use the AirPort Utility app on your iOS device or Mac to set up the extended network.
Apple AirPort Express offers dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi performance, allowing it to transmit at 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies simultaneously. The 2.4GHz networks have better range, while the 5GHz networks offer improved throughput and faster speeds.
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AirPlay support was introduced with OS X Mountain Lion
AirPlay is a wireless communication protocol developed by Apple that enables multimedia streaming between compatible devices. It was first introduced in 2004 as AirTunes, a feature of iTunes 4.6, allowing music streaming to an AirPort Express. In 2010, AirTunes was rebranded as AirPlay.
AirPlay support for OS X was introduced with OS X Mountain Lion. This allowed users to output Mac system-wide audio directly to AirPort Express, including the audio of protected video content within iTunes. It also maintained audio sync with the on-screen image. Before OS X Mountain Lion, software like Airfoil and TuneBlade could be used for streaming system-wide audio to the AirPort Express.
The AirPort Express was the first AirPlay device to receive streamed audio from a computer running iTunes on the local network. It was introduced in 2004 and offered audio output capabilities, including a combined analog and optical S/PDIF audio output connector. In 2012, Apple released a redesigned model with a square form factor and two Ethernet ports.
In August 2018, Apple added AirPlay 2 support to the 2012 AirPort Express, enabling it to be added to the Apple Home app as an audio destination. However, Apple discontinued its AirPort line in 2018, leaving the consumer router market. Despite this, the company continues to provide limited support for later AirPort Express models, although an older version of the AirPort Utility is required for the earliest version of the device. The most recent firmware update for the AirPort routers was in May 2019.
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AirPort Express was Apple's entry into the ultra-portable router market
Apple's small, wireless router, the AirPort Express, was the company's first foray into the ultra-portable router market. Weighing less than 7 ounces, the AirPort Express was introduced in 2004 and allowed users to create a wireless internet access point almost anywhere. The first version (M9470LL/A, model A1084) included an analog-optical audio mini-jack output, a USB port for remote printing, and one Ethernet port. The USB port could also be used to charge the first-generation iPod Shuffle, although this was not supported by Apple.
The AirPort Express was updated in March 2008 with support for the faster 802.11 Draft-N draft specification and operation in either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands. This revised unit included an 802.11a/n (5 GHz) mode, which allowed for the addition of Draft-N to an existing 802.11b/g network without disrupting existing connections while preserving increased throughput. Up to 10 wireless units could connect to this AirPort Express.
In 2012, Apple introduced a completely redesigned model with a new square form factor and two Ethernet ports. However, by 2018, Apple had ceased production of its AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule Wi-Fi routers, marking its exit from the consumer router market. While Apple continued to support the AirPort Express and sell remaining stock, the company has not released any new firmware updates since May 2019.
Despite its discontinuation, the AirPort Express remains a sought-after product for those who appreciate Apple's design, manufacturing quality, and commitment to security and privacy. Its compact size, ease of use, and ability to extend wireless networks have made it a popular choice for creating wireless access points on the go.
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AirPort Express is incompatible with recent macOS versions
Apple has discontinued its AirPort Express Wi-Fi routers, exiting the consumer router market in 2018. While the AirPort Express is still supported to an extent, it is incompatible with recent macOS versions.
The AirPort Express was first introduced in 2004 and included a built-in audio jack for streaming music wirelessly. It was designed to allow users to easily set up or extend a wireless network anywhere. Over the years, Apple added new features such as dual-band support for simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections and guest networks. However, updates to the AirPort Express slowed down and eventually stopped, with the last update to the AirPort Base Station line released in 2013.
The AirPort Express is no longer receiving firmware updates, with the most recent update released in May 2019. While Apple has not explicitly stated that there will be no more updates, it is unlikely that there will be any further firmware updates for the AirPort routers. This means that older models of the AirPort Express will not work with any recent macOS versions.
To use the AirPort Express with a recent macOS version, you will need to use an older version of the "AirPort Utility" software. Additionally, you may encounter issues with certain websites or internet services that require secure connections, as the hardware of older AirPort Express models may not be compatible with modern security standards.
While the AirPort Express may still work with older macOS versions, it is important to consider replacing the product if you are concerned about up-to-date security and compatibility with modern websites and services.
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Frequently asked questions
Apple discontinued the AirPort Express in 2018, but it continued to be sold while supplies lasted. The most recent firmware update for the AirPort routers was in May 2019.
The AirPort Express was Apple's small, wireless router that allowed users to easily set up or extend a wireless network almost anywhere. It was also used to stream music wirelessly and connect to ceiling speakers.
Apple exited the Wi-Fi router business and chose to offer the Linksys Velop at its retail stores instead of releasing an AirPort Mesh.
There are several options available in the market, such as modern Wi-Fi extenders or the xFi Gateway, which offers faster speeds than the AirPort Extreme.
While your old AirPort Express may still work, it may have compatibility issues with newer macOS versions and certain websites or services that require secure connections. It is recommended to consider replacing older routers for improved security and performance.
