Lois Larson
In 2018, Apple announced that it would be exiting the wireless router business and discontinuing its AirPort Base Stations, including the AirPort Extreme. This decision came as no surprise, as the AirPort line had not been updated since 2013 and was considered dated compared to newer routers with mesh networking capabilities. While Apple and authorized resellers continued to sell AirPort products while supplies lasted, the company confirmed that there were no plans for future hardware in this category.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Apple discontinuing the AirPort Extreme? | Yes |
| Date of discontinuation | April 26, 2018 |
| AirPort Extreme price | $199 |
| Reasons for discontinuation | The AirPort line was growing increasingly dated, especially without a mesh tri-band system available. |
| Availability | Apple and third-party vendors will continue to sell the AirPort Extreme while supplies last. |
| Support | Apple will continue to offer bug fixes and security patches for the devices going forward. |
| AirPort Extreme features | Dual-band support for simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections, guest networks, and the ability to connect a USB hard drive to the network for automatic backup. |
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What You'll Learn
Apple is exiting the Wi-Fi router business
The AirPort Base Station line was last updated in 2013, and since then, Apple has not released any new features or hardware revisions. The company chose to offer third-party mesh Wi-Fi routers in its retail stores, such as the Linksys Velop, rather than release its own AirPort Mesh router. Apple's AirPort line has also been growing increasingly dated, especially considering its premium price, without a mesh tri-band system available.
The decision to exit the Wi-Fi router business may be due to a shift in focus for Apple. According to Steve Jobs, "No company, not even the world's richest and most successful, and especially not its most focused, can do everything." Tough choices have to be made, and Apple is now committing to some products while cancelling others.
While this news is disappointing for fans of Apple's routers, it is not surprising. Back in November 2016, Bloomberg reported that Apple had disbanded the team responsible for developing its routers. At the time, Apple assured customers that its AirPort line would remain, but the company has now confirmed that it is exiting the router business.
For existing AirPort users, Apple will continue to offer bug fixes and security patches for the devices, and customers can expect these products to be supported for years to come, although not indefinitely.
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Apple AirPort will be available while supplies last
Apple has confirmed that it is exiting the wireless router business, discontinuing its AirPort Base Station products, including AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. The products will be available through Apple.com, Apple retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers while supplies last.
Apple's decision to discontinue its AirPort line has been a long time coming. Back in 2016, Bloomberg reported that Apple had disbanded the team responsible for developing its routers. The AirPort Base Station line last saw an update in 2013, and since then, Apple has chosen to offer third-party mesh Wi-Fi routers in its retail stores instead.
While Apple is no longer developing new AirPort products, the company has stated that it will continue to offer bug fixes, security patches, and support for the devices going forward. Apple will also help customers obtain service and parts for current-generation AirPort Base Stations for the next five years.
For customers who are not paying for a gigabit internet plan, the AirPort Extreme is still a viable option. It may not be the fastest or the strongest, but it is reliable and visually pleasing. However, for those seeking faster speeds and stronger connections, there are now many other options on the market, including mesh Wi-Fi systems that offer better coverage for larger or more irregular areas.
The end of the AirPort line may be disappointing for fans of Apple's routers, but it is not surprising given the company's shift in focus and the increasing datedness of the AirPort line's technology.
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Apple AirPort alternatives
Apple has discontinued its AirPort Wi-Fi router business, which includes AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. The company will continue to offer bug fixes and security patches for the devices, but it is selling off its remaining inventory of AirPort products.
If you're looking for Apple AirPort alternatives, here are some options to consider:
Netgear Orbi
Netgear Orbi is a highly-rated mesh Wi-Fi system that offers excellent performance and a generous number of Ethernet ports. It is available at a starting price of $249.
Linksys Velop
The Linksys Velop is a dual-band (AC2600) mesh Wi-Fi system that offers similar performance to Apple's AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule routers. It is Apple's pick for a Wi-Fi system and is available at a starting price of $299.
Eero
Eero is another popular mesh Wi-Fi system known for its user-friendly app experience for setup and management. While it may not have the same range as other options, it is still a solid choice for those looking for a seamless installation process. The price of Eero starts from $295.
AmpliFi HD
AmpliFi HD is a wireless mesh network system that offers long-range and reliable Wi-Fi coverage. It has been praised for its design, ease of setup and use, and various features. The price is not provided.
Netgear R7800
The Netgear R7800 is a powerful router with excellent 5GHz and 2.4GHz performance, thanks to its Qualcomm CPU/WiFi chipset. It also has a properly working MU-MIMO implementation, which sets it apart from other routers in its class. The price is not provided.
These alternatives to Apple AirPort offer a range of features and performance options to suit different needs and budgets. It's important to consider factors such as range, dual-band functionality, and ease of setup when choosing a Wi-Fi router.
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Apple AirPort Express
Apple has discontinued its AirPort line, including the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. The AirPort Express was a small device that allowed users to set up an internet access point, stream songs and videos through iTunes, and more. It was first introduced in 2004 and included a built-in audio jack for connecting speakers and streaming music wirelessly. Apple continued to add new features, such as dual-band support for simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections, but updates slowed down and eventually stopped after 2013.
The AirPort Express was designed to allow users to create a wireless internet access point anywhere, whether at home, in a hotel room, or anywhere else a fast and dependable connection was needed. It also enabled users to stream multimedia to various devices and extend the range of an existing wireless network. For security, the AirPort Express could be set up to use WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2, with 40-bit or 128-bit Wireless Security (WEP) and MAC address filtering. It could be connected to a DSL or cable modem or an Ethernet network, providing wireless internet access for up to 10 users.
The AirPort Express was well-received by customers, who appreciated its quality, ease of setup, and use. It could also be used as a backup for smart audio systems and connected to sound mixers, speakers, and other devices through its 3.5 mm audio jack. However, some users reported issues with refurbished AirPort Express units, including audio port issues and non-functional refurbished products.
While Apple has exited the wireless router business, the company will continue to offer bug fixes and security patches for existing AirPort products. Additionally, Apple will help customers obtain service and parts for current-generation AirPort Base Stations for the next five years and provide knowledge-base articles to assist customers in transitioning away from AirPort products.
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Apple AirPort Time Capsule
Apple has discontinued its AirPort router line, including the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule models. While Apple and authorised resellers will continue to sell remaining stock, there are no plans for future AirPort hardware. This decision ends Apple's presence in the wireless router market, with the company instead directing customers towards third-party mesh Wi-Fi routers, such as the Linksys Velop.
The AirPort Time Capsule was a notable product in Apple's AirPort lineup, introduced in 2008. It included a 2TB or 3TB drive for automatic wireless backup of Macs using the Time Machine feature in OS X. The Time Capsule also supported dual-band connections, allowing simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections.
Despite its functionality, the Time Capsule, along with other AirPort products, had not received significant updates in years. The last update to the AirPort Base Station line occurred in 2013, and since then, Apple has shifted its focus away from routers. The company's decision to exit the router business was influenced by the emergence of mesh networking, which offers improved coverage for larger and more irregular areas.
While some customers lament the discontinuation of the AirPort Time Capsule, recognising its reliability and design, others acknowledge that newer routers offer faster speeds and advanced features. Additionally, Apple's AirPort line was considered increasingly dated, especially considering its premium price point.
For existing AirPort Time Capsule owners, Apple has assured that bug fixes, security patches, and support will continue to be provided for the devices. However, there will be no new hardware revisions, and customers are encouraged to explore alternative router options if they require more advanced features or faster speeds.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Apple is discontinuing the AirPort Extreme.
Apple is exiting the wireless router business. The AirPort line was also growing increasingly dated, especially for its premium price.
Apple announced that it was discontinuing the AirPort Extreme in April 2018.
Apple and third-party vendors will continue to sell the AirPort Extreme while supplies last.
