Owais Crawford
Apple's AirPort Extreme was a Wi-Fi router that allowed up to 50 users to connect to the device simultaneously. The first AirPort Extreme Base Station was released in 2003, with the last iteration, the sixth-generation AirPort Extreme, released in 2013. In 2016, Apple disbanded its router division and discontinued the AirPort line in 2018. While Apple no longer produces AirPort Extreme, existing owners can continue to use them, and Apple continues to provide firmware updates to keep them secure and functioning. However, as routers generally have a lifespan of about five years, older AirPort Extremes may need to be replaced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Discontinuation Year | 2018 |
| Discontinuation Date | 26 April 2018 |
| Last Hardware Update | 2012/2013 |
| Average Useful Life of a Router | 5 years |
| Primary Wi-Fi Router Sold by Apple | AirPort Extreme |
| AirPort Extreme Base Station Release Year | 2003 |
| AirPort Extreme Redesign | 2007 |
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What You'll Learn
Apple discontinued the Airport Extreme in 2018
Apple's AirPort Extreme was discontinued in 2018, marking the company's exit from the router business. The AirPort Extreme was first introduced in 2003, with the release of the first AirPort Extreme Base Station. This initial model featured an external antenna connector and a USB port, building upon the original AirPort's design.
In 2004, Apple unveiled a version of the AirPort Extreme Base Station that supported Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. This iteration allowed for up to 50 users to connect simultaneously and marked a significant step forward in terms of connectivity. The AirPort Extreme continued to evolve, with a redesign in 2007 that introduced a square shape with rounded corners and improved wireless standards.
The sixth generation of the AirPort Extreme, released in 2013, brought further enhancements in speed and connectivity. However, despite the AirPort Extreme's capabilities, Apple ultimately decided to discontinue its production in 2018. This decision was influenced by the emergence of competitive alternatives and Apple's strategic shift towards devices with higher sales potential.
While Apple no longer produces the AirPort Extreme, the technology developed for it has been leveraged in other Apple devices. Features such as AirPlay, AirDrop, and Time Machine functionalities have their origins in the work done for the AirPort routers. Today, although Apple is no longer in the router business, the AirPort Extreme continues to be a reliable option for many users, even years after its discontinuation.
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The Airport Extreme is still usable
Apple Airport Extreme routers are still usable, even though they were discontinued in 2018. The last hardware updates to the routers were made in 2012 and 2013, adding speed and additional USB ports. While Apple no longer produces new Airport Extreme routers, the company has stated that it will continue to provide support and firmware updates to keep the routers secure and functioning.
Many users report that their Airport Extreme routers are still working well, even after several years of use. Some users have multiple Airport Extreme routers set up in their homes, and they continue to function without any issues. The routers are known for their ease of setup and use, with some users appreciating how Apple simplified the typically tedious task of setting up a new router.
The longevity of Airport Extreme routers can be attributed to their sufficient speed and connectivity, making them suitable for most households. They also have features such as Time Capsule support for wireless backups and AirPlay functionality. Additionally, the routers support a large number of connected devices simultaneously, making them a reliable option for those with many devices or frequent guests.
However, there are some limitations to the older Airport Extreme models. For example, the USB transfer speed for the network drive may be slower than desired. Additionally, the earlier flat models are limited to N wireless, and the very early models up to Gen 3 may not be worth using. Nonetheless, the Airport Extreme routers remain a reliable option for those seeking a stable and secure wireless network.
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The Airport Extreme is easy to set up
Apple discontinued its AirPort line of products in 2018, which included the AirPort Extreme base stations. While the AirPort Extreme is now considered outdated, it is still usable and can be set up easily.
The AirPort Extreme can be set up using the standard Airport Utility automatic setup, which is pretty good. Apple intended for people to use the automated system, making setup a breeze. The AirPort Extreme can be set up in just a few clicks, and the hardest part is choosing a name for the wifi network.
One user reported that they were able to set up their Airport Extreme using their iPhone, which already had the capability or app built-in. Another user reported that they were able to set up their Airport Extreme by plugging it in, and it worked like a champ all weekend.
The AirPort Extreme is a solid and stable router, with some users reporting that it has been running for more than a decade without any issues. It is easy to use for backing up devices like a MacBook to a USB drive via Time Machine. It can also be used to extend a wireless network, providing great coverage for a large home.
Overall, the AirPort Extreme is a reliable and easy-to-set-up router that can still be used today, despite being discontinued by Apple.
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The Airport Extreme has a good wireless range
The Airport Extreme has proven to have a good wireless range, with many users reporting that it is still going strong even after a decade of use. One user with a 2000-square-foot home reports that their Airport Extreme, placed roughly in the middle, reaches everywhere in the house just fine. However, the signal drops off once they go outside. Another user reports that they have about 15 devices connected to their Airport Extreme at once, with no issues.
The Airport Extreme was first released in 2003, with the first generation released in 2007. The last iteration, the sixth generation, was released in 2013 and was discontinued in 2018. The Airport Extreme has not received any hardware updates since 2013, but it is still a capable router for many users.
The wireless range and performance of the Airport Extreme can be impacted by various factors, such as the number of connected devices, the physical distance from the router, and any obstacles or interference in the signal path. Additionally, as routers age, their performance may degrade, and newer devices may take advantage of more advanced wireless standards.
Despite this, the Airport Extreme continues to provide good wireless range for many users, even in larger homes or with multiple connected devices. Its ease of setup, stability, and wireless features, such as AirPlay and Time Capsule, have made it a popular choice for many Apple users.
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The Airport Extreme has a long lifespan
The Airport Extreme has proven to be a long-lasting product, with many users reporting that their devices are still functioning well. In 2019, several users reported that their Airport Extremes were still going strong, with one user stating that theirs had been running smoothly for over a decade. Another user in 2019 mentioned that their Airport Extreme was five years old and was still working without any issues. The longevity of the Airport Extreme can also be attributed to the firmware updates that Apple continues to provide, ensuring that the routers remain secure and functioning.
The Airport Extreme was first introduced in 2003, with updates and redesigns released over the years. The last iteration of the Airport Extreme was the sixth generation, released in 2013, which added speed and additional USB ports. Despite being discontinued by Apple in 2018, the Airport Extreme has proven to be a durable and reliable product for many users.
The durability of the Airport Extreme is evident in user testimonials, with some praising its rock-solid performance and ease of setup. One user even expressed their intention to continue using their Airport Extreme for another 18-24 months, demonstrating their trust in the product's longevity. The Airport Extreme's ability to support multiple connected devices simultaneously further showcases its longevity and performance capabilities.
While Apple has discontinued the Airport Extreme and exited the router business, the product's long lifespan is a testament to its quality and functionality. Users can continue to extend the lifespan of their Airport Extremes by keeping them clean and free of dust, ensuring optimal performance for years to come. The availability of second-hand units also extends the lifespan of the product line, allowing new users to experience the benefits of the Airport Extreme.
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Frequently asked questions
Your Airport Extreme can certainly be used to set up a new network. The standard Airport Utility automatic setup is pretty good and easy to use.
Apple has discontinued its AirPort line of products and is no longer releasing updates for them. However, you can continue using your Airport Extreme as they are still secure and function well.
Your Airport Extreme should be able to connect multiple devices. A user on Reddit reported that they had about 15 devices connected to their Airport Extreme with no issues.
