AirPort Base Stations: Will Apple Ever Return to Wi-Fi Router Market?

[MacRumors]

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Apple offered a line of Wi-Fi routers that it referred to as AirPort base stations. There was a standard AirPort Express, a higher-end AirPort Extreme with more advanced networking features, and an AirPort Time Capsule that doubled as an external storage drive for backing up a Mac with Time Machine.

A few days ago, Apple added a few more AirPort models to its obsolete products list, which reignited discussion about the products.

The big question: Will Apple ever return to the Wi-Fi router market?

Apple discontinued the AirPort line in 2018, but the company could return to the Wi-Fi router market in an unexpected way in the future.

Back in December, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was developing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that will debut in new Apple TV and HomePod mini models later this year. He said the chip is "so sophisticated" that it could "theoretically" turn these devices into a wireless access point. However, it is unclear if Apple will actually follow through with that idea, so temper your expectations for the time being.

Apple's chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, according to Gurman, whereas the final AirPort models supported what is now known as Wi-Fi 5. However, Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu believes the chip will actually support Wi-Fi 7.

It remains to be seen if the Apple TV and HomePod actually become Wi-Fi routers, but Apple is seemingly developing technology that allows for it.

Article Link: AirPort Base Stations: Will Apple Ever Return to Wi-Fi Router Market?

 

[darngooddesign]

I wish they would.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Probably not, and it bums me out.

There's something to be said for the simplicity and control via software (Apple App) they offered.

It was a very polished offering that I really enjoyed.
I only stopped using my Airport Extreme about 2 years ago.

It's still sitting over to my right as I type this.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

They should've bought Ubiquity and really up their game for enterprise networking and compute offering but not VR is more important.

 

[jz0309]

Could they? Sure
Will they? Who knows, that market is saturated with good options today, not sure there is a profitable segment for Apple.

My Time Capsule was a disaster, needed rebooting at least once per week if not more frequently. Personally, I would not spend money on an Apple router...

 

[Le Big Mac]

Wish they’d at least partner with someone to develop a better integrated experience with third party WiFi stuff.

 

[Reverend Benny]

If they can offer something the other can't, then why not. But can't see that happening right now.
One thing they need to offer is LONGER support and be fast out with patching security flaws found, that could be one USP. And maybe they should make it clear how long they will support a product with software updates when its being released.

 

[abatabia]

I doubt it very highly but I would be all over them if they did. No routers were more reliable. I still use my 2013 extreme for Time Machine backups and one remaining 2012 express for AirPlay only.

 

[211]

If the rumours are true that Apple will finally focus on the home, this is a big missed opportunity, especially when they had done WiFi networks before.

 

[guci0]

Needs to.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I'm honestly really surprised they've stayed away from this given the pricing I've seen on some mesh systems.

Some of these systems are nearly $2k ... at that price, surely Apple could figure out how to make it something worth their time?

 

[michaelscarn]

Doubtful. More providers are now including routers with their internet plans. Yes, some people use bridge mode, but most would rather save the money and buy a cheap range extender if needed.

 

[Etc_]

They should've bought Ubiquity and really up their game for enterprise networking and compute offering but not VR is more important.

God, please no. The last thing we need is another company for Apple to slowly suffocate through neglect and poor management, leaving nothing behind, exactly what’s happening to Pixelmator right now.

 

[Ctrlos]

1. Build in an SSD and resurrect the Time Machine.

2. Let us localised wireless backups and take ownership of our data from cloud services.

3. Let it act as a home NAS as well, caching your music library for local lossless or preloading movies for streaming when the network is busy.

4. Sell multiple of them to customers to RAID the storage so if one gets hacked the rest cut it off preventing data access.

 

[klasma]

Wi-Fi routers are generic devices where it’s difficult to create lock-in with existing Apple devices specifically. That’s why I think they will stick to making endpoint devices like HomePods and Apple TV. They are also unlikely to make something NAS-like (Time Capsule) again, because they’d rather have people pay for iCloud subscriptions.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Wi-Fi routers are generic devices where it’s difficult to create lock-in with existing Apple devices specifically. That’s why I think they will stick to making endpoint devices like HomePods and Apple TV. They are also unlikely to make something NAS-like (Time Capsule) again, because they’d rather have people pay for iCloud subscriptions.

What about offering a combination of wireless time capsule plus backup of that to iCloud with a subscription?

 

[darngooddesign]

Wi-Fi routers are generic devices where it’s difficult to create lock-in with existing Apple devices specifically. That’s why I think they will stick to making endpoint devices like HomePods and Apple TV. They are also unlikely to make something NAS-like (Time Capsule) again, because they’d rather have people pay for iCloud subscriptions.

They could do it by requiring an Apple device to manage the network, but why should a wifi network require lock-in? Apple knows selling to everyone is better which is why there used to be a Windows app to manage the network.

 

[badtzmaru]

I have/had every single airport! the original express. the extreme. both versions of the time capsule. all work/worked amazingly well. my guess is that Apple was infringing or accused of infringing on someone’s IP and pulled everything.

 

[Benjamin Nabulsi]

God, please no. The last thing we need is another company for Apple to slowly suffocate through neglect and poor management, leaving nothing behind, exactly what’s happening to Pixelmator right now.

it's apple not google https://killedbygoogle.com/

 

[l0ken]

HomePods as Mesh Units and presence monitors would be totally cool.

 

[yabeweb]

Who would invest in something they will abbandono as soon as they see fit.

 

[Eric_WVGG]

One more huge reason they should bring back WiFi routers — there is not enough hardware out there that can run Homekit Hubs.

Used to be iPads, HomePods, and Apple TVs. They've more or less discontinued iPads, and a lot of people have no use for HomePods or Apple TVs.

Should add it to iMacs, Mac Minis & Studios, and even Studio Displays (A16 chip!!) as far as I'm concerned, anything that stays plugged in. But a WiFi router should be a no-brainer.

 

[IvyKing]

A good selling point for a router would be starting off with an emphasis on security along with rapid response to any new found security holes.

 

[fhall1]

Still using my Extreme (ac) unit wired to two of the previous gen Extremes as wireless repeaters. Right now they support everything I need to do and all the various Alexas, smart plugs, iPads, laptops, Roborock vacuum, Rokus, etc. Probably won't get something else until they die.

 

[citysnaps]

I can’t see Apple doing that.