Apple Now Selling Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System But Will Continue Offering AirPort Line

[R3k]

After my other half had her laptop stolen, I invested in a Time Capsule. Works great, performs well and is stable. I doubt I’d see much performance increase in my house if I was to replace with with a current gen router.
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I thought they crossed this bridge at least a year ago with the news of having disbanded the Airport team entirely and shut the project down, rather than updating and fixing its issues.

What issues?

 

[M.PaulCezanne]

The time capsule was one of Apple’s last truly useful innovations.

 

[bommai]

I bought a 3 pack of velop for $279 on sale at Office Depot a few months ago. Works great. Use it for 22+ devices. Some streaming 4k content, others 1080p and some streaming lossless music, etc.

 

[themastermind]

As some others have said, I would opt instead for Netgear Orbi, it is much faster than the Velop. They even have a waterproof outdoor Orbi. I've had it for over a year and it is absolutely rock solid.

That being said, if you need a true "mesh" setup, then the Velop is a solid device.

 

[KAZphoto]

As some others have said, I would opt instead for Netgear Orbi, it is much faster than the Velop. They even have a waterproof outdoor Orbi. I've had it for over a year and it is absolutely rock solid.

That being said, if you need a true "mesh" setup, then the Velop is a solid device.

Is the Orbi not a true mesh system? I’ve been looking into one of these systems for our tricky to cover new house but haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet...

 

[themastermind]

Is the Orbi not a true mesh system? I’ve been looking into one of these systems for our tricky to cover new house but haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet...

I don't think it is. I believe it's setup in a star topology with all of the remote Orbis talking directly back to the main unit. The range is awesome on them though, and it uses a dedicated wireless channel to communicate between the units.

If I were you I would try out the Orbi, if it doesn't work, take it back (by it somewhere with a return policy). If it doesn't work, you may be forced to go full mesh. That being said, when I was researching which one to buy I did a lot of research on both units and checked out the performance testing and reviews, etc., the best I remember the Orbi had a better range with just two units than the Velop did with three units. The Velop may have been improved since then though, don't know.

 

[KAZphoto]

I don't think it is. I believe it's setup in a star topology with all of the remote Orbis talking directly back to the main unit. The range is awesome on them though, and it uses a dedicated wireless channel to communicate between the units.

If I were you I would try out the Orbi, if it doesn't work, take it back (by it somewhere with a return policy). If it doesn't work, you may be forced to go full mesh. That being said, when I was researching which one to buy I did a lot of research on both units and checked out the performance testing and reviews, etc., the best I remember the Orbi had a better range with just two units than the Velop did with three units. The Velop may have been improved since then though, don't know.

Thanks for the info. As you said, I think I just need to take the plunge and buy it and try. Our office and guest room is in our backyard and it’s a bit difficult getting a great signal back there. We have a cable company provided extender that helps a bit but is flaky and needs to be reset often. Thanks!

 

[iMcLovin]

So what are people doing for online backups without AirPort's Time Machine support?

I replaced my Apple Airport wifi system with Google mesh Wifi. I have another media machine /mac mini) connected to the network which is waked on network activity. I connected a HDD to it for the purpose of Time Machine backup from all my other macs in the house wirelessly, it worked fine... So, TimeCapsule is not needed, as long as you have some location on the nework you can connect a HDD which the Wifi can access.

 

[ajfahey]

Velop is a very good product. Much better than the Apple products I was using to cover my house. I've owned a 3 way system for close to a year. No significant problems.

 

[Spendlove]

We love our Airport. Works a charm and is easy for everyone to use.

I hope Apple don't leave it to die.

 

[eladnova]

Is it not obvious that the HomePod speakers are gonna be the AirPort Extreme replacements?

Exactly what I’ve been thinking.

 

[magicbbird]

After many long nights comparing systems, including the Eero (really wanted it, love the simplicity) I actually went Velop myself 6 months ago and I love it. Works great. As transparent as my airport ever was, and so so much more faster. I have a 1gb fios line so speed was important to me (which is why I ruled out Eero which often has the slowest speeds). At first I felt validated to read Apple was now selling Velop, now, have to admit, i wonder if thats good or bad. But bottom line is, after using apple's routers since they came out, including the latest Airport... I love the Velop and don't feel I have lost anything but gained a lot of coverage.

Same experience of mine. I used to have to extreme, trying to extend the wifi range through three rooms with concrete walls. Has been working out alright. But one extreme is acting funny lately, even with multiple reset and restart. Finally get a three-pack linksys and now a happy camper. Wished to stick to apple product but for now, linksys is working out fine for me.

 

[kaldezar]

O.M.G. just put the poor AirPort line out of its misery and stop pushing it off on unsuspecting customers. Honestly, Apple still selling Airport -- at a not discounted price point either -- is the opposite of good customer services. It's in the realm of snake oil used car store polishing up a turd car. Also Velop isn't the answer but it's owned by Apple's new crap accessory pal Belkin.

Sad that commercial expediency now rules totally at Apple, Belkin FFS! The answer is Netgear's Orbi!
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I had a fifth generation AirPort Extreme that I replaced with an Eero three pack. I live in a typical two story house in a subdivision. The Eero had problems where certain iOS devices would need a static ip in order to work. Then other iOS devices would fail to connect or drop off when roaming the house.

I then purchased the Amplifi HD system. Same problems!

With family complaining about the Wi-Fi, I bought the sixth generation AirPort Extreme and a TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter Kit. This allowed me to locate the single AirPort Extreme in the very center of the house, connected to the modem via the latest and fastest powerline adapter. It works great. I sold all the others on eBay.

I hope Wi-Fi routers have a future at Apple. I didn’t try the Veloop or Orbi mesh ones.

The Orbi works fantastically, I donated my airports to the local charity shop!

 

[Naaaaak]

Typical Apple: Refuses to update a product, but also refuses to kill it, leaving customers lingering for years.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Is it not obvious that the HomePod speakers are gonna be the AirPort Extreme replacements?

I've been wading through this thread waiting for someone to say this.

I feel the same way, and have posted about it several times. This seems an obvious point of leverage for Apple. WiFi and Bluetooth devices are multiplying, with Apple as one of the prime perpetrators. The same easy Bluetooth connectivity enjoyed by AirPods extended to Apple's WiFi-connected devices. Apple ought to provide a backbone for the modern connected home/Home Kit, and HomePod is certainly a particularly good way to do it - why have a separate router/repeater when it can do even more, and play especially well with other Apple products? We know HomePod will have AirPlay 2 support. It all seems so natural, and so sticky.

 

[Black Tiger]

Remember that time Apple quit making external displays? And then came back a few months later saying that they decided to make a new one? This sounds familiar.
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So what are people doing for online backups without AirPort's Time Machine support?

I could be wrong, but can’t any networked drive be used for time machine?
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Is it not obvious that the HomePod speakers are gonna be the AirPort Extreme replacements?

No it isn’t, unless you know something the rest of us don’t. It’s a speaker for music, with very limited Siri functionality. Where are you finding references to networking for this product? I see no Ethernet port, for example. Sure it has airport express-like music streaming, but I see no other networking ability.

 

[TheColtr]

Linksys products are what drove me to Airport. When I upgrade my Time Capsule, I'll likely go the Eero or Google Mesh route.

I’m right there with you. Linksys has always been horrible for me, which is what made me go toward Airport.

Right now I have Orbi, which I hate, and am planning on moving to Ubiquiti Unifi system.

 

[LV426]

It's a pity. Years ago I worked my way through a graveyard of routers that were either flaky or insecure. And none of them were straightforward to setup.

With my AirPort Extreme, it's a doddle to configure with the Airport app. It's dead simple to check and install updates, and I know that if security issues arise, Apple will get it sorted. Also, I will trust them not to plant malware in the firmware, which is more than can be said for devices made in certain countries.

My Draytek Vigor modem and AirPort Extreme give me a rock steady connection that's up for months on end. The only feature I really miss from the AirPort Extreme would be the ability to firewall off certain domains.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Remember that time Apple quit making external displays? And then came back a few months later saying that they decided to make a new one? This sounds familiar.
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I could be wrong, but can’t any networked drive be used for time machine?
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No it isn’t, unless you know something the rest of us don’t. It’s a speaker for music, with very limited Siri functionality. Where are you finding references to networking for this product? I see no Ethernet port, for example. Sure it has airport express-like music streaming, but I see no other networking ability.

All we still have to go by for HomePod is what was announced at WWDC back in July. A lot can transpire in the interim (including intentional dis-information on Apple's part). Strategically, it makes sense (to me) for Apple to pre-announce, "We're in the smart speaker game," but there's less strategic benefit to pre-announce that their smart speaker will also be a network extender/mesh network. It'd be a nice surprise to pop on Jeff Bezos when the HomePod finally hits the street, rather than give him a chance to rush something similar to market. Carrying Velop may be a feint; Apple giving its blessings to mesh networking prior to bringing out its own "even better" products.

As a range extender/mesh node, HomePod wouldn't need an Ethernet port. The chances that someone would locate a HomePod in the same cable modem-friendly location most independent wifi routers are placed is not that great. Further, "and it magically improves the network you already have" seems a more potent sales pitch than, "replace your current router in order to reap the benefits." But we'll see what happens. We could see refreshed AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule products that offer extended/enhanced capabilities as optional add-ons, but HomePod supplanting AirPort Express.

Yeah, this is little more than wishful thinking on my part - no industry-based rumors, nothing uncovered in that accidental (or not) HomePod firmware release... I just think the logic of building mesh/range extension into HomePod is too powerful to ignore. It would make a very compelling case for buying multiple HomePods. Why setup a bunch of independent range extenders that require separate electrical outlets, when you can have a multi-tasker? Further, it's a lot easier to bury the cost of a range extender into a relatively large $399 product than it is to build it into a $99 or $49 smart speaker. HomePod goes from "$399 speaker" to "$299 speaker plus $99 range extender." Even if there was a $399 HomePod and a $449 HomePod Plus, paying an extra $49 for range extension/mesh would be a no-brainer for a lot of people.

 

[9081094]

As a Mac user for over 25 years. I am beginning to hate Apple trying to sell 3-5 year products at full price with old components/tech. Mac mini (HP have a much better PCmini), Mac Pro, (I know a new one is due, after 4+ yrs). The ridiculous requirement to take your new shiny iMac Pro to an Apple store or authorised dealer for additional RAM. Wasting precious driving time, precious waiting time etc. When it takes 3-5 mins on an iMac. No screens, 4K or 8K, no 17" laptop, no new iMac screen size, it's still 27" from 2009. We want 30", 32" or 34". Not just 27". Apple is now just a phone company. It manages to update the phones every year with minor updates. What about software Apple? Apple released loads of great software from Appleworks, iMovie, Aperture in the early days. When was Pages, numbers, keynote last updated (not dumbed down) with features to take on Microsoft?? Those products are useless for anyone apart from 10 year old kids. Business users and professionals have been screwed over by Apple with inferior products but with superior prices. Quality control means nothing to Apple anymore. Things don't work anymore, they always need fixes. Can't remember when Apple had anything innovative, in the last 10 yrs apart from the iPhone. Mac Users might as well get the highest spec models available and not replace it for at least 5 years. As only then will Apple have anything new worth upgrading to.

Couldn’t say it any better. Apple should be ashamed of themselves these days. It has become a greedy third grate company.

 

[Black Tiger]

All we still have to go by for HomePod is what was announced at WWDC back in July. A lot can transpire in the interim (including intentional dis-information on Apple's part). Strategically, it makes sense (to me) for Apple to pre-announce, "We're in the smart speaker game," but there's less strategic benefit to pre-announce that their smart speaker will also be a network extender/mesh network. It'd be a nice surprise to pop on Jeff Bezos when the HomePod finally hits the street, rather than give him a chance to rush something similar to market. Carrying Velop may be a feint; Apple giving its blessings to mesh networking prior to bringing out its own "even better" products.

As a range extender/mesh node, HomePod wouldn't need an Ethernet port. The chances that someone would locate a HomePod in the same cable modem-friendly location most independent wifi routers are placed is not that great. Further, "and it magically improves the network you already have" seems a more potent sales pitch than, "replace your current router in order to reap the benefits." But we'll see what happens. We could see refreshed AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule products that offer extended/enhanced capabilities as optional add-ons, but HomePod supplanting AirPort Express.

Yeah, this is little more than wishful thinking on my part - no industry-based rumors, nothing uncovered in that accidental (or not) HomePod firmware release... I just think the logic of building mesh/range extension into HomePod is too powerful to ignore. It would make a very compelling case for buying multiple HomePods. Why setup a bunch of independent range extenders that require separate electrical outlets, when you can have a multi-tasker? Further, it's a lot easier to bury the cost of a range extender into a relatively large $399 product than it is to build it into a $99 or $49 smart speaker. HomePod goes from "$399 speaker" to "$299 speaker plus $99 range extender." Even if there was a $399 HomePod and a $449 HomePod Plus, paying an extra $49 for range extension/mesh would be a no-brainer for a lot of people.

Sorry I just don’t see the point. Why would someone go and buy a speaker if they are looking to buy a router or vice versa? This only makes sense for a customer who is looking for both at the same time. Also, my cable modem is in my basement in a utility closet. Why would I want a high end speaker in there? I could be totally wrong on this, but I don’t see any purpose to going this route.
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Couldn’t say it any better. Apple should be ashamed of themselves these days. It has become a greedy third grate company.

And yet, somehow, Apple is quite successful. Could it be that ignoring the every whim of every customer is precisely why they are successful? More is not more. Every one of those examples is subjective and understood when looking big picture. The Mac Mini, for example, is using old tech. But every company has a product using older processors. The difference is that Apple released that model with the latest processor at the time whereas most companies would have “updated” using an older processor. That is to say that the Mac Mini is as outdated today as some of the “new” products released recently by other companies. Furthermore, the Mini’s Target market is who? Elementary schools? Grandmothers? Media servers? The Mini is not marketed as a powerhouse, and the chips suitable for it have not made any notable gains, other than power efficiency, which only benefits notebook computers. By not updating, Apple also reduces skus and reduces the number of machines they need to update for firmware and so on. Again, more is not more. You don’t need a Xeon in a machine used for browsing Facebook and word processing.

 

[9081094]

Typical Apple: Refuses to update a product, but also refuses to kill it, leaving customers lingering for years.

This is a great example of greed. Apple is targeting the dummies and has been doing so since 2012. Tim Cook might be a financial wonder but he killed the soul of the company.

I see crippled software, outdated hardware across the entire line, and services that aren’t competitive with what’s out on the market already.

Education is lost. Movie making, publishing, areas what made them big, is lost. iOS marketshare is getting smaller worldwide every year. MacBook Pro with the touchbar ergonomic disaster is way overpriced.

Can’t believe this is happening from a company named Apple.

 

[HPDoor]

This Velop thing has no USB connections ? I have converted my Airport Extreme into an Airport Time Capsule by hanging 2 external hard disk drives on the USB's providing continues back for our 2 laptops. These HD's need an external power supply but further function perfectly.
I am looking forward to a new Airport Extreme with an option to connect ADSL directly to the Airport: maybe have to wait a long time...

 

[ViktorEvil]

sold my AirPort Extreme and 2 Airport Expresses last year and bought a Unifi access point, router and gateway and my internet signal and speed throughout my house has never been better and the entire thing is infinitely more configurable

 

[frabber]

Apple recently began selling the Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System both online and in its retail stores, marking the first router the company has offered aside from its own rather outdated AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and AirPort Time Capsule.

Apple has not updated the AirPort Time Capsule or the AirPort Extreme since June of 2013, and it's been even longer since the AirPort Express was last updated -- 2012. A late 2016 rumor even suggested Apple had stopped development on its line of AirPort base stations entirely, disbanding its AirPort team and moving engineers to other projects.

Two Node Linksys Velop System​

Though Apple has not updated the AirPort line in years and is now selling a third-party WiFi system, the company appears to be planning to continue to offer AirPort options for the foreseeable future. In a statement provided to 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson said the Linksys Velop is an option being provided to people with larger homes alongside the AirPort.While Apple is continuing to offer its AirPort base stations for now, the devices won't last forever sans update. Given Apple's move to sell a third-party Wi-Fi product, it's looking like the company does not have plans to update the lineup going forward.

The AirPort base stations provide several unique benefits that are not available with third-party options like built-in Time Machine backup support in the Time Capsule and AirPlay functionality for the AirPort Express. It's possible Apple has plans to incorporate these features and Wi-Fi networking functionality into a future product, but if so, there are no rumors suggesting that's the case at this point.

Apple's AirPort lineup​

The Linksys Velop that Apple is offering is designed to create a tri-band high-range mesh network able to provide a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout the home, putting an end to areas where Wi-Fi signal is weak. The Velop consists of multiple Nodes used to create an extended Wi-Fi network. Each of the Nodes is able to increase Wi-Fi range by up to 2,000 square feet, and because it increases range wirelessly, there are no wires to deal with.

Apple sells the Velop in two configurations, with either two or three nodes, for $349 or $499.

Article Link: Apple Now Selling Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System But Will Continue Offering AirPort Line

[doublepost=1515672421][/doublepost]How come Apple doesn't research these lines of products? Or do they only want to sell tablets and watches?
Common Apple not everything you R&D into should be based on market share sales. We do need modular high end apple desktop / server, certainly WIFI / backup stations, VR and what not.

Stop disbanding these teams and don't forget the prosumer.