On its own no, but having a complete ecosystem helps to keep people sticking with Apple.
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Apple Officially Discontinues AirPort Wireless Router Lineup [Updated]
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Yes. It has to be, because few people today are going to replace the system that came from and was set up by their provider. In today’s market there is no way for Apple to assume anything else. They have to support ISP-provided devices as well as their own, and at that point why have their own?
I expect the only reason they’ve kept them on the market this long is that their engineers used them. But there are now decent solutions for engineers to use, too.
Apple has published the document
Time Machine over SMB Specification
https://developer.apple.com/library...gInternetWeb/Time_Machine_SMB_Spec/index.html
My hope is that this is enough information for router makers to support networked Time Machine properly.
Today is a sad day. Not only for Airport Extreme but for Apple over all.
Everyone has this strange feeling that the company going down hill.
Everyone has this strange feeling that the company going down hill.
This is a shame. They were great products due to how simple they made networks. Anyone could set one up, something a lot of the other router providers could learn with their clunky UIs and muddy terminology.
Apple TV and the new HomePod class of products will occupy this space, replacing the AirPort hardware and offering AirPlay 2, HomeKit, and a Siri that actually does something.
I wouldn't trust my data to Google. I'm confident in Apple and how much importance they give to designing their products and services for privacy. Our iPhones are already backed up to iCloud and no doubt that our iPhones are our most private devices, not Macs.
This is somewhat disappointing. I’ve had the AirPort Extreme since late 2014 and it’s been a very reliable router for my needs. And it’s still running well and I hope it continues to for a long time. I’m tempted to buy one as a backup.
My Airports have worked flawlessly over the decades. While the hardware may not be state-of-the-art according to some, that detail is secondary to the ease of setup and monitoring that the accompanying Airport Utility software provided. Add to that the excellent support documentation and third party guides. Many alternative home networks are unsecure and inefficient because owners couldn’t understand the setup options.
Is it worth getting one right now while supplies last ?
What are the pros/cons of deciding to buy one now vs going with another router ?
and anyone have suggestion for what the next best router is that's comparable to an airport extreme in terms of:
simplicity, ease of use, reliability, and price ?
What are the pros/cons of deciding to buy one now vs going with another router ?
and anyone have suggestion for what the next best router is that's comparable to an airport extreme in terms of:
simplicity, ease of use, reliability, and price ?
Yes, it does. Version 6.3.8 is 64-bit. You'll need the hacked version to configure older base stations and Express units; that one is 32-bit.
What is Tim Cook doing to Apple?! What the point of Apple Stores other than repair centres?
I knew the official announcement was coming but what a waste of engineering talent that could of made a modem/router for the world market with the best security and support, a product vitally essential for the internet and home network, which existing Apple products rely upon.
I knew the official announcement was coming but what a waste of engineering talent that could of made a modem/router for the world market with the best security and support, a product vitally essential for the internet and home network, which existing Apple products rely upon.
NetGear, Synology, and Qnap all make great products that support Time Machine. Paired with a robust WiFi router, you’re solid. True it’s more work than a simple elegant Apple solution, but extremely powerful and exapandable.
Appreciate it. I’m going to assume that most new routers support this. I guess I’ll have to bite the bullet one day and replace my Time Capsule.
What? Destroying? A little dramatic...
Why would Apple continue to sell a product that generates little demand. Best to get out.
It's happening now. Apple TV as a HomeKit hub was the first step; now compatible with hundreds of products. The HomePod class will continue to evolve into a complete audio solution with AirPlay 2.
And this has been clear for some time now. With Mac's only being 5% or so of revenues, I don't understand why people are always shocked by such moves.
Please use some sense. Apple didn't market it for years, didn't improve it for years, totally forgot about it, Tim Cook wasn't interested in it, the engineers were let go, and it was rumored for the last year that they are stopping it.... use some of your sense to realise that this is the reason why.
So do you have 2 of the Amplifi cubes? Do you also have any of the wireless mesh points?
Right now I have 2 Airport Extreme's hardwired to provide full house WiFi. I really don't want just a single router and wireless mesh points....I'd prefer at least 2 hard wired routers.
That’s not what asked. My question is when do you think Apple TV or HomePod will replace AirPort?
Agree. Very disappointing and sad that Tim Cook is leading Apple down this road.