Apple Releases Firmware Update for AirPort Express With AirPlay 2 Support

[ceraz]

Has anyone experienced multi-user issues like me?

I added the Airport Express (AE) 3rd generation as a speaker in my Home App. The speakers are configured to allow access anyone on the LAN. I have no issue asking siri to play music to the AE called "kitchen". I can also go manually and select the AE Kitchen in controller center as target airplay speaker with or without other speakers.

My wife's iPhone can select the AE Kitchen as target airplay device from the IOS control centre and any other specific Airplay speakers (for me this is new IOS Airplay 2 functionality). However, she cannot add the speaker to her home app (refused or not found). And asking Siri to "play music to the Kitchen" is rejected the message is "speaker not found".

However, if I share my home app with her phone, siri can target the speaker ie "play music in the kitchen".

There seems to be some issues with multiple users sharing the same Airplay 2 speakers or this is limited to airport express. Has anyone experienced the same?

PS: My AEs (I have a few) are also configured as access points.

 

[MiamiC70]

Dude. Use your nogin. There is no audio port on your time capsule. It was never meant to be an audio device. This firmware update is for the express because it was always advertised as an airplay device and now it is just getting the next version.

I can’t get over how many entitled people are in these forums. You people just hear that someone else is getting something nice and automatically squawk that you’re not getting one.

Not about that. They have not updates it in years and there are PLENTy of features they CAN add or enhance on it.

 

[weezin]

I was so happy to hear this news and was really hoping it would happen.

I had actually just picked up a (cosmetically bruised) 2012 Airport Express from a local thrift shop for $14 (!!!) and decided to check on Airplay 2 compatibility and found this thread. Not sure how I missed it before, but I updated it and it works fantastically.

 

[Kermetajb]

Not about that. They have not updates it in years and there are PLENTy of features they CAN add or enhance on it.

Um.... it is about that. You came to an airplay 2 thread to complain about why the extreme doesn’t get this update. Read your words.

 

[FireArse]

Well done Apple - great long term support for this. You'll get rewarded with another purchase (if I can find one).

For any Apple dev staff on this - thank you, these forums show how much it means.

F

Well - true to my word, I've just gone and bought two AirPort Express units. In my view, there are some compelling reasons to stick with this line of 802.11 hardware. Trusting the software developers in Cupertino above Netgear or third party suppliers to the cable companies is key.

Thank you for supporting this line Apple.

 

[Dbear1000]

AirPort Express (and AppleTV) have always supported multi-room playback. Am I missing something, or hearing things every Saturday during chore time and I blast the music in every room?

Now I'm afraid to update lest this conveniently breaks functionality with my older Airport Expresses

[doublepost=1538674517][/doublepost]Airport Express (via Airplay) supported multi-room playback only through a computer. On the iphone, you could only send audio to one set of speakers. I can now fully control all of the speakers in my house just like Sonos. I updated all 7 of my Airport Express 2012 devices. The update does not change or break any other functionality. Thank you Apple!!!

 

[perhorn60]

Apple today released updated 7.8 firmware for 2012 802.11n AirPort Express models, introducing support for AirPlay 2.

The new software can be downloaded onto compatible AirPort Express devices using the AirPort Utility app for iOS devices.

After downloading the firmware update, AirPort Express users have reported being able to target the AirPort Express right alongside other AirPlay 2 devices when running iOS 11.4.1 or iOS 12. With the AirPlay 2 update, 2012 AirPort Express models offer support for multi-room audio and are able to work with other AirPlay 2 devices such as the HomePod, the Apple TV, and Sonos speakers.

There has been speculation that the AirPort Express would be updated to include AirPlay 2 support after the accessory started showing up in the Home app as an AirPlay 2 accessory in the iOS 12 beta.

Apple in April announced that its entire AirPort wireless router lineup, AirPort Express included, had been discontinued. Apple sold the AirPort Express until available stock ran out, but it is no longer available for purchase at this time.

Because the AirPort Express was discontinued, it wasn't clear if it would indeed gain AirPlay 2 support because Apple's AirPort unit was disbanded, but Apple did indeed opt to introduce support for customers who are still using the AirPort Express units.

Apple plans to provide service and parts for current AirPort Base stations for the next five years.

Article Link: Apple Releases Firmware Update for AirPort Express With AirPlay 2 Support

Hi,
I'mlooking for at device I can connect to my receiver's Phone Out and send signal to my AirPlay 2 devices - an AirPlay 2 transmitter.
Will the AirPort Express be able to do that after the upgrade?
Thanks

 

[Donar]

That will not work, the AirportExpress only has an output.

 

[weezin]

I was so happy to hear this news and was really hoping it would happen.

I had actually just picked up a (cosmetically bruised) 2012 Airport Express from a local thrift shop for $14 (!!!) and decided to check on Airplay 2 compatibility and found this thread. Not sure how I missed it before, but I updated it and it works fantastically.

Just picked up another latest-get used Express for $16. Loving how cheap these can be and how useful they still are!

 

[drtrick]

I just got off a support call about trying to control audio out on the airport express in the home app. I was told that there is still another firmware update in the works. here's to hoping

 

[dazultra]

I'm actually having trouble getting my Airport Express units to function again period as audio receivers since changing the config in hopes the update would appear. I select Join network and plug them in and it can't find them at all anymore. No luck so far in getting them to operate again as normal. Same settings, no connection.

Both my expresses have been killed by the update. Worked for a few hours then both died. Reset then die again after not to long after. Now months later and constantly trying , I’ve realising the update might have ended there life. Anyone else having this problem?

 

[mbdownunder]

Anyone else having this problem?

Not me. I updated both of mine as soon as the update came out. They're both still working perfectly three months later.

 

[MagnusVonMagnum]

2nd Gen 802.11N (2008) units now offer 7.8.1 as an update. I don't know if that means they finally support Airplay 2 or not (or if they just get the security update).

Edit: I tested with my ATV 4K (circles appear by Airplay 2 devices). The 7.8.1 update did NOT add Airplay 2 support to the 2008 model Airport Express units. Apple probably should have used a different firmware numbering system as 7.8 implied Airplay 2. They should have called it 7.6.10 or something instead on older units, IMO if it's just a security update.

 

[ceraz]

2nd Gen 802.11N (2008) units now offer 7.8.1 as an update. I don't know if that means they finally support Airplay 2 or not (or if they just get the security update).

Edit: I tested with my ATV 4K (circles appear by Airplay 2 devices). The 7.8.1 update did NOT add Airplay 2 support to the 2008 model Airport Express units. Apple probably should have used a different firmware numbering system as 7.8 implied Airplay 2. They should have called it 7.6.10 or something instead on older units, IMO if it's just a security update.

Confirmed that Airplay 2 support came with update 7.8. Great move by Apple.

I remember reading somewhere that airplay 2 support is for the 2012 model. So check up on that.

 

[bubsdaddy]

Confirmed that Airplay 2 support came with update 7.8. Great move by Apple.

I remember reading somewhere that airplay 2 support is for the 2012 model. So check up on that.

Correct. Airplay 2 is available for the 2012 Airport Express but the firmware update did not add Airplay 2 support to the 2008 Airport Express.