According to a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple will stop developing its AirPort wireless routers.
Apple has apparently been moving members of its AirPort team to other products over the last 12 months.
Impact on Apple’s Ecosystem
Exiting the router business could make Apple’s product ecosystem less sticky. Some features of the AirPort routers, including wireless music playback, require an Apple device like an iPhone or Mac computer. If the company no longer sells wireless routers, some may have a reason to use other phones and PCs. This move could potentially lead to a decrease in the seamless integration that Apple users have come to expect. For instance, the AirPort Express allowed users to stream music wirelessly to speakers via AirPlay, a feature that was particularly popular among audiophiles and home entertainment enthusiasts.
Moreover, the AirPort routers were known for their ease of use and integration with other Apple products. They provided a straightforward setup process through the AirPort Utility app, which was available on both macOS and iOS. This level of convenience is something that Apple users highly value, and moving away from this could push some users to explore other ecosystems that offer similar or better integration.
Market Performance and Strategic Decisions
Apple has not released a new AirPort router in the last three years, and the company does not sell a massive amount of them compared to devices like the iPhone. The last models, the AirPort Extreme and AirPort Time Capsule, were released in 2013. Despite their advanced features at the time, such as dual-band Wi-Fi and built-in storage for backups, they have become outdated in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The decision to exit the router business could be seen as a strategic move to focus on more profitable and high-demand products. Apple has been increasingly concentrating on its core products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, as well as expanding its services sector, which includes Apple Music, iCloud, and the App Store. By reallocating resources from the AirPort team to these areas, Apple could potentially drive more innovation and growth in its primary revenue streams.
Additionally, the router market has become highly competitive with numerous players offering advanced features at competitive prices. Companies like Google, with its Google WiFi, and other tech giants have introduced mesh networking systems that provide better coverage and performance. These advancements have made it challenging for Apple to justify continuing its investment in the AirPort line.
However, this move does not necessarily mean that Apple users will be left without options. Many third-party routers are compatible with Apple devices and offer similar, if not better, performance and features. For example, mesh Wi-Fi systems like Eero, Netgear Orbi, and Google Nest WiFi provide extensive coverage and seamless connectivity, which can be easily integrated into an Apple-centric home network.
In conclusion, while the discontinuation of the AirPort routers marks the end of an era for Apple, it also signifies a strategic shift towards focusing on more lucrative and innovative areas. Users who have relied on AirPort routers for their seamless integration with Apple products will need to explore alternative options, but the market offers plenty of capable replacements. This decision reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to streamline its product lineup and concentrate on areas with the highest growth potential.
Source Bloomberg
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