Back in November we heard a rumor that Apple would stop making its Airport range of routers and devices.
Apple has now officially announced that it is stopping the production of its AirPort Wireless Routers. This range includes the AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme. Additionally, Apple is also discontinuing both models of their AirPort Time Capsule.
Details on Discontinued Products
The AirPort Express, known for its compact design and ease of use, was a popular choice for users looking to extend their Wi-Fi network or stream music wirelessly via AirPlay. The AirPort Extreme, on the other hand, offered more robust performance and advanced features, making it suitable for larger homes and offices. The AirPort Time Capsule, available in 2TB and 3TB models, combined a wireless router with a built-in hard drive for automatic backups using Apple’s Time Machine software.
Despite the discontinuation, Apple will continue to sell these products until the existing stock is depleted. The company has now listed these devices as obsolete on their website. This means that while they will still be available for purchase, no new units will be manufactured, and support for these devices will gradually phase out.
Pricing and Future Prospects
Interestingly, Apple has not reduced the prices of these devices even though they have been discontinued. The AirPort Express is priced at $99, the AirPort Extreme at $199, and the 2TB AirPort Time Capsule costs $299, while the 3TB version is priced at $399. This pricing strategy suggests that Apple believes there is still value in these products, possibly due to their reliability and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
As for the future, it remains unclear whether Apple has any new devices in the works to replace the discontinued AirPort range. Speculation is rife that Apple may introduce new networking solutions, potentially leveraging advancements in Wi-Fi technology and smart home integration. If Apple does have new products in development, they may be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June.
The discontinuation of the AirPort line marks the end of an era for Apple’s networking hardware. The AirPort routers were among the first to offer easy setup and management through a user-friendly interface, setting a standard for consumer networking devices. However, with the rise of mesh networking systems and more advanced routers from other manufacturers, the AirPort line has faced stiff competition in recent years.
For users who have relied on AirPort devices, the transition to other networking solutions may require some adjustment. Popular alternatives include mesh systems like Google Nest WiFi, Eero, and Netgear Orbi, which offer seamless coverage and easy management through mobile apps. These systems often provide better performance and more features than the aging AirPort devices.
In conclusion, while the discontinuation of the AirPort range may be disappointing for some, it also opens up opportunities for Apple to innovate and potentially introduce new products that better meet the needs of modern users. Whether through new hardware or enhanced software solutions, Apple’s commitment to providing seamless and reliable connectivity is likely to continue.
Source 9 to 5 Mac
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