Apple has announced that it’s killing off its AirPort, AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule routers.
The death of Apple’s router business has been a long time coming, with Bloomberg reporting in November 2016 that the firm had disbanded the team responsible for the development of its routers. Now it’s told Engadget that after its current stock of AirPort, AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule base stations has been depleted, it will not be replenished – marking the end of the once-lucrative router division.
Apple did note, however, that it will continue to offer support, repairing hardware and rolling out bug fixes when required, to those who purchased an AirPort, AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule during their time on the market. It also added that it might return to the router-making space sometime in the future if it’s able to find a way to out-innovate the competition (Google, Linksys, Netgear, etc.).
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The Cupertino-based company told Trusted Reviews that customers will still be able to purchase routers from the Apple Store – just not the AirPort, AirPort Extreme or Time Capsule. It has a number of fantastic alternatives available, though, including the fan-favourite Linksys Velop Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi System, which retails for £275.95 ($349.95) for a two-pack and £399.95 ($479.95) for a three-pack.
Naturally, those seeking a replacement for their AirPort, AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule will be feeling a little lost. That’s why Apple is putting together a series of knowledge base documents to help guide customers looking for a new router. But for those who need something right now, it suggests picking up a router with support for the IEEE 802.11ac wireless standard and WPA2 Personal encryption.
What do you think about Apple’s decision to discontinue the AirPort, AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule? Let us know over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
