Skip to main content

Apple discontinues AirPort Extreme, Time Capsule as it exits Wi-Fi router business

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple has now fully exited the wireless router business. The company had previously stopped selling the AirPort Express router, and now Apple’s website and retail stores will no longer carry the AirPort Extreme or AirPort Time Capsule models. Users interested in the Apple-made router will have to turn to other retailers, third-party sellers, or eBay to find any remaining inventory before it sells out for good.

Recommended Videos

When Apple debuted its AirPort line, the routers offered a modern, stylish alternative to most routers on the market with their black, boxy designs containing a protrusion of antennas. The AirPort routers feature Apple’s aesthetics and are designed to complement the Mac inside the home. However, since then, newer alternatives that offer a similarly attractive design but come with more features have emerged. Mesh networks from Eero, Google, Huawei, Netgear, Linksys, and others have an attractive design and can blanket the whole house in Wi-Fi signal so you won’t have any dead spots.

Apple has not announced a true challenger to these new mesh networking equipment. Apple’s AirPort Time Capsule made backing up important files easy by including a hard drive inside the router. As an alternative, users can either connect a hard drive to their routers, purchase a network-attached storage (NAS) device, or rely on the cloud for backups. Apple also provides its own cloud-based storage in the form of iCloud, and unlike the Time Capsule, Apple sells iCloud as a subscription plan, which will give the company an ongoing revenue stream as long as Apple users maintain a paid subscription. For users, iCloud also offers more convenience, as files can be accessed anywhere and on any device, and ythere’s also access to the latest version of your files.

Even though Apple has discontinued the AirPort line, 9to5 Mac reported that the company will continue to support existing users. The company will push out software updates to address security fixes or stability issues as needed.

If you’re in the market for a new router, be sure to check out our picks for the best routers on the market today. There are more choices for a stylish home router today than when the AirPort debuted.

Chuong Nguyen
Silicon Valley-based technology reporter and Giants baseball fan who splits his time between Northern California and Southern…
Don’t miss this chance to buy a MacBook Air at $200 off
The MacBook Air on a table in front of a window.

For those who have always wanted to get one of Apple's MacBooks but can't stomach the price tag, here's your chance to buy one for a relatively affordable price. Best Buy has slashed the price of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 to only $699, for savings of $200 on its sticker price of $899. You need to act fast though, as there's always high demand for MacBook deals. The stocks that are up for sale may already be gone as soon as tomorrow.

Why you should buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3

Read more
This HP Chromebook is under half-price today — just $190
The HP Chromebook 14 laptop on a white background.

You should turn your attention towards Chromebook deals if you want to buy a new laptop on a tight budget, and we've found an offer that you won't want to miss. From its original price of $410, the HP Chromebook 14 is down to just $190 for savings of $220 from Walmart. You won't always have the chance to get this device for less than half-price though -- in fact, the opportunity may be gone as soon as tomorrow. If you want to take advantage of the discount, you need to buy the Chromebook right now.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14

Read more
Avast’s most complete antivirus plan is 70% off right now
Couple making selfie inside car with open window.

Avast has been popping off with incredible deals this month. The antivirus company recently offered 70% off its Premium tier of virus protection. For the next 30 days, Avast is extending that offer to its Ultimate tier of protection. That means you can protect one device with Avast Ultimate for $33 for a year, down from its usual $110. If you want to cover 10 devices, you'll only pay $42 instead of $140.

Let's dive into what Avast Ultimate offers and why you might want it over the free tier or the Premium plan. This deal is live now, and will stick around for the next four weeks.

Read more