Once upon a time, Apple made Wi-Fi routers called AirPorts. But the company abandoned the router scene with its last AirPort discontinued in 2018. Now, a slew of recent rumors provide hope that a new AirPort could be on the way.
Big new home device push coming from Apple
Apple has historically treated home devices like a hobby.
Take a look at the current lineup of products: there’s HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K.
None of these devices receive a ton of investment from Apple. They don’t get meaningful updates often. Apple seems content to just put them out into the world, then mostly let them be.
Apple has also built a smart home ecosystem called HomeKit, and invested in the cross-platform Matter platform too. But it doesn’t create any of its own home accessories like lightbulbs, security cameras, etc.
But starting next year, things will change.
Apple is preparing a big new push with home devices.
2025 is expected to see launches for new Apple TV and HomePod mini hardware, plus the brand new ‘HomePad’ device.
Then, in 2026 Apple is expected to launch a smart home camera—the first of what could be several new smart home accessories.
Home won’t be just a hobby for Apple anymore. Thus, setting the stage for an AirPort return.
But there’s another key hint that bodes well for AirPort fans.
Apple’s new Wi-Fi chips rolling out soon
Apple is reportedly moving away from using Broadcom’s combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips in its devices.
The replacement? Apple’s own in-house solution.
The company will start using its own Wi-Fi chip across a wide range of devices.
In 2025 that means:
- iPhone 17
- new Apple TV
- new HomePod mini
- and likely the HomePad too
Then in 2026, iPads and Macs will adopt the new chip as well.
Mark Gurman writes:
Apple’s goal is to develop an end-to-end wireless approach that is tightly integrated with its other components and more energy-efficient…With a homegrown wireless chip in Apple’s smart home devices, the products will work more closely together and potentially synchronize data more quickly
Apple controlling the Wi-Fi chips in its devices, combined with its renewed ambitions for home devices, sparks fresh hope for a new AirPort router to appear.
Reviving the AirPort to strengthen the Apple ecosystem
In reflecting on the AirPort’s history, it’s clear the product had a loyal following.
Now, Apple has more reason than ever to make a router of its own.
It makes more products than it did before, and continues strengthening those products with powerful ecosystem integrations.
With a lineup of new home devices in the works, and an in-house Wi-Fi chip going in its devices, a new AirPort would give Apple even more potential to create ‘magic moments’ for users.
Most Apple devices aren’t very useful without a solid network connection, and by making a new AirPort, Apple has an opportunity to control the full stack of the user experience on Wi-Fi—and soon, 5G too.
It would be a big undertaking, but Apple has all the tools and motivations to re-enter the router market. And now, the stars may be aligning for an AirPort revival in the years ahead.
Do you think Apple should make a new AirPort router? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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