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Well, it was only a matter of time.
In a statement made to 9to5Mac, the iPhone maker confirmed: "We’re discontinuing the Apple AirPort base station products. They will be available through Apple.com, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers while supplies last."
All three models of Apple’s first-party router – AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule – are officially being canned and, honestly, the news was a long time coming.
Back in November 2016, Bloomberg reported that Apple had shut down its AirPort team in order to shift focus to Apple TV. The product line has not been updated in almost seven years.
Apple introduced AirPort in 1999 as an easy way to get users online. The device evolved over the years to make it even easier, with easy setup software built into Mac and iOS. Other devices including the router/NAS Time Capsule were also introduced to the range.
Despite its ease of use, AirPort however was generally considered as light on features, low on power and too expensive for what it was. As the years went on, Apple continued to sell AirPort, but it became an even less viable option for users as prices remained the same and other vendors brought out smarter, more powerful and cheaper options.
And so we reach the final curtain. The AirPort, having been on death’s door for years, has finally been put out of its misery.
But this might not be Airport’s end though. Apple told Engadget that it is leaving the door open – if it feels that it can make a ‘meaningful contribution’ to the space.
Speculation will now likely turn to the Mac Mini, which hasn’t received an update since 2014. Is Apple’s pint-sized desktop next on the chopping block? Only time will tell.
