Apple reviving its discontinued AirPort router has never looked more likely

Once upon a time, Apple made Wi-Fi routers called AirPorts. But the company abandoned the router scene and launched the last AirPort Discontinued in 2018. Now, a series of recent rumors are raising hopes that a new airport is on the way.

Apple heavily promotes new home devices

Apple has historically viewed home devices as a hobby.

Take a look at the current lineup: HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K.

None of these devices have received significant investment from Apple. They don’t get meaningful updates very often. Apple seems content to push them out into the world and then basically let them go.

Apple has also established a smart home ecosystem called HomeKit and invested in the cross-platform Matter platform. But it doesn’t make any of its own home accessories, such as light bulbs, security cameras, and more.

But starting next year, that will change.

Apple is gearing up to make a big push into new developments in home devices.

Expected to launch in 2025 New Apple TV and HomePod mini Hardware, plus New “HomePad” device.

So, Apple is expected to launch it in 2026 Launched smart home camera— This could be the first of several new smart home accessories.

Home is no longer just an interest for Apple. Thus, the groundwork was laid for the return to the airport.

But there’s another key tip that bodes well for AirPort fans.

Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip is coming soon

Apple is It is said It no longer uses Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combination chips in its devices.

Substitute? Apple’s own in-house solution.

The company will begin using its own Wi-Fi chips in a variety of devices.

By 2025, this means:

• iPhone 17
• New Apple TV
• New HomePod Mini
• And maybe a HomePad

By 2026, iPads and Macs will also use new chips.

Mark Gurman wrote:

Apple aims to develop an end-to-end wireless approach that is tightly integrated with other components and more energy efficient…With domestic wireless chips in Apple’s smart home devices, the products will work more closely together and potentially synchronize data more quickly

Apple’s control of the Wi-Fi chips in its devices, coupled with its new ambitions for home devices, has given rise to new hopes for new AirPort routers.

Revitalizing AirPort to strengthen the Apple ecosystem

exist Reflecting on the history of airportsit’s clear the product has a loyal following.

Now, Apple has more reason than ever to make its own routers.

It produces more products than ever before and continues to strengthen those products Strong ecosystem integration.

With a new slate of home devices in development and internal Wi-Fi chips now available, the new AirPort will give Apple even greater potential to create “magical moment‘For users.

Most Apple devices are of little use without a stable internet connection, and by creating the new AirPort, Apple has the opportunity to control the entire user experience over Wi-Fi – and soon, 5G also has.

It’s going to be a tall order, but Apple has all the tools and motivation to re-enter the router market. Now, the stars may be gearing up for an airport renaissance in the coming years.

Do you think Apple should make a new AirPort router? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.

Best HomeKit Smart Home Accessories