Apple 'Not' Working on New AirPort, But Apple TV and HomePod Provide Glimmer of Hope - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple 'Not' Working on New AirPort, But Apple TV and HomePod Provide Glimmer of Hope

by

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple is developing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that will debut in new Apple TV and HomePod mini models next year. The report led to hopes that Apple might also use the chip to revive its line of AirPort routers, which were discontinued in 2018, but those dreams have been dashed by Gurman himself.

Apple AirPort Routers
In his Power On newsletter today, the well-connected journalist said that Apple is "not" currently working on new AirPort routers.

Gurman did offer a glimmer of hope. He said that Apple's in-house Wi-Fi chip is "so sophisticated" that it could "theoretically" turn a home device like a future Apple TV or HomePod into a wireless access point. However, he did not confirm if Apple will actually follow through with that idea, so keep your expectations low for the time being.

Apple's in-house Wi-Fi chip could still have other benefits for the next Apple TV and HomePod mini models, including Wi-Fi 6E support.

Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod
Tag: Mark Gurman
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod (Caution)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

Popular Stories

General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Releases Second watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6 and visionOS 26.6 Betas

Monday June 15, 2026 10:06 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the second betas of upcoming watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6, and visionOS 26.6 betas for testing purposes. The software comes three weeks after Apple seeded the first betas. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. There's no word on what's in the...
Read Full Article • 6 comments
f 5d631a2d7714517b0b0137e38aadf744d175cb3e

Apple Releases First iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 Betas to Developers

Monday June 8, 2026 11:40 am PDT by
Following the WWDC 2026 keynote event, Apple has seeded the first betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27 to developers for testing purposes. Registered developers can opt in to betas and download the software through the Settings app on each device. The software includes many of the new features that were shown off earlier today, though some of what...
Read Full Article • 107 comments
Apple TV 2025 Thumb 2 Sans Text

Apple Announces tvOS 27 With These New Features

Monday June 8, 2026 2:00 pm PDT by
Apple barely touched on tvOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote today, but the update exists, and it adds some new features to the Apple TV. In a slide that was shown very briefly during the keynote, Apple revealed some of tvOS 27's new features and enhancements: A redesigned Podcasts app Smoother app launches and animations Faster AirPlay connectivity with other Apple devices Smart ...
Read Full Article • 79 comments

Top Rated Comments

jent Avatar
jent
20 months ago
Please make routers again! Time Capsule was incredible, and made backups for regular people’s Macs so easy. And this could also push HomeKit into more homes, giving more Apple users a Thread/Matter hub.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
20 months ago
This is the product I've most wanted from them again

I do not understand why they won't keep making them
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
211 Avatar
211
20 months ago

This is the product I've most wanted from them again

I do not understand why they won't keep making them
Apple prefers to focus its energy on things people haven’t been asking for or need
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maximit Avatar
maximit
20 months ago
WiFi 6E? I would hope they have WiFi 7! Im a network engineer but I still use AirPorts and Time Capsules at my house, they work great up to 1gbps wireless speed with MIMO on a private DFS channel (forced with a hack), also still have two AirPort Express units for Airplay use. I do wish they had some 2.5g or 10g ports on them and faster access speed on the TimeCapsule as I use it for file sharing. There is no big practical advantage with 6 or 6E but I might finally upgrade when WiFi 7 comes out on the MacBook line.



Attachment Image
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
20 months ago

Apple prefers to focus its energy on things people haven’t been asking for or need
Touché!
You are very very correct my friend

(everyone) "Please make routers again!"

(Apple) "Here's a VR headset and an iPad on a docking stand to control lights you don't own"
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H
hieranonymous
20 months ago
A HomePod that connects directly to a broadband modem and functions as a wireless router would slap.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments