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Apple Dropping AirPort Utility From the App Store With iOS 27

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Apple is planning to remove the AirPort Utility app from the App Store in the near future, according to the release notes for iOS 27 beta 2. The app is no longer fully supported in ‌iOS 27‌, and Apple warns that it is not guaranteed to work.

Apple AirPort Routers

AirPort Utility will no longer be available for new downloads from the App Store. If you previously downloaded the app, you can still re-download it. When using AirPort Utility on iOS 27 and later, functionality is not guaranteed.

Users who have downloaded AirPort Utility in the past will be able to re-download it if needed.

Apple also plans to remove AirPort Utility from new installations of macOS, but users who already have it installed will continue to be able to use it after updating to new versions of macOS. As with ‌iOS 27‌, Apple says it isn't guaranteed to work in macOS Golden Gate.

AirPort Utility lets users manage AirPort base stations like the AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and AirPort Time Capsule. Apple discontinued its AirPort routers back in 2018, but has continued to support them through the AirPort Utility app.

With ‌macOS Golden Gate‌, Apple is eliminating AFP support, which means the Time Machine feature on Macs will no longer work with the AirPort Time Capsule.

With Time Capsule support ending and Apple sunsetting the AirPort Utility app, it's clear Apple does not plan to continue offering updates to users who are still holding on to their AirPort devices.

Related Roundups: iOS 27, iPadOS 27
Tag: App Store
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Top Rated Comments

EugW Avatar
EugW
12 weeks ago
Dammit. My entire house is still on AirPorts. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to use one of my older Macs.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eric_WVGG Avatar
Eric_WVGG
12 weeks ago
I’m still using an Apple HiFi with an Airport Express strapped on for Airplay audio

🥺
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H
HMWausau
12 weeks ago
Well this sucks. The Airport is still a very very reliable piece of hardware. I use them in production rigs (not tied to internet) and they are simply reliable and amazing. The problem is that the only way to administer it is through the app, not a standard web browser interface. Apple kills the app, then there's no way to make any setting changes. I guess that means I'll have to maintain an old device now with my rigs so I can keep using these things. ugh.

PLEASE Apple. Get back into this game. Make an updated Airport (and express with Airplay support!)
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stiligFox Avatar
stiligFox
12 weeks ago
Dang. Still use my 2nd AirPort Express for wifi and AirPlay. It was inevitable but still unfortunate to see.

Though I reckon it can still be administrated through an older version of macOS running on a VM, so there will always be that.

Really wish Apple would make a new AirPort - there was something insanely reliable and easy to use about them. The fact that mine has been running 24/7 for the better part of a decade and still works great really says something. The same router with modern WiFi speeds would be awesome.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iAssimilated Avatar
iAssimilated
12 weeks ago

Dammit. My entire house is still on AirPorts. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to use one of my older Macs.
Same.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
redman042 Avatar
redman042
12 weeks ago
Haven't used AirPorts in a long time, but the AirPort Utility is the ONLY way I know of to scan WiFi signal strengths using an iPhone. Will be a bummer to lose that unless they add a replacement capability.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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