Apple Dropping AirPort Utility From the App Store With iOS 27

Monday June 22, 2026 12:40 pm PDT by Juli Clover

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

Popular Stories

Apple Announces This Year's App Design Award Winners Ahead of WWDC 2026

Tuesday June 2, 2026 10:18 am PDT by Juli Clover

WWDC is set to start on Monday, June 8, and ahead of the keynote event, Apple has announced the winners of its annual Apple Design Awards. The Apple Design Awards recognize apps and games for their innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement. Apple chose one app and one game for each of the six award categories. Delight and Fun - Grug (App) and Is This Seat Taken? (Game) Innovati...

• 17 comments

Apple Bringing App Store Age Verification to Texas as SB 2420 Takes Effect June 4

Wednesday June 3, 2026 12:52 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today said App Store rules in Texas are changing due to the enforcement of SB 2420, a law that adds age assurance requirements for app marketplaces and developers. Apple users located in Texas will soon be required to confirm whether they are 18 years or older when creating an Apple Account. Apple Accounts for users under 18 must be part of a Family Sharing group, and parents need to...

• 44 comments

Apple Highlights App Store Study: $1.4 Trillion in Sales Last Year, More Than 90% Commission-Free

Thursday June 4, 2026 7:58 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple today highlighted a new study by economists at Analysis Group that outlines four key App Store stats for 2025. Ahead of WWDC 2026 next week, Apple's core message with this press release is that the App Store is reaching new heights and that "developers continue to thrive globally." App Store ecosystem facilitated a record $1.4 trillion in total billings and sales Apple received no...

• 63 comments

Top Rated Comments

Eric_WVGG

1 day ago at 12:51 pm

I’m still using an Apple HiFi with an Airport Express strapped on for Airplay audio

🥺

Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)

EugW

1 day ago at 12:42 pm

Dammit. My entire house is still on AirPorts. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to use one of my older Macs.

Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)

HMWausau

1 day ago at 12:54 pm

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: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)

stiligFox

1 day ago at 12:47 pm

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: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)