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I would need a mesh system in our house. I have our second Eero (1st gen early adopter to the wifi 6 version). I'm bit nervous that Amazon bought them.
Don’t give me wrong I love my Netgear Orbi AX6000, but before that I had an airport time capsule and multiple airport expresses throughout my home and loved them!
This is a subject I have been wondering about for a while. I have often thought of and love the idea of HomePods acting as mesh routers. Everything I have thought of, Rene, you voiced it perfectly.
Imagine if it wasn’t just homepods. What if macs could be mesh wifi nodes too instead of just clients. What if all your idevices could be mesh nodes? Imagine if an iPhone wasn’t just a client on the network but also contributed to the mesh. Maybe it could even have an option to contribute to the internet speed of the network using its own cellular data (optionally, obviously, and only if your cellular service was beefy enough).
Bring back the AirPort Extreme, the routers that I have “upgraded” to have never been as reliable and stable. I like the idea of Apple devices becoming a mesh network.
I still use AirPort Extreme AC’s and they are, to this day, still the most reliable routers on earth. And they are faster than every Wi-Fi 6 router I’ve tested, still. They run my 1200mbps connection and broadcast it with less than a 1% loss. Average Wi-Fi speed in my house is 997Mbps, and that’s just due to the 866AC devices dragging things down.
@@nickmhc I tried 2 different ASUS, but both died after 4 or 6 months. Warranty repair, but only lasted a few months more. Gave up on them, now have a TP-Link AC4000, though my previous TP-Link lasted a year and a bit. I do not think it was the software but just marginal hardware. I still keep my AirPort, gen 3 I think, around in case of emergency.
I still have an AirPort Extreme in use, and take an Express with me when I travel - just in case the hotel still has ethernet. If they do, I can have have my own private Wi-Fi connection.
@@TheMysteryDriver for most people mesh is actually over-kill. 802.11ac (WiFi5) is perfectly stable and fast enough for 90% of houses. If you hardline routers in a “roaming” configuration you can get perfectly acceptable coverage even in large homes without sacrificing a band for backhaul. The disadvantage to .11ac routers is the limitations on the number of smart devices in your home before overall performance suffers. That is where Apple re-entering the router market would make me squeee.
The AirPort team largely moved on to Ubiquiti Networks, where they formed the UniFi team. UniFi routers and network equipment are all VERY Apple-like in terms of ease of use, design, packaging/unboxing experience, and more. I moved to it a couple of months ago, and it really is the new AirPort.
Indeed, was a showstopper to me as well. Gone with Linksys Velop mesh now, HomeKit capable, just a few weeks now but so far reasonably satisfied. Expensive though.
Thank you Rene - I finally and reluctantly retired my Airport Extremes & Expresses for a Netgear Orbi mesh system. They are fine, but an Apple product/concept/experience would be my first choice. We live in hope!
I so want Apple to do routers again - I recently switched to a 2 x 1Gbps Fibre connections plan and added a Linksys AX4200 alongside my 9 year old Apple Time Capsule G5 to handle both connections. On paper, the Linksys beats the Apple Time Capsule in every regard - from processor speed to ram to wifi 6 vs 5. And I had assumed Linksys would have gotten positive influences in network/firmware design from Cisco by virtue of having once been its subsidiary. Boy was I wrong, even after allowing its firmware to stabilize over more than a year, my 9 year old Apple Time Capsule still outperforms the Linksys in terms of reliability, stability and EVEN speed and throughput. Somehow Apple Time Capsule's implementation of TCP Slow Start also works to ramp up faster than my spanking new Linksys - resulting in noticeably snappier performances than the spanking new Linksys. I had originally routed bandwidth heavy and latency sensitive devices to my new Linksys thinking it'll be faster, but have now switched around to my 9 year old Apple Time Capsule instead. So yes, please make routers again, Apple!
Yes, yes, yes! I have used various post AE routers / mesh systems and none have impressed me as much as the AE line/s did when they were in production/ supported. It baffles me as to why apple just let it go. Networking/ WiFi is ever evolving so there is always a need and room for growth in the line. I hope apple is watching and listening. RR definitely hit the nail on the head with this one in my opinion.
Besides bringing the AirPorts, Apple should also bring back the original HomePod and continue working it to be part of an integrated home theatre system paired with HomePod minis as rear surround sound.
I went through this recently. I had to upgrade my network to WiFi 6 and decided to get s mesh set up. I was a little mad that Apple no longer made routers. I finally decided to buy an eero pro setup. It is the most Apple like setup I could find.
I miss apple routers. When the original airport express came out it was a audio nerds dream. It was the only cheap extender out there. the optical 1/8 jack would out put to your home stereo equipment at 16/44 CD quality sound way before all the high res streaming services. Let's not forget turning your printer into a wireless one, long before wireless printers came into vogue . In fact I still have a original airport express that I bought last year on eBay.
Although I am a HUGE Apple enthusiast, Also being a network nerd makes me torn. The people that enjoy/need to have more network control tend to already have their own preferences of equipment. Being able to manage and segment all of my devices with hardware that costs a fraction of what Apple would likely charge is going to be a tough sell to me. I’ve gotten over the learning curve of PfSense and Sophos with both feeling like second nature now. Id love to see Apple compete with the giants in this category but sadly I don’t think they’d even try. Loved the video though, always a treat when you upload!
I would really like to see them put out routers, switches, NAS appliances, and servers. Their implementation of the interfaces and software for these types of things in the past have been revolutionary. Sadly, like their defunct Xserve series, they just aren’t committed to that market and don’t offer competitive price points. Unfortunately, they’ve realized there’s a lot of big players already in these spaces and they prefer to play it safe with just consumer and pro-Sumer products than to put out any offerings.
A lot of people still use Apple Airports, I've got 3 in my house and a Time Capsule. They're still better than most new routers and if there's a power flicker they don't restart like velop or orbits do.
Since discontinued their WiFi products, I’ve used third party WiFi routers and NAS to substitute, it hasn’t been especially reliable even when purchasing high end products and configuring them properly, I’d love for to go in the direction you describe. With all the effort they are putting in to create their own cellular modems, surely it’d be a no brainer
Gosh I hope this happens. My Airport extreme is aging as are my Airport expresses. Since they are no longer updated…that’s a problem obviously. But the dang things are still rock solid. They go several months without even needing as much as rebooting. They achieve amazing 1 gig speed even from 6 yo tech.
Hi Rene: I wish that Apple would bring back there WiFi devices, but just as important to me would be to get Apple to bring back Apple Aperture. I am tried of being locked to Adobe Lightroom. Cheers, Keith
Always appreciate your thoughtful analysis. I suspect the reason Apple got out of the WiFi and even the TC business is it's a constantly evolving technology in a low margin saturated market with a huge customer support overhead. There are just too many players in the WiFi and NAS market that do a much better job. (e.g. Engenius and TrueNAS) Allows Apple to quickly deflect any customer support calls.
I still have an AirPort Extreme and it still works flawlessly (compared to other somewhat unreliable routers). But you’re right, they should venture into networking gear again so it allows for more seamless HomeKit integration in the Apple ecosystem. That’s definitely something that’s constantly dropping upon updates or whatever other compatibility issues with third party devices. “Super easy, BARELY an inconvenience!” lol
It's 2024 and I'm still using 2 Airport Extremes and 2 Express all hard wired to the main router, and it's beginning to show it's age after 14 years of continued use. Will need to upgrade soon. Any suggestions? Was looking at Orbi 6e or Deco 6e?
As a former AirPort Extreme owner I’d love to see this. The one additional feature I’d need, but is probably unlikely for Apple, is the ability to add a router level VPN service and the ability to control which devices use and don’t use the VPN.
I would totally go for this. I loved Apples Airports and Time Capsules. I begrudgingly gave up my apple Wifi system for Googles… but I still use my timecapsule for time machine. Everything you said makes sense.
Hi René, love your videos and generally agree with you but in this case I believe Apple needs to acquire a company like Ubiquity, which in my opinion is the “Apple” of the networking industry with a software-based networking infrastructure that completely and seamlessly integrates all their products very simply and elegantly. Adopting new products, whether it be an access point, doorbell or security camera happens with the click of a button. About a year ago I trashed all my legacy networking equipment and began replacing it with ubiquity and have never looked back. Most Apple users wanting simplicity can go with the Unify Dream Machine, and add things like access points as needed. I used to love a Apple Airports for their simplicity at the time. Now after using Ubiquity, given the constant evolution of networking and security, users are better off going with a company focused on this. Ubiquity took a page out of Apple’s playbook and they deliver networking products with the elegance, performance and security that any Apple user would be happy with. Apple would be way ahead of the game to acquire them, then go under the covers to add specific features for AirPlay configuration/management, etc. No reason to create an entire set of products…
I agree 100%. So much Apple kit needs solid wifi to function properly. But knowing Apple it'll only be configurable with a Mac or iPhone, no WebGUI haha.
Apple also must upgrade their music streaming hardware. An Appke TV Pro should also include some kick ass audiophile tech so people can use actual good speakers to listen to Apple Music.
Nailed it Rene. Legacy Air Ports are still selling on eBay as we speak, their longevity is legendary. My 💔 when my 8 year old AE finally fizzled out and failed to switched on when plugged in.
Many brands such as Tp-link and Netgear offer great mesh systems with easy to use interfaces and easy set up at pretty much half of the price a comparable Airport set up costed back when Apple still offered them. Honestly, I don’t see the need to pay a premium for a new Airport just because it has an Apple logo and Axx chipset in it.
Believe it or not I am still using my Airport Extreme as my main router, mainly because I'm afraid of letting in another brand of router into my home. Perhaps removing Airports at the time made sense, but I think it makes more sense than ever to bring them back now. Let's make routers great again!
A friend of mine is still using the original AirPort Extreme. Won’t be able to soon as she has to upgrade her internet plan. Mine lasted for many years.
I still using apple Airport Extreme more that 6 years and it still solid, no issue, easy to use. I also pair it with small airport as signal extend for my home. Hope that apple bring this product line back since they now plan to start using there own network module.
I have used the same Apple 802.11 N Router for 17 years. The thing will not die. Had to pay Apple $5 to enable 802.11 N on my Core 2 Duo 20 inch iMac. Weird times.
AirPort Terminal, Tim. 2-3x wifi 6E mesh nodes with 1 NAS/Time Capsule in the parent node that all allow wired backhauls. And an advanced firewall/options that kills the Pihole.
I want them to make an updated version with Wi-Fi 6e and gigabit wired for faster back up and networking speeds. Large capacity SSD Drive. Built-in home app support so You don’t need to use an iPad , Apple TV, or homePod mini to run your Apple home ecosystem. And update the OS to give it a more organized and maybe even a graphic user interface to make it easier to see what devices are connected and to manipulate and control how these devices are connected and what access they have on your network.
We were speculating about this just a few days ago. HomePod mini and Pro/max would be ideal mesh components, let alone all static devices with antennae. Better than the $10/month Shaw extenders and WITH audio et cetera.
I have a fourth generation AirPort Time Capsule. I use it both for the Time Machine feature as well as a Wi-Fi source in my home office. Hopefully it never dies!
The reason I think Apple nixed their networking gear is because they were also NAS devices. Apple would rather sell you cloud storage as a service cause it’s more profitable.
For secure backups you need something cloud like. Offsite reliable backups. I would rather a company like Apple handle all the replication and system grot required
I will never pay for a cloud subscription service. Ever.
2 роки тому+1
Great idea. I am still using AirPort Extreme and Airport express and I plan to wait until Apple brings them back before I update. Only thing to add to this video is the options support these devices will bring to Homekit devices as a mesh for Thread.
Apple definitely should bring back the Airport eco system. I’ve been saying this for years. The software was great. The hardware was great. I still use one of my old Airport Express for a private network for an iPad, or for remote uses. I’d really like to see this happen, because I don’t trust many of the companies making mesh routers and other WiFi products.
I collect Time Capsule Airport Extremes and those tiny Airport Expresses just for Homekit and simple wifi storage. I love my Qnap NAS but Apple's Time Capsule is so simple and seamless, albeit slow. God I wish Apple would make routers again. These old routers are really slow when compared to modern day standards. A hybrid AppleTV + Airport Extreme + Time Capsule would be dope. Heck I wish I could use some of my AppleTV's ssd storage just like Time Capsule; I'm barely using any of the 64gb of ssd.
I must admit, since the death of Apple AirPort Extreme, my user experience has been lacking. Could be a placebo effect, but I miss the seamless interface.
I had an airport extreme when it first came out. That thing was absolute trash for the first year it was out. After the first year some updates finally made it work properly, but that first year was excruciatingly terrible.
it broke my heart when apple discontinued the airport routers i work in IT and i CONSTANTLY had issues with my clients tplink devices, the weak radios in the netgear routers... but you know what just worked, and did it all well when i came home? my trusty old airport extreme. i moved and my home is larger now, so i switched to an eero mesh system that i'm... content with... and i have my airport extreme mounted on the wall as an art piece, in dedication to something that just worked.
I still use an airport extreme base station coupled with an airport express to extend wifi range, other routers s*ck, they really do! Airport setup is easy and fun to do, it's enough for what my household needs and uses. As long as my airport setup works, i will not get rid of it, i like it! I hope that apple will make another router line up again
Hi! Currently I’m having this setup: main router - 5ghz only output, and range extender - 5ghz input and 2ghz only output (for smart home devices only +iPhone). I consider buying AirPort Time Capsule as the main router, and AirPort Extreme as the extender. The question is if I will be able to use this exact input/output with AirPort setup? Many thanks!
What if Apple used mmWave spectrum for private multi-gigabit wireless in home in conjunction with Massive MIMO and OFDMA. To me this seems quite familiar…
I think that would have health concerns. You’re not supposed to keep your cell phone near a baby, so it’s probably not a great idea to blast every room in your house with mmWave
@@ryanfraley7113 maybe not, but it’s a lot more wireless radiation than today’s WiFi, and if you inhabit your home for most of your life, every room having a transmitter/receiver, that’s a lot of exposure over a long time period.
I want Apple to have AirPort routers working like Plume’s mesh network of Superpods with Wi-Fi 6. I have 3 pods one for every 2 rooms. And I have the fastest Wi-Fi everywhere.
You missed it totally. What Apple needs is an M1 Max powered HomeKit hub with huge AirPlay 2 audio routing capacity (25 streams +), AirPlay based 4K/8k DolbyVision video distribution, support for 500+ HomeKit devices, 10Gb network distribution and easy manageability. Marry the AirPort Extreme, Ubiquiti UDM Pro, and HomeKit hub into one set of devices.
A wifi mesh system with built-in home kit integration would certainly simplify this tech quagmire (if Home Kit was more universally integrated into third party devices).
Power line networking combined with mesh combined with video on demand combined with cctv combined with backup. Wireless mostly, but think what could happen with power cords
Talking of AirPort Im still using AirPort Extreme 5th gen as my router, in 2022 what should the IPv6 setting be, mine has always been Link-local only, should I not be using that nowadays and use Automatic ?
To be honest, I don't see much benefit in compare to existing devices like UniFi - we have them in our house on the ceilings (we prepared ethernet cables during the construction, so it's there without any visible wires). They are powerful and works great including roaming between APs when you are walking around the house and streaming something. The only thing I can image is HomePod mini with an ethernet port and PoE, then it would be a nice AP with an extra function.
I’m just wondering if this has not already been put in place. With appleTVs and HomePod minis (I think) being able to be home hubs, could they become part of mesh network?
What I would like from Apple is to adopt mesh or mesh like technology and identify, at least Apple devices, based on proximity to the node to give best network performance. I hate how my iPhone connects to living room eero long after I move to bedroom and to make it connect to the closest eero, I have to turn off iPhone’s wifi and turn it back on.
I've been looking at the Apple Xserve and Xserve Raid recently and I noticed that Apple is using that design language from that era with the recently launched Macbook Pros. I know this is a far stretch, but it would be incredible if Apple created a NAS/RAID storage solution powered by an M1 chip. Currently, Synology and QNAP dominate the market, but the software experience is not as modern as today's standards. I really think Apple could even push into the commercial server space with their power-efficient M1 chipset. Funny enough, Apple still has the Xserve icons in MacOS and my Qnap NAS shows up with the XServe icon when connected.
I agree Apple needs to get back wi-fi router business. I still use their Airport Extremel and have been wondering if it is it out of date by now. Do you have any recommendation as to what would be a good model to replace it.
I have an Airport Extreme at home and a slightly used Extreme I purchased off of CL. So maybe just purchase a used Apple Extreme until the next generation of AirPorts.
HomeKit could really do with some love right now... and this would be a good way to boost it. Imagine a device that could download & cache updates for all iOS devices, etc. not to mention how great AirPlay 2 still is on the old Airport Express
I have a Air port extreme 4th and it still as a rock! Working fine and reliable. I love my air port but I think it is not safe anymore, due to there is no more updates. Honestly Apple should back to manufacture routers.
I still use all three of my Apple Airport extremes at my beach house they’re so reliable way more reliable than my brand new eero pro System I have at my house.
Just retired the AirPort Extreme for ubiquiti wifi6 pro … and switch. Modular, tethered, meshy but better. If an apple network device was able to pull off video sync between two Apple TV’s, then it’s a no brainer for me.
Ethernet backhaul and advanced options (not like Eero) is necessary. Otherwise it will fail to pick up steam, like many other Apple products. It doesn't seem like Apple employees even use their own products because sometimes they make some of the most baffling decisions that sabotage things. I need a wired mesh, with a NAS/backup, and server to run Home Assistant/HomeBridge. It shouldn't be that complicated.
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🤔 Would you buy an Apple Router if they started making them again?
Wi-Fi 7 AirPort Pro would be the perfect companion for the portless iPhone… 😉
Yes.
Apple, take all my money for an Apple Router. Please.
I would need a mesh system in our house. I have our second Eero (1st gen early adopter to the wifi 6 version). I'm bit nervous that Amazon bought them.
Don’t give me wrong I love my Netgear Orbi AX6000, but before that I had an airport time capsule and multiple airport expresses throughout my home and loved them!
This is a subject I have been wondering about for a while. I have often thought of and love the idea of HomePods acting as mesh routers. Everything I have thought of, Rene, you voiced it perfectly.
Imagine if it wasn’t just homepods. What if macs could be mesh wifi nodes too instead of just clients. What if all your idevices could be mesh nodes? Imagine if an iPhone wasn’t just a client on the network but also contributed to the mesh. Maybe it could even have an option to contribute to the internet speed of the network using its own cellular data (optionally, obviously, and only if your cellular service was beefy enough).
@@ezn Helium networking and Internet of Things!
@@airbedruad I should have read your comment. I said the same thing
Rene: “Super easily,…barely an inconvenience.”
Ryan: “Super…. Hey, that’s my line.”
I understood that reference.
Same here
Bring back the AirPort Extreme, the routers that I have “upgraded” to have never been as reliable and stable. I like the idea of Apple devices becoming a mesh network.
I still use AirPort Extreme AC’s and they are, to this day, still the most reliable routers on earth. And they are faster than every Wi-Fi 6 router I’ve tested, still. They run my 1200mbps connection and broadcast it with less than a 1% loss. Average Wi-Fi speed in my house is 997Mbps, and that’s just due to the 866AC devices dragging things down.
My ASUS RT-ax86u is great and I love the management app, but I trust Apple far more
@@nickmhc I tried 2 different ASUS, but both died after 4 or 6 months. Warranty repair, but only lasted a few months more. Gave up on them, now have a TP-Link AC4000, though my previous TP-Link lasted a year and a bit. I do not think it was the software but just marginal hardware. I still keep my AirPort, gen 3 I think, around in case of emergency.
I still have an AirPort Extreme in use, and take an Express with me when I travel - just in case the hotel still has ethernet. If they do, I can have have my own private Wi-Fi connection.
@@nickmhc lol….
You’re a mind-reader, Rene. This is one of the many reasons why I so appreciate your channel! 🤙
As one who still rocks AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express devices, I most heartily agree!
You and I are on the same cruise… Grooving along with a 2TB Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme, and Airport Express…
…
@@superzero4250 I’m on board as well, with a 5th Gen Extreme and a 2nd Gen express. I’m looking on eBay for a 6th Gen extreme.
@@airbedruad I was going to say, not if I get there first… But you already thought of it before me…
…
I use Extremes the AC ones I think 1521 is the numbers. They're great and despite what people say I can hit over 900mbs on a wired connection to it.
@@TheMysteryDriver for most people mesh is actually over-kill. 802.11ac (WiFi5) is perfectly stable and fast enough for 90% of houses. If you hardline routers in a “roaming” configuration you can get perfectly acceptable coverage even in large homes without sacrificing a band for backhaul.
The disadvantage to .11ac routers is the limitations on the number of smart devices in your home before overall performance suffers. That is where Apple re-entering the router market would make me squeee.
The AirPort team largely moved on to Ubiquiti Networks, where they formed the UniFi team. UniFi routers and network equipment are all VERY Apple-like in terms of ease of use, design, packaging/unboxing experience, and more. I moved to it a couple of months ago, and it really is the new AirPort.
Yes!! They could clearly promote this as a privacy move too. Interested in the Eero but concerned now that Amazon owns it.
Indeed, was a showstopper to me as well. Gone with Linksys Velop mesh now, HomeKit capable, just a few weeks now but so far reasonably satisfied. Expensive though.
Then go for new Synology 6600ax when it comes out!
@@terryrodbourn2793 I’ll check it out
I went with a Synology a few years ago because I didn’t want anything owned by Google, Amazon.
@@abbofun9022 Imagine how expensive Apple's solution would be.
Thank you Rene - I finally and reluctantly retired my Airport Extremes & Expresses for a Netgear Orbi mesh system. They are fine, but an Apple product/concept/experience would be my first choice. We live in hope!
I so want Apple to do routers again - I recently switched to a 2 x 1Gbps Fibre connections plan and added a Linksys AX4200 alongside my 9 year old Apple Time Capsule G5 to handle both connections. On paper, the Linksys beats the Apple Time Capsule in every regard - from processor speed to ram to wifi 6 vs 5. And I had assumed Linksys would have gotten positive influences in network/firmware design from Cisco by virtue of having once been its subsidiary.
Boy was I wrong, even after allowing its firmware to stabilize over more than a year, my 9 year old Apple Time Capsule still outperforms the Linksys in terms of reliability, stability and EVEN speed and throughput. Somehow Apple Time Capsule's implementation of TCP Slow Start also works to ramp up faster than my spanking new Linksys - resulting in noticeably snappier performances than the spanking new Linksys. I had originally routed bandwidth heavy and latency sensitive devices to my new Linksys thinking it'll be faster, but have now switched around to my 9 year old Apple Time Capsule instead. So yes, please make routers again, Apple!
Agree 1000%!! I'm struggling along with my AirPortExtreme and it seems to do OK, but it's certainly not up to today's standards.
Still better then the 600$ wifi 6 crap i got from the Apple Store and sent back after 2 days of shitty wifi and shitty network app.
Yes, yes, yes! I have used various post AE routers / mesh systems and none have impressed me as much as the AE line/s did when they were in production/ supported. It baffles me as to why apple just let it go. Networking/ WiFi is ever evolving so there is always a need and room for growth in the line. I hope apple is watching and listening. RR definitely hit the nail on the head with this one in my opinion.
Besides bringing the AirPorts, Apple should also bring back the original HomePod and continue working it to be part of an integrated home theatre system paired with HomePod minis as rear surround sound.
This aged perfectly
@@YD_. still can’t pair with HomePod minis
@@marceloecalves true
I went through this recently. I had to upgrade my network to WiFi 6 and decided to get s mesh set up. I was a little mad that Apple no longer made routers. I finally decided to buy an eero pro setup. It is the most Apple like setup I could find.
I miss apple routers. When the original airport express came out it was a audio nerds dream. It was the only cheap extender out there. the optical 1/8 jack would out put to your home stereo equipment at 16/44 CD quality sound way before all the high res streaming services. Let's not forget turning your printer into a wireless one, long before wireless printers came into vogue . In fact I still have a original airport express that I bought last year on eBay.
Although I am a HUGE Apple enthusiast, Also being a network nerd makes me torn. The people that enjoy/need to have more network control tend to already have their own preferences of equipment. Being able to manage and segment all of my devices with hardware that costs a fraction of what Apple would likely charge is going to be a tough sell to me. I’ve gotten over the learning curve of PfSense and Sophos with both feeling like second nature now. Id love to see Apple compete with the giants in this category but sadly I don’t think they’d even try.
Loved the video though, always a treat when you upload!
I would really like to see them put out routers, switches, NAS appliances, and servers. Their implementation of the interfaces and software for these types of things in the past have been revolutionary. Sadly, like their defunct Xserve series, they just aren’t committed to that market and don’t offer competitive price points. Unfortunately, they’ve realized there’s a lot of big players already in these spaces and they prefer to play it safe with just consumer and pro-Sumer products than to put out any offerings.
A lot of people still use Apple Airports, I've got 3 in my house and a Time Capsule. They're still better than most new routers and if there's a power flicker they don't restart like velop or orbits do.
Since discontinued their WiFi products, I’ve used third party WiFi routers and NAS to substitute, it hasn’t been especially reliable even when purchasing high end products and configuring them properly, I’d love for to go in the direction you describe. With all the effort they are putting in to create their own cellular modems, surely it’d be a no brainer
Gosh I hope this happens. My Airport extreme is aging as are my Airport expresses. Since they are no longer updated…that’s a problem obviously. But the dang things are still rock solid. They go several months without even needing as much as rebooting. They achieve amazing 1 gig speed even from 6 yo tech.
Hi Rene: I wish that Apple would bring back there WiFi devices, but just as important to me would be to get Apple to bring back Apple Aperture. I am tried of being locked to Adobe Lightroom. Cheers, Keith
Always appreciate your thoughtful analysis. I suspect the reason Apple got out of the WiFi and even the TC business is it's a constantly evolving technology in a low margin saturated market with a huge customer support overhead. There are just too many players in the WiFi and NAS market that do a much better job. (e.g. Engenius and TrueNAS) Allows Apple to quickly deflect any customer support calls.
I still have an AirPort Extreme and it still works flawlessly (compared to other somewhat unreliable routers). But you’re right, they should venture into networking gear again so it allows for more seamless HomeKit integration in the Apple ecosystem. That’s definitely something that’s constantly dropping upon updates or whatever other compatibility issues with third party devices. “Super easy, BARELY an inconvenience!” lol
It's 2024 and I'm still using 2 Airport Extremes and 2 Express all hard wired to the main router, and it's beginning to show it's age after 14 years of continued use. Will need to upgrade soon. Any suggestions? Was looking at Orbi 6e or Deco 6e?
I agree Rene, I loved my Time Capsule. I was so annoyed when the constant power outages we had here a few years ago fried mine. It was a great 2 in 1.
As a former AirPort Extreme owner I’d love to see this. The one additional feature I’d need, but is probably unlikely for Apple, is the ability to add a router level VPN service and the ability to control which devices use and don’t use the VPN.
I would totally go for this. I loved Apples Airports and Time Capsules. I begrudgingly gave up my apple Wifi system for Googles… but I still use my timecapsule for time machine. Everything you said makes sense.
Hi René, love your videos and generally agree with you but in this case I believe Apple needs to acquire a company like Ubiquity, which in my opinion is the “Apple” of the networking industry with a software-based networking infrastructure that completely and seamlessly integrates all their products very simply and elegantly. Adopting new products, whether it be an access point, doorbell or security camera happens with the click of a button. About a year ago I trashed all my legacy networking equipment and began replacing it with ubiquity and have never looked back. Most Apple users wanting simplicity can go with the Unify Dream Machine, and add things like access points as needed. I used to love a Apple Airports for their simplicity at the time. Now after using Ubiquity, given the constant evolution of networking and security, users are better off going with a company focused on this. Ubiquity took a page out of Apple’s playbook and they deliver networking products with the elegance, performance and security that any Apple user would be happy with. Apple would be way ahead of the game to acquire them, then go under the covers to add specific features for AirPlay configuration/management, etc. No reason to create an entire set of products…
I agree 100%. So much Apple kit needs solid wifi to function properly. But knowing Apple it'll only be configurable with a Mac or iPhone, no WebGUI haha.
Apple also must upgrade their music streaming hardware. An Appke TV Pro should also include some kick ass audiophile tech so people can use actual good speakers to listen to Apple Music.
Y’a like quick access to reduce loud sound option and output setting to switch from surround to stereo.
Connect ATV4K to a AVR.
Yeah it was called HomePod
You are a genius, Rene! I am looking for a new router & NAS for my home and what you are proposing would solve 90 % of my needs 🎉🎉🎉
Nailed it Rene. Legacy Air Ports are still selling on eBay as we speak, their longevity is legendary.
My 💔 when my 8 year old AE finally fizzled out and failed to switched on when plugged in.
Many brands such as Tp-link and Netgear offer great mesh systems with easy to use interfaces and easy set up at pretty much half of the price a comparable Airport set up costed back when Apple still offered them. Honestly, I don’t see the need to pay a premium for a new Airport just because it has an Apple logo and Axx chipset in it.
Believe it or not I am still using my Airport Extreme as my main router, mainly because I'm afraid of letting in another brand of router into my home. Perhaps removing Airports at the time made sense, but I think it makes more sense than ever to bring them back now. Let's make routers great again!
A friend of mine is still using the original AirPort Extreme. Won’t be able to soon as she has to upgrade her internet plan. Mine lasted for many years.
I replaced a Time Capsule that was really showing its age with a Velop mesh and a NAS box.
It's not a patch on the old Time Capsule.
I still using apple Airport Extreme more that 6 years and it still solid, no issue, easy to use. I also pair it with small airport as signal extend for my home. Hope that apple bring this product line back since they now plan to start using there own network module.
Nice conclusions, but I think you just missed one of the key aspects, homekit with matter & thread!!
This would be the perfect hub & mesh! :)
I have used the same Apple 802.11 N Router for 17 years. The thing will not die.
Had to pay Apple $5 to enable 802.11 N on my Core 2 Duo 20 inch iMac. Weird times.
AirPort Terminal, Tim.
2-3x wifi 6E mesh nodes with 1 NAS/Time Capsule in the parent node that all allow wired backhauls. And an advanced firewall/options that kills the Pihole.
Tried watching using my nebula sub but it was slow and low quality so came back to here. Why doesn’t nebula have a video resolution setting?
I want them to make an updated version with Wi-Fi 6e and gigabit wired for faster back up and networking speeds. Large capacity SSD Drive. Built-in home app support so You don’t need to use an iPad , Apple TV, or homePod mini to run your Apple home ecosystem. And update the OS to give it a more organized and maybe even a graphic user interface to make it easier to see what devices are connected and to manipulate and control how these devices are connected and what access they have on your network.
We were speculating about this just a few days ago. HomePod mini and Pro/max would be ideal mesh components, let alone all static devices with antennae. Better than the $10/month Shaw extenders and WITH audio et cetera.
Yes. Very much yes. I still use my AirPort Express. It’s crucial to me and I would very much welcome an updated version.
I have a fourth generation AirPort Time Capsule. I use it both for the Time Machine feature as well as a Wi-Fi source in my home office.
Hopefully it never dies!
The reason I think Apple nixed their networking gear is because they were also NAS devices. Apple would rather sell you cloud storage as a service cause it’s more profitable.
For secure backups you need something cloud like. Offsite reliable backups. I would rather a company like Apple handle all the replication and system grot required
I will never pay for a cloud subscription service. Ever.
Great idea. I am still using AirPort Extreme and Airport express and I plan to wait until Apple brings them back before I update.
Only thing to add to this video is the options support these devices will bring to Homekit devices as a mesh for Thread.
Apple definitely should bring back the Airport eco system. I’ve been saying this for years. The software was great. The hardware was great. I still use one of my old Airport Express for a private network for an iPad, or for remote uses. I’d really like to see this happen, because I don’t trust many of the companies making mesh routers and other WiFi products.
I collect Time Capsule Airport Extremes and those tiny Airport Expresses just for Homekit and simple wifi storage. I love my Qnap NAS but Apple's Time Capsule is so simple and seamless, albeit slow. God I wish Apple would make routers again. These old routers are really slow when compared to modern day standards. A hybrid AppleTV + Airport Extreme + Time Capsule would be dope. Heck I wish I could use some of my AppleTV's ssd storage just like Time Capsule; I'm barely using any of the 64gb of ssd.
This might be crazy, but how about bringing back the HomePod, and throw a router in it. Then the HomePod Minis are mesh repeaters.
I want to live in the world you're describing Rene. We still rock an old school extreme and mourn the days when it was our only wifi port
I must admit, since the death of Apple AirPort Extreme, my user experience has been lacking. Could be a placebo effect, but I miss the seamless interface.
I had an airport extreme when it first came out. That thing was absolute trash for the first year it was out. After the first year some updates finally made it work properly, but that first year was excruciatingly terrible.
it broke my heart when apple discontinued the airport routers
i work in IT and i CONSTANTLY had issues with my clients tplink devices, the weak radios in the netgear routers... but you know what just worked, and did it all well when i came home? my trusty old airport extreme.
i moved and my home is larger now, so i switched to an eero mesh system that i'm... content with... and i have my airport extreme mounted on the wall as an art piece, in dedication to something that just worked.
I still use an airport extreme base station coupled with an airport express to extend wifi range, other routers s*ck, they really do! Airport setup is easy and fun to do, it's enough for what my household needs and uses. As long as my airport setup works, i will not get rid of it, i like it! I hope that apple will make another router line up again
I loved my Airport Time Capsule. It was a sad day when it gave up the ghost. I’ve been paying for iCloud ever since, which I’m sure Apple loves.
Amazing idea Rene. Bring it back Apple.
Hi! Currently I’m having this setup: main router - 5ghz only output, and range extender - 5ghz input and 2ghz only output (for smart home devices only +iPhone). I consider buying AirPort Time Capsule as the main router, and AirPort Extreme as the extender. The question is if I will be able to use this exact input/output with AirPort setup? Many thanks!
What if Apple used mmWave spectrum for private multi-gigabit wireless in home in conjunction with Massive MIMO and OFDMA. To me this seems quite familiar…
I think that would have health concerns. You’re not supposed to keep your cell phone near a baby, so it’s probably not a great idea to blast every room in your house with mmWave
@@alexnoyle This would be nowhere near as powerful as a cellular connection.
@@ryanfraley7113 maybe not, but it’s a lot more wireless radiation than today’s WiFi, and if you inhabit your home for most of your life, every room having a transmitter/receiver, that’s a lot of exposure over a long time period.
I used to have the Airport stuff. It didn't really work properly and it got seriously hot.
top secret... Rene Ritchie actually works for Apple R&D team
I would buy all of those. Especially HomePods with build in wifi mesh network router and thread support for even more home control.
I want Apple to have AirPort routers working like Plume’s mesh network of Superpods with Wi-Fi 6. I have 3 pods one for every 2 rooms. And I have the fastest Wi-Fi everywhere.
I'm still using my AirPort Extreme at this moment I LOVE IT
Still using Airport Time Capsule and Airport Express till today.
5:00
iCloud private relay in the network could be awesome
I already want it in the OS rather than only on Safari
You missed it totally. What Apple needs is an M1 Max powered HomeKit hub with huge AirPlay 2 audio routing capacity (25 streams +), AirPlay based 4K/8k DolbyVision video distribution, support for 500+ HomeKit devices, 10Gb network distribution and easy manageability. Marry the AirPort Extreme, Ubiquiti UDM Pro, and HomeKit hub into one set of devices.
Do you use a mesh network now, also which would you recommend?
A wifi mesh system with built-in home kit integration would certainly simplify this tech quagmire (if Home Kit was more universally integrated into third party devices).
great video but wow that nebula segue was so smooth
How come you come up with better ideas than what I can ever dream to think of Rene? 😂 we need you as a Engineer in these big tech companies
I’m still using my AirPort Extreme. It’s 12 years old
Long time apple user since 1992. YES. I’m still using their Airport. PLEASE apple. Bring them back
Power line networking combined with mesh combined with video on demand combined with cctv combined with backup. Wireless mostly, but think what could happen with power cords
Talking of AirPort Im still using AirPort Extreme 5th gen as my router, in 2022 what should the IPv6 setting be, mine has always been Link-local only, should I not be using that nowadays and use Automatic ?
I really hope they do. Setting up a secure IoT + Wifi network w/guest is a PTA and I want them to do it for me.
With Ubiquiti WAPs running OpenWRT, there is nothing more I want for my WiFi.
They should buy Ubiquiti. That would put them on the map, with what I think is a great Apple like product!
About a year ago I upgraded from 2 bridged functional Airport Extremes to Netgear Orbi AX4200.
I love my gigabit AirPort Extreme. I hope they come back to routers.
I'm still using my AirPort Time Capsule from 2013, so I'm onboard for something new!
To be honest, I don't see much benefit in compare to existing devices like UniFi - we have them in our house on the ceilings (we prepared ethernet cables during the construction, so it's there without any visible wires). They are powerful and works great including roaming between APs when you are walking around the house and streaming something. The only thing I can image is HomePod mini with an ethernet port and PoE, then it would be a nice AP with an extra function.
I’m just wondering if this has not already been put in place. With appleTVs and HomePod minis (I think) being able to be home hubs, could they become part of mesh network?
I miss my airport express. Ive moved over to Unify, but I would seriously consider getting apple wifi if they came out with it again.
What I would like from Apple is to adopt mesh or mesh like technology and identify, at least Apple devices, based on proximity to the node to give best network performance. I hate how my iPhone connects to living room eero long after I move to bedroom and to make it connect to the closest eero, I have to turn off iPhone’s wifi and turn it back on.
I've been looking at the Apple Xserve and Xserve Raid recently and I noticed that Apple is using that design language from that era with the recently launched Macbook Pros.
I know this is a far stretch, but it would be incredible if Apple created a NAS/RAID storage solution powered by an M1 chip.
Currently, Synology and QNAP dominate the market, but the software experience is not as modern as today's standards. I really think Apple could even push into the commercial server space with their power-efficient M1 chipset.
Funny enough, Apple still has the Xserve icons in MacOS and my Qnap NAS shows up with the XServe icon when connected.
I agree Apple needs to get back wi-fi router business. I still use their Airport Extremel and have been wondering if it is it out of date by now. Do you have any recommendation as to what would be a good model to replace it.
I have an Airport Extreme at home and a slightly used Extreme I purchased off of CL. So maybe just purchase a used Apple Extreme until the next generation of AirPorts.
Love the Star Trek reference!
Every plugged-in Apple products should become a part of a mesh…. Ah Ha ha ha … Rene, you just said it.
Having dealt with the horror of a Linksys Velop mesh network for the passed 6 months, I would absolutely love for Apple to come back to this market.
HomeKit could really do with some love right now... and this would be a good way to boost it. Imagine a device that could download & cache updates for all iOS devices, etc. not to mention how great AirPlay 2 still is on the old Airport Express
Can’t wait to board my next flight at Apple AirPort Pro
I’m ready to put out some money for a 4TB Time machine. Still rocking the 2GB one.
I have a Air port extreme 4th and it still as a rock! Working fine and reliable. I love my air port but I think it is not safe anymore, due to there is no more updates. Honestly Apple should back to manufacture routers.
I relied on my AirPort Extreme for years. Great router.
I still use all three of my Apple Airport extremes at my beach house they’re so reliable way more reliable than my brand new eero pro System I have at my house.
Just retired the AirPort Extreme for ubiquiti wifi6 pro … and switch. Modular, tethered, meshy but better.
If an apple network device was able to pull off video sync between two Apple TV’s, then it’s a no brainer for me.
Why I would want that is for 8-16k streaming either gaming or videos and even VR/ AR
I would also make ac WiFi ones too so less EMF
Ethernet backhaul and advanced options (not like Eero) is necessary. Otherwise it will fail to pick up steam, like many other Apple products. It doesn't seem like Apple employees even use their own products because sometimes they make some of the most baffling decisions that sabotage things. I need a wired mesh, with a NAS/backup, and server to run Home Assistant/HomeBridge. It shouldn't be that complicated.
I tend the best router coming out with the Synology 2.5 g wi-fi 6 RT-6600axdue to released later this Spring!