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Does Apple Make Wifi Routers? Direct Answer and Key Details

Introduction If you have ever searched for networking gear with the Apple logo on it, you have probably asked yourself a very specific question: Does Apple Make Wifi Routers? The short answer is no, not anymore. But the full story is more interesting than that

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Introduction

If you have ever searched for networking gear with the Apple logo on it, you have probably asked yourself a very specific question: Does Apple Make Wifi Routers? The short answer is no, not anymore. But the full story is more interesting than that, because Apple did make Wi-Fi routers for nearly two decades, and many of them are still sitting in living rooms and home offices today.

In this article, we will give you the direct answer first, then walk through the history of Apple’s AirPort lineup, explain why the company stepped away from the router business, look at what Apple offers today for networking, compare the best alternatives, and share step-by-step guidance for anyone replacing an old AirPort router. Whether you are a long-time Mac user or simply curious about Apple’s hardware history, this guide has you covered.

Table of Contents

Direct Answer: Does Apple Make Wifi Routers?

Does Apple Make Wifi Routers? No, not anymore. Apple officially discontinued its entire AirPort router lineup in April 2018, and no new Apple-branded Wi-Fi routers have been released since then. The company no longer manufactures or sells routers under its own name.

That said, Apple did make Wi-Fi routers for roughly 18 years, starting with the original AirPort Base Station in 1999. Those devices were well regarded for their elegant design, tight integration with macOS and iOS, and ease of setup. Today, however, Apple focuses on the software side of networking, relying on third-party hardware partners to handle the physical routing.

The History of Apple Wi-Fi Routers

Apple’s router journey began at a time when wireless networking was still novel for home users. The original AirPort Base Station launched in 1999 and was one of the first consumer-friendly 802.11b Wi-Fi routers on the market. Over the years, Apple refined the lineup into three main products, each serving a slightly different purpose.

What made Apple’s routers stand out was not raw throughput, which often lagged behind competitors, but the user experience. Setup was handled through the AirPort Utility app, available on macOS and iOS, and the devices blended seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem. Features like automatic firmware updates, guest networks, and Time Machine backup integration made them especially appealing to Mac households.

AirPort Express

The AirPort Express was Apple’s compact, entry-level router. First introduced in 2004, it was small enough to plug directly into a wall outlet. Beyond routing, it doubled as an AirPlay audio receiver, letting users stream music to speakers connected via the 3.5 mm audio jack. It also supported printer sharing over USB, making it a versatile little device for small spaces.

The final version, released in 2012, supported 802.11n on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. While modest by modern standards, it was beloved for its portability and simplicity.

AirPort Extreme

The AirPort Extreme was Apple’s flagship router, designed for whole-home coverage. The 2013 redesign introduced a tall, tower-like chassis with six antennas and support for 802.11ac, which was cutting-edge at the time. It offered three Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, one WAN port, and a USB port for printer or hard drive sharing.

For many years, the AirPort Extreme was the default recommendation for Mac users who wanted a “just works” router. Its beamforming technology helped direct signal toward connected devices, and its integration with AirPort Utility made management straightforward.

AirPort Time Capsule

The AirPort Time Capsule combined an AirPort Extreme router with a built-in hard drive, available in 2 TB and 3 TB configurations. Its killer feature was seamless Time Machine backup over the network. Mac users could back up their entire system wirelessly without plugging in an external drive.

For households running multiple Macs, the Time Capsule was a genuinely useful appliance. When Apple discontinued the lineup, many users cited the loss of integrated Time Machine backup as the biggest downside.

Why Apple Discontinued AirPort

Apple never published a detailed explanation, but several factors likely contributed to the decision. The home networking market had become highly competitive, with companies like Netgear, Asus, Linksys, and Eero pushing frequent hardware updates and lower prices. Apple’s release cycle for routers had slowed to a crawl, with the last major update in 2013.

Additionally, the rise of mesh networking systems changed consumer expectations. Users wanted seamless whole-home coverage, and Apple’s single-router approach felt increasingly dated. Rather than invest in a new mesh platform, Apple chose to exit the category and partner with third-party manufacturers instead.

Another consideration is that routers are low-margin hardware compared to iPhones and Macs. For a company focused on premium, high-margin products, maintaining a router division with thin margins and long replacement cycles was hard to justify.

Current Apple Networking Products

Although Apple no longer makes routers, it has not abandoned networking entirely. The company still sells and supports several networking-adjacent products:

  • Apple TV 4K — Can act as a Thread border router and HomeKit hub, extending smart home connectivity.
  • HomePod and HomePod mini — Also function as HomeKit hubs and Thread border routers, helping smart home devices communicate.
  • iPhone and iPad personal hotspot — Turns cellular data into a Wi-Fi network for nearby devices.
  • Mac Internet Sharing — Lets a Mac share its internet connection over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Apple also maintains partnerships with router manufacturers. For example, certain routers from Linksys, Eero, and Belkin are marketed as “Works with Apple Home” and support features like HomeKit Secure Router, which adds privacy protections for smart home traffic.

Best Alternatives to AirPort Routers

If you are replacing an old AirPort device, you have more options than ever. The right choice depends on your home size, budget, and whether you want mesh coverage.

Eero (Amazon) is the closest spiritual successor to AirPort in terms of simplicity. Setup is done through a clean mobile app, firmware updates are automatic, and the mesh system blankets your home in coverage. It integrates well with Apple’s ecosystem and supports HomeKit.

Netgear Orbi offers high-performance mesh with dedicated backhaul, making it ideal for large homes or heavy streaming and gaming. It is more expensive but delivers strong throughput.

Asus routers appeal to power users who want granular control, advanced QoS, and support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 standards. They are less “Apple-like” in simplicity but very capable.

Linksys Velop is another solid mesh option with HomeKit support, offering a balance of performance and ease of use.

Router Comparison Table

The table below compares popular alternatives to the discontinued AirPort lineup. Use it to match your needs with the right device.

Router Type Wi-Fi Standard Mesh Support HomeKit Support Best For
Eero Pro 6E Mesh node Wi-Fi 6E Yes Yes Apple households wanting simplicity
Netgear Orbi RBKE963 Mesh system Wi-Fi 6E Yes No Large homes, heavy usage
Asus RT-AX86U Single router Wi-Fi 6 Yes (AiMesh) No Power users, gaming
Linksys Velop MX4200 Mesh node Wi-Fi 6 Yes Yes Balanced performance and ease
TP-Link Deco XE75 Mesh system Wi-Fi 6E Yes No Budget-friendly mesh

How to Replace an AirPort Router

Swapping out an old AirPort router is straightforward, but following a clear sequence prevents downtime and confusion. Here is a step-by-step process.

  1. Document your current setup. Open AirPort Utility on your Mac or iOS device and note your network name (SSID), password, and any port forwarding or DHCP reservations you have configured.
  2. Choose your new router. Use the comparison table above to pick a device that fits your home and budget.
  3. Power down the AirPort. Unplug it from power and disconnect all Ethernet cables.
  4. Connect the new router. Plug the WAN port of the new router into your modem using an Ethernet cable, then power it on.
  5. Run the setup app. Most modern routers use a mobile app or web interface. Follow the prompts to create your Wi-Fi network, ideally reusing your old SSID and password so devices reconnect automatically.
  6. Reconnect wired devices. Plug any Ethernet-connected devices, such as desktops or switches, into the new router’s LAN ports.
  7. Test coverage. Walk through your home with a phone or laptop and confirm strong signal in every room. Add mesh nodes if needed.
  8. Retire the AirPort. Once everything works, store or recycle the old unit. You can reset it to factory settings via AirPort Utility if you plan to sell it.

How to Set Up a New Router with Apple Devices

Apple devices are generally easy to connect to any standards-compliant router, but a few settings help you get the most out of your network.

  1. Use a single SSID for both bands. Let the router decide whether to connect devices to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (or 6 GHz) automatically. This avoids manual switching.
  2. Enable WPA3 if available. WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi security standard and is supported by modern iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
  3. Turn on automatic firmware updates. Just like AirPort used to do, modern routers can update themselves. Enable this for security patches.
  4. Configure a guest network. Keep visitors and smart home devices isolated from your main network.
  5. Enable HomeKit Secure Router (if supported). This lets Apple devices enforce privacy rules on smart home accessories.

Migrating Time Capsule Backups

If you relied on an AirPort Time Capsule for Time Machine backups, you will need a new backup destination. Here are your options.

  • External drive connected to your Mac. The simplest and most reliable option. Plug in a USB or Thunderbolt drive and select it in Time Machine preferences.
  • NAS (Network Attached Storage). Devices from Synology or QNAP can serve as Time Machine destinations over the network, replicating the wireless backup experience.
  • Cloud backup services. Services like Backblaze or iCloud can supplement local backups, though they are not direct Time Machine replacements.

To migrate, simply select your new backup disk in System Settings > General > Time Machine on macOS. Your old backups remain on the Time Capsule drive, which you can access manually if needed.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Place your router centrally. Elevate it and keep it away from thick walls, microwaves, and metal objects for better coverage.
  • Use Ethernet for stationary devices. Smart TVs, desktops, and game consoles benefit from wired connections, freeing Wi-Fi bandwidth for mobile devices.
  • Restart periodically. A monthly reboot can clear memory leaks and improve stability.
  • Monitor connected devices. Most router apps show who is on your network. Remove unknown devices and change your password if needed.
  • Consider a mesh system for homes over 1,500 square feet. Single routers struggle in larger or multi-story homes.
  • Keep your modem updated. An old modem can bottleneck even the best router.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple Make Wifi Routers today?

No. Apple discontinued its AirPort lineup in 2018 and has not released a new router since. The company now relies on third-party partners for networking hardware.

Can I still use my old AirPort router?

Yes, if it still works. However, Apple no longer provides firmware updates, so security vulnerabilities may go unpatched. For safety, consider replacing it.

Does Apple make a mesh Wi-Fi system?

No. Apple does not make mesh routers. If you want mesh coverage with Apple ecosystem integration, look at Eero or Linksys Velop with HomeKit support.

What replaced AirPort Time Capsule for backups?

Most users switch to an external drive or a NAS. Time Machine works with any compatible disk, wired or networked.

Are Apple routers still supported by AirPort Utility?

AirPort Utility remains available on macOS and iOS for managing legacy devices, but it only works with existing AirPort hardware. It cannot configure third-party routers.

Will Apple ever make routers again?

There is no official indication that Apple plans to re-enter the router market. Given the company’s focus on services and high-margin hardware, a return seems unlikely in the near term.

Conclusion

So, Does Apple Make Wifi Routers? The answer is no, not anymore. Apple’s AirPort era produced some genuinely excellent hardware that many Mac users still remember fondly, but the company stepped away from the category in 2018 and has not returned.

The good news is that today’s third-party routers are better than ever, with mesh systems, Wi-Fi 6E, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. By choosing a solid alternative like Eero, Orbi, or Velop, and following the setup and migration steps above, you can build a network that matches or exceeds what AirPort once offered. Keep your firmware updated, place your router wisely, and your Apple devices will continue to enjoy fast, reliable connectivity for years to come.