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Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers? Discontinued Models

Introduction If you have ever searched online for “Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers?”, you are not alone. Apple once had a respected line of networking products, but the landscape changed dramatically when the company quietly discontinued its AirPort family. Today

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Introduction

If you have ever searched online for “Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers?”, you are not alone. Apple once had a respected line of networking products, but the landscape changed dramatically when the company quietly discontinued its AirPort family. Today, many Apple users still wonder whether they can buy a brand-new Wi-Fi router directly from Apple, and what they should do if their old AirPort device is reaching the end of its life.

This in-depth guide answers the question “Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers?” in full, walks through the history of Apple’s discontinued router models, explains why Apple stepped away from the router market, and shows you how to choose and configure a modern replacement that works beautifully with your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices. Whether you are troubleshooting an aging AirPort Extreme or shopping for your first mesh system, you will find practical, step-by-step guidance here.

Table of Contents

Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers? The Short Answer

The short answer is no. Apple no longer sells Wi-Fi routers. The last AirPort models were discontinued in 2018, and Apple has not released a new router since. If you visit the Apple Store today, you will not find an AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, or AirPort Time Capsule for sale as a new product. Apple has effectively exited the consumer router hardware business.

That said, Apple still cares deeply about networking. iOS, iPadOS, and macOS include robust Wi-Fi features, and Apple sells networking accessories such as Ethernet adapters and the Apple TV, which can act as a HomeKit hub. But when it comes to the actual router that broadcasts your Wi-Fi signal, you will need to look to third-party manufacturers.

So when someone asks, “Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers?”, the accurate response is: not anymore. The company discontinued the entire AirPort line, and remaining stock in the wild is limited to refurbished or used units.

A Brief History of Apple’s AirPort Routers

Apple entered the networking market in 1999 with the original AirPort base station, a UFO-shaped device that helped popularize wireless networking in homes and small offices. Over the next two decades, Apple refined the lineup, introducing faster standards, better range, and elegant software integration with macOS and iOS.

The AirPort family became known for its clean design, easy setup through the AirPort Utility app, and reliable performance. Many users appreciated that Apple routers “just worked” with Macs, offering features like guest networks, NAT port mapping, and Time Machine backups on the Time Capsule. For a long time, buying an Apple router felt like the natural companion to a Mac.

However, as Wi-Fi technology accelerated and mesh networking became popular, Apple’s update cycle slowed. Competitors like Eero, Netgear, TP-Link, and ASUS pushed out Wi-Fi 6 and mesh systems faster. Apple’s last meaningful hardware refresh came years before the discontinuation, leaving the lineup feeling dated.

AirPort Express: The Compact Pioneer

The AirPort Express was Apple’s smallest router. It plugged directly into a wall outlet and was designed for portability and simple home setups. Beyond routing, it doubled as an AirPlay audio receiver, letting users stream music to connected speakers. This dual role made it popular in living rooms and dorm rooms.

Key characteristics of the AirPort Express included:

  • Compact wall-plug design
  • AirPlay audio streaming support
  • Guest network capability
  • Easy setup via AirPort Utility

While convenient, the AirPort Express was never a powerhouse. Its range and throughput were modest, and it eventually fell behind modern standards. Still, many users loved it for its simplicity and audio features.

AirPort Extreme: The Workhorse

The AirPort Extreme was Apple’s flagship standalone router. It featured a taller, tower-like design in its final generation, with improved antennas and better coverage. It supported faster Wi-Fi standards for its time and included a USB port for sharing printers or external drives.

The AirPort Extreme appealed to users who wanted a reliable, set-it-and-forget-it router without diving into complex settings. AirPort Utility made configuration straightforward, and integration with macOS was seamless. For many households, the AirPort Extreme served as the backbone of the home network for years.

AirPort Time Capsule: Backup and Routing Combined

The AirPort Time Capsule combined a router with a built-in hard drive, designed to work with macOS Time Machine. It allowed Mac users to back up wirelessly and automatically, which was a compelling feature at the time.

Available in multiple storage capacities, the Time Capsule was essentially an AirPort Extreme with a hard drive inside. It offered the same routing features plus network-attached storage for backups. For Mac-centric households, it was an elegant all-in-one solution.

Today, with cloud backups and faster NAS devices widely available, the Time Capsule feels like a product of its era. But it remains a beloved device among long-time Apple users.

Why Apple Discontinued Its Routers

Apple officially discontinued the AirPort line in April 2018. The reasons were multifaceted. The router market had become highly competitive, with specialized companies innovating rapidly on mesh systems, Wi-Fi 6, and advanced security features. Apple, focused on its core products like iPhone, Mac, and services, likely saw routers as a low-margin, low-priority category.

Additionally, Apple’s strategy shifted toward ecosystem integration rather than standalone networking hardware. By partnering with third-party router makers and supporting standards like HomeKit Secure Video and Matter, Apple could let specialists handle the hardware while Apple focused on software and services.

The discontinuation also reflected a broader industry trend: routers became commoditized, and differentiation moved toward mesh coverage, parental controls, and security subscriptions. Apple did not want to compete on those fronts.

What Apple Offers Instead Today

Although Apple no longer sells routers, it still provides networking-related products and features:

  • AirPort Utility: Still available for configuring older AirPort devices.
  • Apple TV: Can serve as a HomeKit hub and supports Thread networking.
  • Ethernet adapters: For wired connections on Macs and iPads.
  • Software features: Private Wi-Fi addresses, iCloud Private Relay, and robust Wi-Fi diagnostics in macOS.

Apple also works with third-party router manufacturers to ensure compatibility and, in some cases, HomeKit integration. So while the answer to “Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers?” remains no, Apple still influences how your devices connect.

Comparison of Discontinued AirPort Models

Here is a quick comparison of the main AirPort models Apple sold:

Model Form Factor Key Feature Best For Status
AirPort Express Wall-plug compact AirPlay audio Small spaces, audio streaming Discontinued
AirPort Extreme Tower/desktop Strong coverage, USB sharing General home routing Discontinued
AirPort Time Capsule Tower/desktop Built-in backup drive Mac backups + routing Discontinued

Each model served a different need, but all shared Apple’s design philosophy and software integration. Today, none are sold new by Apple, though used units still circulate.

How to Choose a Replacement Router

If your AirPort is failing or you want modern performance, follow these steps to choose a replacement:

  1. Assess your home size and layout. Large or multi-floor homes benefit from mesh systems.
  2. Count your devices. Many smart home gadgets require strong, stable Wi-Fi.
  3. Decide on Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E offers better efficiency and speed.
  4. Consider mesh vs. single router. Mesh provides seamless coverage; single routers suit small apartments.
  5. Check for HomeKit or security features. Some routers support HomeKit Secure Router for enhanced privacy.
  6. Set a budget. Quality routers range from affordable to premium mesh kits.
  7. Read reviews and compatibility notes. Ensure the router works well with Apple devices.

Popular choices among Apple users include mesh systems from Eero, Netgear Orbi, TP-Link Deco, and ASUS. Many offer easy apps that rival AirPort Utility’s simplicity.

How to Set Up a New Router with Apple Devices

Setting up a new router is easier than ever. Here is a general step-by-step process:

  1. Unplug your old router and connect the new one to your modem with an Ethernet cable.
  2. Power on the new router and wait for it to boot.
  3. Download the manufacturer’s app on your iPhone or iPad.
  4. Follow the in-app prompts to create your Wi-Fi network name and password.
  5. Connect your Mac and other devices to the new network.
  6. Enable WPA3 security if available for better protection.
  7. Test speeds and coverage throughout your home.
  8. Set up guest networks and parental controls as needed.

On macOS, you can use the Wireless Diagnostics tool to troubleshoot. On iOS, go to Settings > Wi-Fi to manage connections. If you use HomeKit, add the router in the Home app if it supports HomeKit Secure Router.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Place your router centrally and elevated for best coverage.
  • Keep firmware updated to patch security vulnerabilities.
  • Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password and enable WPA3.
  • Separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands only if needed; modern routers handle this automatically.
  • Use Ethernet for stationary devices like desktops and gaming consoles when possible.
  • Consider a mesh system for homes larger than 1,500 square feet.
  • Back up your router settings after configuration.
  • If you still use an AirPort, plan a migration before hardware failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers? Can I still buy one new?

No. Apple discontinued the AirPort line in 2018. You cannot buy a new Apple router from Apple. Refurbished or used units may appear on secondary markets.

Are AirPort routers still supported?

AirPort Utility still works for configuration, but Apple no longer provides hardware support or firmware updates. Security updates have largely ended, so continued use carries risk.

What is the best router for Apple devices?

Any modern Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router from a reputable brand works well. Mesh systems like Eero or Netgear Orbi are popular for their ease of use and coverage.

Can I use Time Machine with a non-Apple router?

Yes. You can back up to a NAS device or an external drive connected to your Mac or a compatible router. Many third-party NAS devices support Time Machine.

Will my old AirPort still work?

Yes, if it is functioning. However, without security updates, it is safer to replace it, especially if it is many years old.

Does Apple make a mesh router?

No. Apple does not sell mesh routers. You will need a third-party mesh system.

Conclusion

To summarize, the answer to “Does Apple Sell Wifi Routers?” is no. Apple exited the router market in 2018, discontinuing the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. While these devices were beloved for their design and integration, the market moved on, and Apple chose to focus elsewhere.

Fortunately, the third-party router ecosystem is stronger than ever. With mesh systems, Wi-Fi 6E, and user-friendly apps, you can build a network that rivals or exceeds what AirPort offered. By following the steps in this guide, you can choose, set up, and optimize a router that keeps your Apple devices running smoothly for years to come.

If you still rely on an aging AirPort, now is the time to plan a migration. Your network’s speed, security, and reliability will thank you.