With Apple working on its own Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 5G chips, it’s time the company makes a new AirPort router.
With Apple Hard at Work on its Own Wi-Fi Chip, it’s Time to Bring Back the AirPort Lineup of Routers
At the time of writing, I use the TP-Link Archer AX90 Wi-Fi router. It’s Wi-Fi 6, tri-band, and works sort of fine.
However, compared to the AirPort Extreme I used to own several years ago, it doesn’t even come close to the reliability it offered. Never in my life have I seen that router restart or drop out.
Even to this day, if someone is using AirPort, that person is more than happy.
But, the only downside to owning any Apple AirPort router is an obvious one – they all use old Wi-Fi standards. In fact, the AirPort Extreme is the only router that made it as far as Wi-Fi 5. That’s Wi-Fi 802.11ac, in case you’re wondering.
Apple discontinued the entire lineup in 2018 with a formal announcement.
However, with news circulating around Apple working on its own Wi-Fi chip, that too Wi-Fi 7, it’s the best time to bring the AirPort lineup back.
Apple wants to make its own Wi-Fi chip for obvious reasons: better control, integration, reliability, and performance. If there’s an AirPort router powered by Apple’s own Wi-Fi chip, the compatibility and performance on all future Apple devices are going to be rock solid across the board.
Since Apple will have more control over the chip it makes, it can therefore work on better security and privacy features as well. This is going to be a huge deal, especially for those who dislike how slow vendors can be just to patch small issues on a Wi-Fi router.
Currently, there’s no rumor or news surrounding Apple working on a new AirPort Wi-Fi router. But if there is, I’ll be the happiest fan on Earth.
