In 2018, Apple officially retired its AirPort family of routers, leaving many fans wondering if there will ever be a comeback with the latest wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 7. Many had hoped for a revival with state-of-the-art components. However, recent reports suggest that Apple has no plans to resurrect the AirPort series. Instead, Apple is focusing on its custom ‘Proxima’ chip, which integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionalities. This chip might eliminate the need for a new AirPort launch altogether.
The innovative Proxima chip could potentially transform an Apple TV or HomePod into a wireless access point. Of course, this feature would require software support for seamless integration. While this might seem like an ideal alternative for those longing for a new AirPort, it appears that Apple has no such intentions. According to the latest insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has no plans to release a new AirPort router with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support. Therefore, consumers eager for the latest wireless technology would be better off seeking other options currently available in the market.
Gurman notes that launching a new AirPort series might not be an efficient use of resources when considering the Proxima chip’s potential. This chip could theoretically allow Apple devices like the Apple TV or HomePod to double as wireless access points, which could help users enhance their network range. However, Apple would need to implement this function into the software effectively, ensuring users can still interact with these devices while they operate as access points.
Gurman’s detailed report explains: despite speculation that Apple might venture back into home Wi-Fi routers due to their development of in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components, this is not the case. Apple is unlikely to focus on Wi-Fi capabilities as the primary appeal of such devices, even if they leverage the Proxima chip’s power. Tech giants like Google have experimented with similar hardware integrations, blending Wi-Fi functionalities into smart speakers, but Gurman doesn’t foresee Apple following suit.
Apple has a history of dropping features that don’t meet its stringent performance benchmarks. There’s always the possibility that if Proxima doesn’t perform as anticipated, this theoretical access point capability may never see the light of day. Until then, the tech community can only hope for this integration in an upcoming Apple TV or HomePod model. All eyes are on Apple to see if they will surprise us with these extended functionalities in the future.
