The return of Apple’s AirPort routers seems more and more likely, with several clues pointing to a revival of this iconic range abandoned in 2018. While the Cupertino company has continued to strengthen its ecosystem in recent years, the lack of a home router is becoming more and more felt. However, recent developments suggest a change in strategy that could well delight longtime fans.
A new era for Apple home automation
Apple is preparing to breathe new life into its home automation division with a series of major launches planned for the coming years. From 2025, we should see a new Apple TV, an updated HomePod mini and a brand new product currently called “HomePad” arriving on the market. This offensive will not stop there, since in 2026, the Apple firm plans to enter the home automation accessories market with the launch of a connected camera. This ambitious strategy marks a turning point in Apple’s approach to the connected home, which has until now been considered a secondary market.
This renewed interest in home automation is accompanied by a major technical development: the development by Apple of its own Wi-Fi chip. This component, intended to replace the Broadcom solutions currently used, will be integrated into the iPhone from 2025 17, the new Apple TV and the updated HomePod mini. The following year, it will be the turn of iPads and Macs to benefit. This technological mastery offers Apple the possibility of creating even greater synergies between its different devices, paving the way for an even more integrated and efficient ecosystem.
The return of the Airport: a strategic opportunity
In this context of renewal, the return of AirPort routers appears to be strategically obvious for Apple. Indeed, the brand’s range of products has expanded considerably since the marketing of AirPorts ceased in 2018. The interconnection between these different devices has become a key argument in the Apple ecosystem, and an in-house router would allow to further optimize these interactions.
The AirPort renaissance could also mark the return of a particularly popular feature: network-attached storage. At a time when storage needs continue to increase, Apple could transform its routers into real home nerve centers, combining NAS functions with deep iCloud integration. What if Apple transformed its AirPort into a NAS? At the risk of competing with iCloud…
The development of proprietary Wi-Fi chips also offers new technical possibilities that could be exploited in a future AirPort router. Apple could thus offer exclusive features, such as advanced integration with iCloud for data backup and synchronization, or even optimized network traffic management for its devices. In addition, Apple’s increased commitment to home automation requires a reliable and efficient network infrastructure, which only a custom-designed router could guarantee.
Some observers nevertheless remain skeptical about a return of AirPorts. They particularly highlight the technical challenges of designing a high-performance router and the potential risks to Apple’s reputation in the event of connectivity problems. However, the convergence of the various factors mentioned above suggests that a new AirPort router could indeed see the light of day in the coming years. This renaissance would allow Apple to control the entire network experience of its users, a crucial element at a time when connectivity is at the heart of all its products.
Finally, although no official announcement has been made, the indications are accumulating in favor of a return of AirPort routers. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it would mark an important turning point in Apple’s strategy, further strengthening its hold on the digital ecosystem of its users. It remains to be seen whether the Cupertino company will be able to meet the technical challenges and offer a solution that meets expectations.
