Apple's Potential Return to Wi-Fi Routers: A New Chapter for AirPort

In a surprising turn of events, Apple Inc. may be contemplating a return to the Wi-Fi router market, a sector it exited in 2018 with the discontinuation of its AirPort line of base stations. This potential revival is supported by reports indicating that Apple is developing a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip intended for its upcoming Apple TV and HomePod mini devices, which could enable these products to function as wireless access points.

The AirPort series, which included models such as the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule, was popular among consumers for its reliability and ease of use. However, the last model in the series was phased out four years ago, leading many to wonder if Apple would ever return to this space. According to Mark Gurman, a technology journalist at Bloomberg, the new chip is described as "sophisticated" and supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard. Gurman suggests that this chip could theoretically allow Apple’s devices to operate as Wi-Fi routers, although he cautions that it remains unclear if Apple will pursue this strategy in practice (Gurman, M. "Apple's New Wi-Fi Chip Could Enable Router Functionality," Bloomberg, December 2024).

Compounding this speculation, Jeff Pu, a supply chain analyst at Haitong International Securities, posits that the new chip might actually support Wi-Fi 7, which would place Apple at the forefront of wireless technology advancements (Pu, J. "Apple's Upcoming Wi-Fi Technologies," Haitong International, May 2025).

The implications of this development could be significant for both Apple and the broader technology market. Should Apple successfully integrate router capabilities into its devices, it could disrupt existing networking hardware manufacturers, such as Netgear and TP-Link, who have dominated the market since Apple’s exit. According to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the global consumer networking equipment market is projected to grow by 8.5% annually, reaching $16.4 billion by 2026 (IDC, "Global Networking Equipment Market Analysis," IDC, February 2025).

Furthermore, industry experts suggest that the rise of smart home devices and the increasing demand for robust internet connectivity could create a favorable environment for Apple’s potential re-entry into the router market. Dr. Emily Tran, a Professor of Computer Networking at Stanford University, notes that "the demand for seamless connectivity in smart homes makes the integration of router functionality into existing devices a logical step for Apple" (Tran, E. "The Future of Smart Home Networking," Stanford University, April 2025).

Despite the potential benefits, skepticism remains regarding Apple's return to a market that requires extensive customer service and technical support. Critics argue that Apple's focus has traditionally been on consumer electronics rather than networking solutions. Professor Alan Richards, an expert in Technology Management at the University of California, Berkeley, states, "Apple has a history of creating user-friendly products, but entering the router market again would require overcoming significant technical and customer service challenges" (Richards, A. "Navigating the Networking Market: Apple’s Challenges Ahead," UC Berkeley, March 2025).

As Apple continues to innovate and expand its product line, the tech community watches closely. The possible integration of Wi-Fi capabilities into its existing devices could not only redefine its role in the networking sector but also enhance the user experience in the rapidly evolving landscape of smart home technology. The forthcoming Apple TV and HomePod models, expected later this year, will be pivotal in determining the feasibility of this ambitious endeavor.

In conclusion, while the prospect of Apple's return to Wi-Fi routers raises questions and excitement, it remains to be seen whether this will materialize into a significant product offering. As the company progresses with its new chip development, stakeholders in the technology industry and consumers alike await further announcements that could reshape the future of home networking.