Apple AirPort firmware update fixes 'Back to my Mac' bug, but hardware's destiny still in doubt

Apple updated its AirPort router software with a patch to fix a "Back to my Mac" problem in conjunction with the AirPort Utility, but the update portends nothing for the future of the hardware.

On Tuesday, Apple released versions 7.6.8 for the 802.11n AirPort Extreme, and 7.7.8 for the 802.11ac AirPort Extreme. According to Apple's release notes, the update fixes an issue where the routers would not respond to the AirPort Utility when "Back to My Mac" is enabled. Other fixes noted are un-named security fixes.

AirPort software updates are installed through the AirPort Utility. If the routers are not visible as a result of "Back to my Mac" being enabled, disabling the feature and rebooting the routers rectifies the problem, allowing the software patch to be installed.

The update is being held up by some as an example of Apple not abandoning the AirPort hardware platform. However, that may not be the case. AppleInsider spoke with our contacts inside Apple regarding the matter shortly after the update went live.

"The hard drive iPod people were gone for a long time, when we issued the last update for the iPod classic firmware," we were told by our contacts within Apple. "Just because the hardware guys have moved on to other things, doesn't mean we won't support the software."

Near the end of November, reports started circulating —backed by AppleInsider sources —suggesting that Apple may be ending the AirPort family hardware. Former AirPort engineers are now reportedly working on other teams, including Apple TV development.

"The original AirPort wasn't really ours, we bought that," we were told. "[Apple] supported that for a very long time, even after we built our own, re-organized the division, and some of the guys we brought on to advance the platform were twice-removed."

The internal departmental changes suggest that Apple has no plans to update its existing lineup of routers, including the AirPort Extreme, Time Capsule, and AirPort Express, but do not discount the possibility of the functionality being added to a different product. Apple's AirPort Express network extender and AirPlay audio target has not even been updated to the 802.11ac Wi-Fi specification.

Without specifically confirming the dissolution of the AirPort hardware division, were were told by our contacts that the AirPort ecosystem back to the 802.11n version of the AirPort Extreme basestation would be made "as safe as possible for as long as possible."

Firm Ware update issued for Apple AirPort WIFI routers issued yesterday. It fixes a Back To My Mac issue and helps with some WIFI reliability issues. If you have an Apple AirPort Extreme, AirPort Time Capsule, or Airport Express, update the firmware now. — PING!

Apple AirPort Firmware Update
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Who would have bought an awful router in the first place?

You are so nasty and full of BS, why do you come to Apple threads in the first place?

I have several Apple routers. They work perfectly, without any problems. I started using them years ago after numerous problems with other non-Apple routers which definitely stink. I have an Airport Time Capsule with two hard drives, and a couple Airport Express routers linked together with it. No problems whatsoever handling multiple devices including PCs, iPhones, tablets and portables. None.

Who would have bought an awful router in the first place?

I thought they stopped selling those years ago

They stunk in every situation possible

LIAR! Another one of your insane claims based on nothing except your anti-apple hate brigade hysteria.

802.11ac Routers Compared: Apple, Belkin, Netgear & Linksys

While no longer the best performer among the WIFI dual band routers, the Apple AirPort Extreme and Express routers are good decent routers that are easy to set up and use. . . and offer excellent security.

So much for your lies you repeatedly post in every Apple thread.

What a load you're laying out there. Prior to my now 3-year old Airport Extreme router, I used Cisco and Linksys routers. Hands down the Apple Airport has been rock solid and speedy working with any combination of Apple, Windows and Android gear that I've thrown at it.

I appreciate it that Apple is continuing support of this top level device. It's a winner and keeper.

http://www.businessinsider.com/best-wifi-router-apple-airport-extreme-2016-6

“The best WiFi router I’ve ever used”

I had nothing but problems with LinkSys and NetGear routers. Continually. I recommend Apple Airport routers to others, and install them at their homes. Never any problems with the Apple Airport routers. As for Cisco, I administered Cisco routers in a business environment since the early 1990s but can’t speak for them in a home environment. Very impressed with the simplicity of setup on Apple routers.

So what? Those stats and routers are all awful, plus why would I even consider stats thrown together by an Apple “independent group” anyways? Talk about bias, like getting your news from CNN or MSNBC

I would never use any of those “consumer routers”

I thought they discontinued this rubbish years ago, haven’t seen one in years.

Also why did you post that useless information?

3 year old graph and article? That is the best you can do? Comparing the useless Apple Extreme against discontinued best buy junk?

Really?

What is wrong with you?

And what does your cute little graph have anything to do with the discussion? I did not know this was about comparing Apple junk against discontinued 3+ year old hardware. But I guess that is all you have. Which is sad

3 year old graph and article? That is the best you can do? Comparing the useless Apple Extreme against discontinued best buy junk?

And what does your cute little graph have anything to do with the discussion?

Look, asshat, you are not here to engender any "discussions." You drop in to deposit feces and make a mess, that is all. Those WIFI routers were not "junk" at the time and the Apple was the best of the lot that offered the latest standard dual band. Apple was NOT selling an industrial level or Enterprise level WIFI router, nor were these others.

I will quote your original statement:

"They stunk in every situation possible."

I posted that comparison review to prove you are an ASSHAT LIAR, and that this was just one more of your LIES. You lied with your very first comment in this Apple thread which was merely posted to alert people who happen to have these routers that a firmware update had come available, but YOU HAD TO ENTER IT TO LIE ABOUT AN APPLE THREAD, as you always do when you make any comment in an Apple thread, and you do it without any evidence or proof. You are deranged!

It is easy to shoot your lies down. Everyone else in this thread has called you out on your idiocy, incivility, rudeness, and your lies. . . but you cannot see your derangement.

Why do you continually repeat this LIBERAL, DEMOCRAT-LIKE BEHAVIOR?

For a guy that claims to administer cisco routers, you don’t know much about them

Excuse me, little boy, but I installed and maintained Cisco routers when Cisco first started selling them around 1990. I performed upgrades by taking apart IGS and AGS boxes and swapping out chips, before they went to flash upgrades over the Internet. You show your ignorance. Go create trouble somewhere else.

I get it, you need to prove that you are still useful, to somebody

I don't need to prove I'm still useful. At least I'm useful. Don't need to work, my investments paid off. Just one of which is Apple which I bought while it was in the teens, split multiple times since. I've successfully worked in more fields than you can ever imagine. While you get your jollies throwing crap in threads while sponging off your mom in her garage in your pajamas. Get a life, get off this thread.

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