Apple Said to not be Reviving AirPort Routers With New Wi-Fi Chip

Apple is reportedly developing a highly sophisticated new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that’ll debut in a new Apple TV and HomePod mini in 2025. However, the chances of a new AirPort router seem low.

Word comes by way of Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, who reports that the new wireless connectivity chipsets will be used across its new Apple TV and HomePod mini models in the new year. These may be similar chips to the ones previously claimed to be featured on next year’s iPhones as well. Codenamed “Proxima”, new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips may support newer connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 6E.

Upon the news that Apple is working towards launching its new chip, it was theorized that the company may revive its AirPort routers. However, the latest Power On newsletter from Gurman paints a pretty good picture of the future of the AirPort. As Gurman notes, Apple supposedly has no plans to bring its AirPort routers back to the market. Currently, Apple is “not” currently working on a new router.

Instead, Gurman states that “theoretically,” the new Apple TV or HomePod mini could act as a wireless access point due to the new chips being “so sophisticated.” That being said, there’s no guarantee Apple will end up making this the case.

Apple’s Proxima chips are being manufactured in partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). They’re expected to be featured in Apple TV and HomePod mini first with iPhones, iPads, and Macs to follow later in 2025.