Rumor: Apple could bring AirPort base station technology to forthcoming HomePod, Apple TV, and smart home products

Apple’s AirPort base station Wi-Fi routers, which were prevalent in the 2000s and 2010s and were later discontinued in 2018, could return as part of the company’s HomePod and Apple TV line.

Per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it was noted back in December that Apple was developing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that will debut in new Apple TV and HomePod mini models later this year. Gurman stated that the chip is “so sophisticated” that it could “theoretically” turn these devices into a wireless access point.

With Apple looking to make a bigger push into smart home products, and the company reportedly designing a smart home hub for release later this year, this might be likely. Apple is also said to be planning a HomeKit-enabled smart home camera that can connect to the hub, and together, the products could serve as a home security system.

Apple’s chip will purportedly support Wi-Fi 6E, whereas the final AirPort models supported what is referred to as the Wi-Fi 5 protocol. Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu believes the chip will actually support Wi-Fi 7.

It’s unknown as to what the timeline or release date for these products will end up being.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.