A newly-released firmware update has just added new functionality to a discontinued product.
On Tuesday, Apple quietly released a firmware update to the now-discontinued AirPort Express product line, introducing support for AirPlay 2 to the router ahead of the expected public release of iOS 12 this fall.
AirPlay 2 functions as Apple’s update to its media streaming protocol, enabling features such as stereo pairing on the HomePod and multi-room audio for compatible devices.
The recently iOS 12 betas offered some hope that Apple would add AirPlay 2 to AirPort Express models.
To install the firmware update, AirPort Express users have to restart the router via the AirPort Utility, then select the base station to see if the update is downloadable. If an update is available, an Update button is presented, which will command the base station to continue with the installation.
Back in April, Apple announced that it had discontinued its long-running AirPort router line, Apple selling off its remaining online and in-store units as the very last units it would sell. The news followed a year after reports Apple had broken up its AirPort devision, shuffling employees to other areas and projects in an apparent sign the product line was close to ending.
In January, Apple started to sell the Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System online and instore, an apparent break in Apple’s policy to only sell its own routers, and the first third-party router to be sold in its retail outlets.
If you’ve tried the firmware update with your AirPort Express router and have any feedback to offer, let us know about your experience in the comments.
Via AppleInsider