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

ApplePingList, AirPort update, ^ | Wednesday, December 21, 2016, 07:36 am PT (10:36 am ET) | By Mike Wuerthele

[Swordmaker]

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."

[Drago]

My Airports (have owned 4) have been totally reliable and dead easy to configure. I used to do the “DD-WRT’ firmware on Linksys “open source” routers (with external antennas, “power boost”, etc., etc.), but at this stage in my life I just want hardware that “works” with minimal “tinkering” needed. And recently Linksys & Netgear hardware & software quality has taken a nosedive (my nephew recently had a Netgear die on him & I gave him my older Airport Extreme (N)...works fine on a 160mbps cable connection).

http://www.csoonline.com/article/3148695/security/netgear-working-to-fix-flaw-that-left-thousands-of-devices-open-to-attack.html

https://www.wired.com/2016/12/ton-popular-netgear-routers-exposed-no-easy-fix/

[CurlyDave]

...but the update portends nothing for the future of the hardware....

The future of the hardware in my house is that I will keep using it until it fails, which may be quite some time. The only problem I have is that the signal is too strong. That's right, too strong.

One of the ways to keep parasites off my network is to keep the signal inside my house. I don't want my WiFi to be accessible half way down the street. But, If I make my house a Faraday cage my cell phone doesn't work.

MY WiFi is already much faster than the rather slow ISP I am stuck with.

[roadcat]

I don't want my WiFi to be accessible half way down the street.

Hopefully, you have the WiFi name hidden. No advertising of the name means one has to be aware of it, and type in the name (and password) to access it. When guests want access to my WiFi, I give them the hidden name as well as the password to my guest network, which I change at will. As for it being accessible down the street, some hackers build parabolic antennas to grab signals from miles away, so it's not just hackers on the block that grab bandwidth. Hide the name, use strong passwords.

[Swordmaker]

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

Incidentally, asshat, it's obvious you did not bother to even read the source article those "stats" were derived from as Apple had nothing to do with them at except their router being included in the comparison. You are so deranged you made that total leap of illogic to come to that FALSE and LYING conclusion.

First of all, every one of those routers by top of the line name brand maker and we're, in fact, their top models. . . Not the junk you implied. Secondly, everyone of those models is still being sold by those manufacturers and are available directly from them, as well as from retailers! Thirdly, TekRevue.com is not an Apple centric or Apple biased source. Again it is YOUR derangement that sees everything through Anti-Apple tinted lenses. TekRevue covers Windows, PCs, Mac, iPhones, iOS, Android, networking, video technology, gaming, and other tech related topics. Finally, you don't like long post I write with links because every one of them succinctly and effectively SHOOTS YOU out of the water and sinks your little toy boat!