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In 2016, Apple made a significant shift by disbanding its router hardware team and officially stepping away from the networking hardware market in 2018. At that time, many wondered if Apple’s routers, particularly the Time Capsule and AirPort series, would eventually become obsolete. Now, as we approach 2025, Apple is signaling the imminent end of support for one of the final benefits offered by its networking hardware: Time Machine backups to Apple router-connected storage.
the Original
Apple’s exit from the router hardware business back in 2018 marked the end of an era for the company’s AirPort and Time Capsule products. The AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and Time Capsule were sold as part of Apple’s final foray into networking hardware, with the latter offering a unique feature: built-in storage for Time Machine backups. This feature allowed Mac users to wirelessly back up their data using a connected hard drive, all managed via Apple’s proprietary hardware.
However, the winds of change are now sweeping through Apple’s ecosystem. macOS Tahoe 26, a version of the macOS operating system set to be released in 2025, has already begun displaying a warning message to users attempting to back up their Macs via Apple router-connected storage. As the next iteration of macOS, version 27, is set to arrive in 2026, it will officially cut support for AirPort Disk and Time Capsule disks as backup destinations for Time Machine.
Though this marks the end of a feature that many users appreciated, there are alternatives for users who wish to continue backing up their Macs wirelessly. One such solution is Network Attached Storage (NAS), a type of storage device that can be accessed over a local network. Companies like Synology offer robust NAS solutions that support Time Machine backups, meaning users can still enjoy wireless backups even after Apple’s exit from the market.
What Undercode Says: Analyzing the Shift in Apple’s Strategy
Apple’s decision to phase out its support for AirPort Disk and Time Capsule storage is more than just a move to simplify its product lineup. It is part of a larger strategy aimed at shifting users towards more universal and flexible solutions in a changing tech landscape.
The termination of support for Apple’s router hardware was a long-anticipated move, given that the company had increasingly focused on its core products—like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac—while stepping away from niche markets. Routers and storage solutions simply weren’t aligning with Apple’s broader goals for the future.
In many ways, this decision mirrors Apple’s approach with other hardware discontinuations. The company often phases out products when they no longer fit into its overarching ecosystem. With its push into cloud services and a focus on seamless integration across devices, Apple is clearly betting on a more scalable, internet-driven future. This move, while disappointing to some, is in line with Apple’s evolving business model.
Another reason behind this shift is Apple’s reliance on third-party vendors for hardware solutions. Rather than invest resources into maintaining an aging product line, Apple is shifting the responsibility of backup solutions to more specialized providers like Synology, who offer advanced NAS systems that integrate well with Time Machine. This provides users with a broader range of features and options.
Furthermore, with the rise of cloud storage solutions, including Apple’s own iCloud, the need for physical hardware like Time Capsules has significantly diminished. Many users now prefer the convenience and flexibility of backing up their data to the cloud rather than relying on local network storage. In this sense, Apple’s decision may also reflect its strategic push towards a more cloud-based ecosystem.
However,
Fact Checker Results ✅
Fact: Apple officially exited the router business in 2018, which is consistent with the timeline of its hardware discontinuation.
Fact: macOS 27, expected in 2026, will no longer support backups to Time Capsule or AirPort Disk.
Misinformation: There is no mention of Apple abandoning its cloud backup solutions like iCloud in relation to Time Machine. The cloud backup system remains integral to Apple’s ecosystem.
Prediction 🔮
As Apple continues its shift away from legacy hardware solutions, the transition from AirPort and Time Capsule products will likely accelerate the adoption of more advanced, third-party NAS solutions. We can also expect further investments from Apple in its cloud infrastructure, including iCloud, as users increasingly move to cloud-based backups. This shift will ultimately change the way Apple users interact with their data storage, making it easier to sync, store, and access their information across devices seamlessly. As we move further into 2025 and beyond, expect more tech companies to innovate in the NAS space, with products that offer greater flexibility, security, and ease of use for both home and enterprise users.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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