AirPort Extreme Specs History

On June 10, 2013, the AirPort Extreme Base Station was updated to support the 802.11ac protocol. Keeping the same name, the new model was redesigned compared to the previous five generations, featuring a smaller footprint of just 3.85 inches (9.8 cm) square and a height of 6.6 inches (16.8 cm), making it 64% smaller than the previous generation. Apple equipped the new model with six antennas, three for the 2.4 GHz band and three for the 5 GHz band. It was identical in dimensions and I/O ports to the simultaneously released AirPort Time Capsule, lacking only the built-in hard drive.

On June 21, 2011, Apple released an updated AirPort Extreme Base Station, designated as AirPort Extreme 802.11n (5th Generation).

On March 3, 2009, the AirPort Extreme was updated to support simultaneous dual-band 802.11n, remote AirPort Disk access via "Back to My Mac," and the ability to broadcast a guest network. Simultaneous dual-band allowed users to set up two Wi-Fi networks (one at 2.4 GHz and another at 5 GHz) from the same AirPort Extreme Base Station, enabling more efficient network segmentation. On October 20, 2009, Apple released an updated AirPort Extreme Base Station with improved antennas for better speed and range.

On March 3, 2009, the AirPort Extreme was updated to support simultaneous dual-band 802.11n, remote AirPort Disk access via "Back to My Mac," and the ability to broadcast a guest network. Simultaneous dual-band allowed users to set up two Wi-Fi networks (one at 2.4 GHz and another at 5 GHz) from the same AirPort Extreme Base Station, enabling more efficient network segmentation. On October 20, 2009, Apple released an updated AirPort Extreme Base Station with improved antennas for enhanced wireless performance.

On January 9, 2007, the AirPort Extreme was updated to support 802.11a/b/g and Draft-N protocols. This revision also added two LAN ports, bringing the total to three. It featured a squarer design, similar in size to the first-generation Apple TV and Mac mini, and matching many other Apple products. The new AirPort Disk feature allowed users to plug a USB hard drive into the AirPort Extreme for use as a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows clients. Users could also connect USB hubs and printers. On August 7, 2007, the AirPort Extreme was updated with Gigabit Ethernet.

On January 9, 2007, the AirPort Extreme was updated to support 802.11a/b/g and Draft-N protocols. This revision also added two LAN ports, bringing the total to three. It featured a squarer design, similar in size to the first-generation Apple TV and Mac mini, and matching many other Apple products. The new AirPort Disk feature allowed users to plug a USB hard drive into the AirPort Extreme for use as a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows clients. Users could also connect USB hubs and printers.

Released alongside the AirPort Extreme Base Station, the AirPort Extreme Card was offered as an option for existing models. Based on a Broadcom 802.11g chipset, it was housed in a mechanically proprietary custom casing but was electrically compatible with the Mini PCI standard. It was also user-installable. Variations of the AirPort Extreme Card included A-1010 (early North American), A-1026 (current North American), A-1027 (Europe/Asia, extra channels), and A-1095 (unknown). Different 802.11g cards were included in the final generation of PowerPC-based PowerBooks and iBooks, notable for being among the first to offer a "combo" card with both 802.11g and Bluetooth.

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At the 2003 Macworld Expo, Apple introduced the AirPort Extreme with support for up to 54 Mbps and wireless printing over USB. The AirPort Extreme Card debuted in the 12-inch and 17-inch PowerBook G4 models.

At the 2003 Macworld Expo, Apple introduced the AirPort Extreme with support for up to 54 Mbps and wireless printing over USB. The AirPort Extreme Card debuted in the 12-inch and 17-inch PowerBook G4 models.