Apple has announced plans to remove the AirPort Utility app from the App Store with the release of iOS 27. This decision, highlighted in the release notes for iOS 27 beta 2, indicates that the app will no longer be fully supported, and its functionality on iOS 27 and later versions is not guaranteed.
Users who have previously downloaded AirPort Utility will still have the option to re-download it. However, Apple cautions that the app’s performance may be unreliable on the new operating system.
In addition to the iOS changes, Apple intends to eliminate AirPort Utility from new installations of macOS. Existing users who have the app installed will retain access after updating to newer macOS versions, but similar to iOS, functionality is not assured.
AirPort Utility has been instrumental for users managing AirPort base stations, including models like the AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express, and AirPort Time Capsule. Despite discontinuing its AirPort routers in 2018, Apple continued to support these devices through the AirPort Utility app.
With the upcoming macOS Golden Gate, Apple is removing support for the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP). This change means that the Time Machine feature on Macs will no longer be compatible with the AirPort Time Capsule.
These developments signal Apple’s move away from supporting legacy AirPort devices. Users relying on AirPort Utility for network management should consider transitioning to alternative solutions to ensure continued support and functionality.
