Apple Releases Firmware Update 7.7.9 and 7.6.9 for AirPort Base Stations [Updated]

airport utility iconApple today released new firmware updates for its Wi-Fi base stations, including the AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. The 7.7.9 update is available for 802.11ac base stations, while the 7.6.9 update is available for 802.11n base stations.

Release notes for the update were not provided by Apple, but it is likely that this firmware update fixes the KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerabilities that affected many modern Wi-Fi networks and devices.

The KRACK vulnerability had the potential to allow attackers to exploit weaknesses in the WPA2 protocol to decrypt network traffic to sniff out credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, photos, and other sensitive information. Apple released KRACK security updates for other devices earlier this year.

The new firmware updates can be installed using the AirPort Utility app for iOS or macOS.

Apple has allegedly stopped development on its AirPort wireless routers in 2016, and to our knowledge, the company does not plan to produce another product in the AirPort family in the near future.

Update: Support documents for the security contents of the 7.7.9 and 7.6.9 updates confirm that the KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability has been addressed alongside a few other security issues.

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Top Rated Comments

AlexH Avatar
87 months ago
Welcomed update, but man I wish they’d continue router development.
Score: 64 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bokito Avatar
87 months ago
Welcomed update, but man I wish they’d continue router development.
Yeah, I 100% agree to that. I’m living in an apartment block with more than 30 different networks available to pick from. My Time Capsule just works, but my ISP’s router is merely a backup.

I wish they’d bring back the old Mac software too. It’s way better than the iOSified version.

Airports are not the cheapest routers around, but I think it’s one of the best products Apple ever made.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mariusignorello Avatar
87 months ago
Hoping for AirPlay 2 suooort.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
87 months ago
It looks grim: https://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/21/apple-ceases-airport-wireless/
There haven't been any major advances in WiFi performance since then, though. There is literally no reason to release a new router right now.

If a new WiFi standard comes along and Apple doesn't release a new router afterwards, THEN we can be sure that development is dead. But for now the current routers are still state of the art.

This firmware update shows that Apple is still supporting the products, and they are still for sale without stock problems.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
superduperultra Avatar
87 months ago
I'd like to think they're totally rethinking their router strategy with some kind of mesh network.

There will be no announcement, just a cold press release one beautiful Tuesday morning.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chazzle Avatar
87 months ago
Been waiting for this. Good news.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)