New Radio: Is the Apple AirPort Coming Back?

This year, Apple has had a new device with Ethernet connections, WLAN, Bluetooth and other technology approved by the US Communications Devices Agency (FCC). The device with the designation A2657 is said to have a Lightning or USB-C connection, 32 GB of internal memory and up to 1,5 GB of working memory in addition to the radio technology. Officially, it is referred to as "Network Adapter". In addition, information on the firmware version 19F47 running on the hardware indicates iOS as the operating system. But what is the mysterious device for? Will the Apple AirPort or the Time Capsule be relaunched so that Mac-style wireless routers can soon be used again?

The FCC has approved a new network adapter for Apple. The device, labeled A2657, could be a new Apple AirPort. Or maybe a bridge for the VR / AR glasses? Here you will find the technical data and other ideas for wireless technology. The photo shows an Apple AirPort Express as a symbolic image.

FCC Approves Apple Network Adapters - New AirPort?

You can check out the information available from the Federal Communications Commission with this link watch (or you search right here after the product code "A2657"). The summarized technical data of the device can also be found in a current one Entry by 9to5Mac. Accordingly, the specs of the new network adapter from Apple should look like this:

• Manufacturer: Apple
• Model / Product Code: A2657
• Device type: network adapter
• Processor: presumably "Apple Silicon" SoC
• Network connections: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet
• Other connections: Lightning or USB-C, depending on the version
• Radio technology: WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC
• Internal memory: 32 GB
• RAM: 1 GB (Lightning) or 1,5 GB (USB-C)
• Firmware / System: 19F47 / indicates iOS 15.5

The sources linked above indicate that the new Apple network adapter was sent to the FCC in January 2022 and tested there with an iMac and a MacBook Pro. This suggests that it is mainly an accessory for Apple computers. However, it is not yet clear whether it is a new AirPort, a new Time Capsule or an accessory for the VR/AR glasses or whether it is just a device for internal use in Apple Park. 

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.