AirPort Express (2nd generation): an AirPlay 2 receiver for your hi-fi

The second-generation AirPort Express is a small Wi-Fi base station that Apple introduced in 2012. It is on this site for one reason: with firmware 7.8 or later it is an AirPlay 2 receiver. Plug a stereo or a pair of powered speakers into its audio socket and they become an AirPlay 2 speaker.

Apple has discontinued all AirPort products and no longer sells it.

What it can still do

• AirPlay 2. Apple’s firmware 7.8 “adds AirPlay 2 support to 802.11n AirPort Express base stations”. The newest firmware is 7.8.1.
• Audio out. A 3.5mm minijack carries analogue or optical digital sound. Apple says it needs a compatible stereo system or powered speakers.
• Network. Simultaneous dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, a 10/100 Ethernet WAN port, a 10/100 Ethernet LAN port and a USB 2 port.

AirPlay 2 is not HomeKit

This is the point that matters on this page. An AirPlay 2 receiver is a place to send audio. You can play to it from an iPhone, iPad or Mac and group it with other AirPlay 2 speakers. That is a different job from running a smart home.

What Apple does not list for it

• Home hub. Apple’s home hub article names HomePod, HomePod mini and Apple TV. It does not list AirPort Express. For remote access and automations, use a device that Apple does name as a hub.
• Thread. Apple’s wireless and interface lists for this model do not include Thread.
• Sensors. Apple’s specifications list none.
• The Home app. No Apple page we found says whether it can be added to a room in the Home app.

Setting it up

AirPort Utility sets up and updates the AirPort Express, and Apple has discontinued it as well. Apple says macOS 26, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are the last versions to support AirPort Utility officially. If you already have it on an iPhone or iPad, upgrading to iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 does not remove it.

What replaces it

Apple names no replacement.

• To keep a hi-fi on AirPlay 2, look at AirPlay-enabled receivers from other makers.
• To replace it with a speaker, see AirPlay-enabled speakers.
• If what you actually need is a home hub, the cheapest Apple one is HomePod mini 2 at £149.

Specifications