Apple’s current AirPort Express portable base station has been continued, according to a new report — making way for a second-generation device which is expected to appear imminently. The current model (MB321LL/A) can no longer be purchased from a number of third-party resellers.
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The device is still available from the Apple online store, though we’d suggest you wait a a little while before purchasing one unless it’s really necessary. Authorized resellers like DataVision have informed AppleInsider that the current AirPort Express base station has been discontinued, while Amazon states it will not have stock until “2 to 5 weeks.”
Furthermore, a source “familiar with the matter” says Apple is also readying an update to the AirPort Utility for Mac — version 5.6 — which makes reference to a second-generation unit in its developer release notes:
“Adds support for the AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation) base station.”
Other members of the Apple AirPort family have already received product refreshes earlier this year, with the Cupertino company issuing updates to both the Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme base stations. Though no major changes are apparent with the latest models, an FCC filing revealed they boast a signal strength of up to 2.8 times that of the previous generation.
