Airplay 2 on iOS 11- Connecting to Airport Express/Extreme?

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Level 1

7 points

Airplay 2 on iOS 11- Connecting to Airport Express/Extreme?

Apple has locked the discussion about this even though it is a recent discussion. They claim it is old. So I had to post a new question to answer the people who have been asking if Airplay 2 will work with our current Airport Express. The answer is no. However ... Apple is constantly punishing us by leaving even the most recent purchases outdated. But I do have a solution for all of you guys. I also have 4 Airport Expresses in different rooms in my house. I use an app called WHAALE to connect them all to my iPhone, or iPad and listen to the same music in all the rooms. I think it cost me $10. It is ridiculous that Apple will abandon those of us that have invested in Airport Expresses to force us to go buy all new equipment just to play music in multiple rooms. I have been an Apple fanatic since Apple II but I am beyond disappointed with this company. Sadly they are best of the worst. If only a new company would come along I would switch instantly. Maybe some genius will create the NeXt again.

Posted on Feb 9, 2018 10:00 AM

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Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

180,606 points

Feb 9, 2018 12:02 PM in response to nimamichael

Extreme never supported airplay as it does not have an audio out

if the express which has not been updated in several years in term of new products will get airplay 2 is hard to say

but one could say they are in competition with the new homepod

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Answer 2

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,108 points

Mar 7, 2018 8:56 AM in response to fuzzball.nu

Apple actually updates their products so that all hardware less than 7 years old can support AirPlay 2. Have you considered why? It comes down to hardware. Devices less than 7 years old have sufficient hardware to run the feature.

Not sure what you mean by "7 years old", but If this were true, then the AirPort Express A1392 introduced in 2012 would easily fall under your 7 year "rule".

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Answer 3

Mar 7, 2018 7:52 AM in response to Rudegar

I think the best we can hope for is a new version of the airport express at a lower price point to compete with audio. With 3 airport express's for music streaming, I do understand nimamichael's frustration, but I believe it relies on a misunderstanding. Apple actually updates their products so that all hardware less than 7 years old can support AirPlay 2. Have you considered why?
It comes down to hardware. Devices less than 7 years old have sufficient hardware to run the feature. The major differences between AirPlay 1 & 2 is Cross-Device-Communication/Synchronization and a lt of buffering (guessing ~15 seconds). That requires a bit of RAM and CPU power - something the AirPort expresses most likely don't have to spare.
My guess is that there will be a new version of the AirPort express to support this. That would make a lot of sense, since it is the only current AirPort device that still runs an old WiFi protocol. And the recent delays could hint at AirPlay 2 being released at WWDC along with an announcement of these devices.
...and I don't think they would fear customers chasing that solution over the HomePod. The HomePod is for ease of use and convenience. More a speaker than anything else. This product is for nerds and audiophiles who just wants to use their own favorite speakers. Much like the lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack dongle that comes with the new iPhones 😝

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Airplay 2 on iOS 11- Connecting to Airport Express/Extreme?

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