Apple has released a firmware update for the 2nd-gen Airport Express that adds support for Airplay 2, allowing users to turn legacy speakers or HiFi equipment into multi-room systems.
Airplay 2 on legacy devices
Surprisingly, Apple has updated the 2nd generation Airport Express with Airplay 2, despite the fact that the company has discontinued the hardware and pulled out of the router business.
Some users had seen Airport Express pop up in the company’s Home app during iOS 12 beta testing but now it is official. Firmware update 7.8 adds support for Airplay 2.
Also read: Airplay 2: What you need to know
Airport Express already supported the original Airplay protocol. With Airplay 2, users can now connect it to legacy speakers and HiFi systems (via the audio output) to turn them into multi-room systems. From Apple TV, iPhone, iPad or Mac you can target multiple wireless Airplay 2 speakers for TV audio or music.
Airport Express now also appears in Apple’s ’Home’ app, allowing you to set room configuration and assign to it a name.
Also read: List: Airplay 2 coming to B&O, Denon, Marantz, Sonos, more
Airplay 2 is quickly emerging as a flexible multi-room protocols that allows users to mix and match speakers from various brands. Besides Apple TV and HomePod – and now Airport Express – Airplay 2 is supported on select products from Sonos, Marantz, Denon, and soon Bang & Olufsen and Libratone. Sonos was one of the pioneers in the area but it has chosen to partner with Apple. Google’s Chromecast protocol also supports multi-room features.
To update the firmware on your Airport Express you must use the Airport app on iOS and macOS. Only the 2nd generation Airport Express – that has been discontinued – supports Airplay 2.
- Source: 9to5Mac
