Networking · The Aluminum Age · 2008
AirPort Time Capsule
A router with a built-in hard disk so your Mac could back itself up over Wi-Fi, invisibly, via Time Machine. Apple exited the router business entirely in 2018.
Combined a Wi-Fi router with a hard drive for automatic wireless Time Machine backups.
AirPort Time Capsule: key facts
When was the AirPort Time Capsule released?
The AirPort Time Capsule arrived in February 2008. Apple discontinued it in April 2018.
How much did the AirPort Time Capsule cost?
The AirPort Time Capsule launched at $299 in 2008, about $446 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Marvell network SoC, 64 MB RAM, 488.3 GB storage, Status LED display.
Why does the AirPort Time Capsule matter?
Combined a Wi-Fi router with a hard drive for automatic wireless Time Machine backups.
Full specifications
| CPU | Marvell network SoC |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 64 MB |
| Storage | 488.3 GB |
| Display | Status LED |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | Gigabit Ethernet, USB |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | Tall white square |
| Operating system | AirPort firmware |
| Released | February 2008 |
| Discontinued | April 2018 |
| Launch price | $299 |
How the AirPort Time Capsule compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 256× more memory than this device shipped with.
This held about 125,000 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $299 in 2008, about $446 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
When Apple discontinued AirPort, fans hoarded units rather than switch brands.
Related Networking models
Open the AirPort Time Capsule in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11