Time Capsule’s days are numbered as Apple phases out support for Time Machine backups utilizing this hardware in the upcoming macOS 27. After a period where the Time Capsule, which was once a staple for Mac users, seemed obsolete, its relevance is fading completely. Launched as a network storage solution, Time Capsules allowed users to back up their Macs and other devices over a home network.
However, the end of its usability for Mac users is drawing near. User @StellaFudge, previously known as leaker @Choco_bit, recently shared a screenshot highlighting changes in Time Machine settings in macOS 26. This update indicates that AirPort Disk, employed for Time Machine backups, is now discouraged.
A clear message has emerged stating that macOS 27 “will no longer support AirPort Disk or other Time Capsule disks for Time Machine backups.” The specific reason behind this transition has yet to be articulated by Apple, but it is likely linked to the depreciation of the technologies that Time Capsule relies upon. According to release notes for macOS Sequoia 15, Apple announced the deprecation of the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP), which Time Capsule uses for connectivity alongside the older SMBv1 protocol.
More recent versions of macOS favor newer SMB versions for security, even though SMBv1 remains available as a deprecated option for legacy systems. As of now, Mac users testing the developer beta of macOS 26 can still utilize Time Machine with a Time Capsule. However, they need to begin exploring alternative backup solutions as support is set to lapse.
Importantly, this change should not impact external drives used for backups—assuming HFS+ support continues in macOS 27, though its future remains uncertain.
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