Users upgrading to macOS 27 will find that Time Machine can no longer back up to AirPort Time Capsule devices. The change takes effect immediately upon installation of the new operating system. Apple has removed support for the AFP file-sharing protocol that Time Capsule relies on for these backups. This affects all Mac users who depend on the discontinued hardware for local data protection.
The shift occurs because macOS 27 now exclusively uses the SMB protocol for Time Machine connections. AirPort Time Capsule hardware, which Apple discontinued years ago, lacks the necessary software updates to support SMB for backup functions. As a result, the devices cannot establish a compatible connection with Macs running the new OS. Users attempting to configure backups will encounter errors or find the option unavailable in Time Machine preferences.
Apple deprecated AFP in favor of SMB years ago, citing better performance, security, and cross-platform compatibility. The company began phasing out AFP support in earlier macOS versions but maintained limited compatibility for legacy devices like Time Capsule. With macOS 27, Apple completed the transition, removing all AFP dependencies from the core system. This aligns with broader industry moves away from outdated networking protocols. The decision reflects Apple's focus on modernizing its ecosystem, even if it impacts older hardware no longer receiving updates.
While Time Machine backups are no longer possible, AirPort Time Capsule devices may still function for basic file sharing or network extension. Some users report success using third-party tools or manual SMB configurations, though these methods are unsupported and may not provide reliable backup functionality. Apple does not offer workarounds or patches to restore AFP compatibility. The company encourages migration to current solutions like external hard drives connected directly to Macs or network-attached storage devices that support SMB natively.
Will Time Machine backups to Time Capsule work if I downgrade macOS? No, downgrading to an earlier macOS version would restore AFP support and allow backups to resume, but this is not recommended due to security risks and lack of updates.
Are there any Apple-approved alternatives for wireless Time Machine backups? Apple recommends using a directly connected external drive or a third-party NAS device that supports SMB for wireless Time Machine backups.
Does this change affect Time Capsule's router or network extension features? No, the routing and wireless network extension capabilities of AirPort Time Capsule remain unaffected by this change, as they operate independently of the file-sharing protocols used for Time Machine.