Apple

I partially agree with you. The problem is that the wifi router requires an Ethernet cable to connect to the modem which limits where you can put it.

What would be cool is to have a base station that’s just a router (maybe with HomePod functionality), but then add-on mesh network hotspots that work as HomePods. These would be a lot more flexible for placement.

Yeah Homepod is kind of a niche product as is, just adding a speaker and siri support to a Wi-Fi router would make more sense.

Would have been a great idea

I have been pleading for them to have all the various wifi enabled devices serve as a mesh network! Essentially idden and integrated into existing devices that “need” to be there and connected anyway...

I really thought that was the endgame for removing the airport series...

Maybe as a mesh network, but then where i would place mesh routers are not exactly where I would place a HomePod.

Would be great if they could collaborate with Ubiquiti about making such devices. Like a HomePod, but with UniFi built in. Or a Dream Router, with Apple TV built in…