Is there a refresh coming?

[BootLoxes]

I just walked to my local electronics store to pick up an apple tv and they were out. So I went to another, and then another. 4 stores later and still they were out of stock. So I decided to walk to the apple store to get one and sure enough even they were out.

The staff showed me the restock date which was 3/9 which is the day after the rumored event. It really got me wondering if a minor refresh was coming

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

The current model is 10 months old, and the previous model was 4 years old before being replaced, so it is unlikely. Perhaps Apple is just trying to combine shipments, due to high shipment prices at the moment, since we are likely getting other products at the March event.

Other than hardware AV1 decoding, and a few minor things, I don't think there's much Apple can improve upon the Apple TV with, so they will likely wait before updating it.

 

[BootLoxes]

The current model is 10 months old, and the previous model was 4 years old before being replaced, so it is unlikely. Perhaps Apple is just trying to combine shipments, due to high shipment prices at the moment, since we are likely getting other products at the March event.

Other than hardware AV1 decoding, and a few minor things, I don't think there's much Apple can improve upon the Apple TV with, so they will likely wait before updating it.

Thats what I was thinking, but they could be wanting to just drop a newer chip in so they can streamline the production line with less chips being manufactured.

I ended up going to 3 more big electronic stores in my area and sure enough they were out too. One store had the 32gb model but I don't want that one since the 64gb is only a few dollars more.

 

[Bodhitree]

There was talk a while back that the homepod team was merged with the apple tv team, perhaps there is a new product coming. Some kind of merger of Apple TV and a sound bar?

 

[BootLoxes]

There was talk a while back that the homepod team was marged with the apple tv team, perhaps there is a new product coming. Some kind of merger of Apple TV and a sound bar?

For now I am going to wait for the march event. It just seems off that all my stores are sold out and the apple store said they wouldnt get any until march 9th.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

That is probably a wise decision.

 

[w5jck]

I suspect you were seeing the results of shipping issues. With grocery store shelves half empty, as well as other retail stores, we are still a ways from getting back to normal shipping. The ATV 4K 2021 is way too new to get a refresh. I think they might get rid of the ATV HD and ATV 4K 2017 some day, but I doubt either of those ever get another refresh. I'm actually surprised they haven't already gotten rid of the 4K 2017 and HD, maybe they are just trying to clear out stock before they officially discontinue them.

You will probably have better luck getting one if you buy online. Most places deliver within a day or two, assuming they have them in stock.

 

[Bodhitree]

I’m not so sure. Shipping dates online here in the Netherlands are also two weeks.

 

[BootLoxes]

I’m not so sure. Shipping dates online here in the Netherlands are also two weeks.

The plot thickens >_>

 

[bozzykid]

The Apple TV has had low availability for months. It doesn't mean anything. There's no way they are releasing a new one less than a year after the latest update.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Just checked Apple UK. The HD model is available ex stock, the 4K model is showing shipping 10th - 17th March...

EDIT to add John Lewis ( retailer ) have them for next day delivery to store

 

[webbuzz]

All nine Chicago area stores have 64GB 4K models in stock for pick up today. Or, delivery tomorrow.

 

[ouimetnick]

I suspect you were seeing the results of shipping issues. With grocery store shelves half empty, as well as other retail stores, we are still a ways from getting back to normal shipping. The ATV 4K 2021 is way too new to get a refresh. I think they might get rid of the ATV HD and ATV 4K 2017 some day, but I doubt either of those ever get another refresh. I'm actually surprised they haven't already gotten rid of the 4K 2017 and HD, maybe they are just trying to clear out stock before they officially discontinue them.

You will probably have better luck getting one if you buy online. Most places deliver within a day or two, assuming they have them in stock.

As far as I know, the 2017 4K model is discontinued and any inventory is simply old stock since it comes with the older Siri remote anyway.

 

[firoze]

In India the Apple online store shows delivery 10th-16th March for both 32 & 64Gb models. One local store has only a single 64Gb model in stock, the other has none. Something is surely afoot.

 

[bozzykid]

In India the Apple online store shows delivery 10th-16th March for both 32 & 64Gb models. One local store has only a single 64Gb model in stock, the other has none. Something is surely afoot.

That has been the norm in the USA since last year with the Apple TV 4K. It will go in and out of stock regularly. It is nothing unusual.

 

[pauloregan]

I was pondering a purchase but I am now holding off until the event. Good spot. Wishful thinking possibly but it's only next week.

 

[BootLoxes]

I was pondering a purchase but I am now holding off until the event. Good spot. Wishful thinking possibly but it's only next week.

Pretty much will be doing the same. Doesnt hurt to wait a few extra days

 

[bozzykid]

Pretty much will be doing the same. Doesnt hurt to wait a few extra days

Apple isn't going to update the Apple TV after less than a year. We are lucky if they update it after 2 or 3 years. Manufacturing on the hardware becomes cheaper over time. There is just little reason for them to update it after such a short time.

 

[SirAnthonyHopkins]

There was talk a while back that the homepod team was merged with the apple tv team, perhaps there is a new product coming. Some kind of merger of Apple TV and a sound bar?

It's possible in the long-term but it's extremely unlikely they'd be about to release a totally new product with absolutely no rumours or leaks from the supply chain.

 

[kiranmk2]

Apple missed their change to add HDMI 2.1 features such as 4k120, QMS, VRR etc at the last update so I can't see them releasing an update until one of the following things happen

• Apple decides to release a more powerful Apple TV to really go after the gaming market
• The A12 chip stops being produced

To be honest, I think it's more likely that the lack of A12 chips is what would lead to the next bump (likely to whatever A series chip is in either the low end iPad or low-end iPhone is at the time which would currently be the A13).

This seems to be the reason Apple bumped the Apple TV last year - what got added? WiFi6, he ability to play YouTube HDR, eARC, new remote (also bundled with ATV HD) and the Thread support. Hardly must-have updates. I t seems much more likely that the shortage of A10X chips was the main reason for the update.

 

[richpjr]

There were rumors for a while about an ATV that was supposed to be gaming focused but that seems to have died down.

 

[gnomeisland]

There were rumors for a while about an ATV that was supposed to be gaming focused but that seems to have died down.

My guess is that is because the competitive hardware (the M1 Pro/Max) is still priced a premium. When the M2 variants come out in a year or so we'll start to see it in other hardware packages for a lot less than the $2k Mac Studio.

 

[BootLoxes]

I still cant find them in stores and they cant be ordered except at apple but its going to take about a month for them to ship it. Feels bad

 

[w5jck]

Most of the rumors are just wishful thinking. Don't expect much as far as new hardware for the Apple TV devices. And with the high prices Apple charges for all of its devices, if they ever do make a gaming console it will be crazy expensive, probably in the $750+ USD range.

 

[bozzykid]

I still cant find them in stores and they cant be ordered except at apple but its going to take about a month for them to ship it. Feels bad

In the US, they are available at many Best Buys and you can order from other retailers for quick shipping. I think the current stock situation is probably not going to change anytime soon.