Redesigned Apple TV Not Ready for WWDC Debut

[MacRumors]

Despite early rumors suggesting Apple would introduce a redesigned Apple TV set-top box at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, it appears the device will not be ready to debut at that time. In a report covering what to expect at WWDC, The New York Times' Brian X. Chen writes that Apple has postponed its plans because the product is "not ready for prime time."

Yet one much ballyhooed device will be absent from the conference: a new Apple TV, Apple's set-top box for televisions. The company planned as recently as mid-May to use the event to spotlight new Apple TV hardware, along with an improved remote control and a tool kit for developers to make apps for the entertainment device. But those plans were postponed partly because the product was not ready for prime time, according to two people briefed on the product.

Apple has not introduced a revamped version of its Apple TV since 2012, leading to years of rumors and speculation about the company's plans for the device. Since 2013, nearly every Apple event has been targeted as the venue where we'll see a new version of the Apple TV, but no product has materialized as of yet.

According to the most recent rumors, Apple is currently working on a new version of the Apple TV that will include ambitious additions like a full App Store that supports apps and games, Siri support, and an SDK for developers. It is also said to include an A8 chip, an increase in internal storage, and a touch-based remote.

There is no word on when the Apple TV might debut, but it's possible that it could be introduced later this year alongside Apple's rumored subscription television service. Apple was said to be targeting a WWDC launch for its TV service, but those plans were also delayed as the necessary deals are not yet in place.

With its subscription television service and set-top box off the table for the Worldwide Developers Conference, the event will focus on iOS 9, OS X 10.11, and the company's new Beats-based streaming music service. The Apple Watch will also be a major focus, with Apple planning to debut native Apple Watch apps as shared by Jeff Williams last week.

Update: Re/code is also reporting that the Apple TV will not be introduced at WWDC.

Article Link: Redesigned Apple TV Not Ready for WWDC Debut

 

[philfry]

Seriously Apple!?

 

[kmj2318]

B-but there's an Apple TV in the WWDC icon

 

[k20dub]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

 

[TreyCox]

I was looking forward to the new TV more than anything. This is disappointing.

 

[LordQ]

Ouch, feel sorry for those who were excited to see it on Monday. But hey, more time for polishing the hardware, software and services.

 

[bushido]

i already bought two chromecasts (hate them) and a Fire TV Stick (love it) by now. all i am asking for is a UI overhall on my Apple TV doesnt even need to be a new box.

Apple is really late to the whole streaming partaay

 

[TMRJIJ]

Nooooooooooooooo! Not even a brief preview?

 

[bpeeps]

So basically the two things I cared about for this WWDC may not be discussed. Software advancement at this point is dull news to me.

 

[antipex]

I hope this rumour turns out to be untrue. I'm tired of my Apple TV being slow and having flaky wifi.

 

[Bryan Bowler]

Makes you wonder if we'll ever see anything further come along for the Apple TV. I know it takes time when trying to enter into contracts with content providers, but man have they been at it for awhile.

For years now, we've been hearing rumors of "the next greatest thing" with the Apple TV...

 

[Z400Racer37]

Am I the only one who's fully fed up with this constant hype of a new Apple TV and then they pull their plans at the last minute again for years??? What. The actual. $#!^.

 

[Crosscreek]

I starting to feel like Apple is Doomed.

 

[Jeaz]

This is awful news. Was the main thing I was looking forward to with WWDC.

 

[clukas]

So this basically confirms the rumours that the next update will be significant, otherwise it would be launching at WWDC. Slowly getting exciting .

 

[stridemat]

There goes the possibility of my native Plex app

 

[Moccasin]

If there's an app store in the wings and they need developers to create apps for it, then I imagine they might preview the new hardware but not release it. Sneak preview of the Mac Pro is an obvious precedent

 

[Ed217]

Another one bites the dust...

 

[freediverx]

Ouch, feel sorry for those who were excited to see it on Monday. But hey, more time for polishing the hardware, software and services.

They've had three frickin' years.

 

[iGraham4]

At this rate it'd better be worth the wait. Biggest untapped potential in the Apple ecosystem!

 

[darcyf]

They thought as recently as May that they were going to be ready and now they know they're not? I would think if they were planning this just a month ago that the device would be a lock. Hard to imagine what went wrong.

I guess those media invites don't make a whole lot of sense now...

 

[Dave245]

so would this mean Apple will have no hardware to show off at this rate all we are going to see is IOS 9 and OSX update, they have already updated the Mac's so I can't see what else they could show off hardware wise.

 

[~Shard~]

Too bad, I was looking forward to seeing an update at WWDC. Looks like I'll be holding off on purchasing one now until later in the year.

If it is truly not ready though then good on Apple for not forcing it and rushing its release.

 

[jpgr15]

<deleted>

 

[Hog Milanese]

So WWDC is already DOA. Great.