tvOS 18 Compatible With Apple TV HD Released Nearly Nine Years Ago

[MacRumors]

Here is something that Apple TV HD owners probably didn't expect when they purchased the device all the way back in 2015: it continues to receive software updates.

Apple's developer website confirms that the tvOS 18 update unveiled today is compatible with all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models.

tvOS 18 compatibility list:

• Apple TV HD (2015)
• Apple TV 4K (2017)
• Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation) (2021)
• Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) (2022)

tvOS 18 introduces a new InSight feature, includes updates to Enhance Dialogue and subtitles, adds new screen savers, supports 21:9 video playback for playing movies and shows on projectors, and more, as outlined in our coverage of the update.

The first tvOS 18 developer beta is available for Apple Developer Program members starting today, and Apple said that a public beta will follow in July. The update should be widely released to all users with a compatible Apple TV in September.

Article Link: tvOS 18 Compatible With Apple TV HD Released Nearly Nine Years Ago

 

[rotvaldi]

Apple Watches 4 years… Tim cuck

 

[Frantisekj]

There are not big changes and all boxes earn money so it is good to keep them working.

 

[Chip Chanko]

They stopped selling it in 2022, so maybe it'll get two more years of software updates (so the last people to buy one get 4 years of updates through 2026). I still use two of them so am glad they keep working! Actually...I think they were/are still selling it refurbished this year?

 

[JoeShades]

I still use one and it works better than the fire (ad) tv junk

 

[oneMadRssn]

For comparison, the other big streaming device to launch in 2015 was the Google Nexus Player. That's still around and receiving OS updates, right?

 

[Johnkoo]

Keep in mind Apple TV HD has an A8 chip, which is also found in iPhone 6, 6plus. Crazy to see this support for new home architecture and apps. Plus Apple Arcade 🙂

 

[LV426]

There are not big changes and all boxes earn money so it is good to keep them working.

Plus, they don't need much in the way of AI. So no new fancy chips required.

 

[JPack]

Keep in mind Apple TV HD has an A8 chip, which is also found in iPhone 6, 6plus. Crazy to see this support for new home architecture and apps

Makes you wonder if dropping 32-bit support and A8 in iOS 13 was really necessary in 2020. I guess when Apple wants to sell subscriptions, they'll do anything to keep old hardware alive.

 

[Aaargh!]

And still no support for bitstreaming in tvOS.

 

[ZipZap]

And every version of the remote for Apple TV has sucked.

 

[AppliedMicro]

It's a device to sell additional content to users and tie users to the ecosystem.
And it's a set-up-and-forget device that the average customer rarely upgrade.

So of course they'll support it as long as is feasible.

 

[JoeShades]

And every version of the remote for Apple TV has sucked.

The current remote is perfectly fine

 

[Justin Cymbal]

Both the 2nd and 3rd gen. Apple TVs haven’t received software updates in a while, but Netflix has continued to support them (though July 31st):

Netflix to End Support for 2nd and 3rd Generation Apple TV

Netflix will no longer support second-generation and third-generation Apple TV models from July 31, 2024, the company has announced in an email to some subscribers. Netflix said that the decision made to "maintain the best possible Netflix experience" by focusing on devices that can support the...

www.macrumors.com

 

[scrapesleon]

I’m selling mine think I had it long enough but it really got the longest software update

 

[Realityck]

Apple's developer website confirms that the tvOS 18 update unveiled today is compatible with all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models.

Yes I updated a ATV HD device to tvOS 18 beta (22J5290l) as long as you restart tvOS so that the new beta will show up as a choice.

 

[page3]

And still no support for bitstreaming in tvOS.

This was my only want.

 

[tinsoldier]

I would love an Apple TV based on the M4, get some console level games on it.

 

[thefabgar]

I'm receiving the "The update was not successful" when trying to update to OS 18

 

[DogHouseDub]

I would love an Apple TV based on the M4, get some console level games on it.

Considering how hot my M2 iPad Pro gets playing some games (to the point it throttles screen brightness and frame rate), I think ATV, as a serious console competitor, would require some hardware tweaks.

 

[Pug72]

No Snoopy screen saver yet. 😟

 

[backstreetboy]

For comparison, the other big streaming device to launch in 2015 was the Google Nexus Player. That's still around and receiving OS updates, right?

You should compare apples with apples. The 2015 Nvidia Shield still gets updates. The Nexus player was 50 bucks cheaper.

 

[oneMadRssn]

You should compare apples with apples. The 2015 Nvidia Shield still gets updates. The Nexus player was 50 bucks cheaper.

I know, I was being a bit tongue in cheek against Google. The Rokus of that era still get OS updates, and (someone correct me if I am wrong) I believe the FireTV models do too.

 

[LionTeeth]

I’m selling mine think I had it long enough but it really got the longest software update

…you’re selling it cause you’ve had it long enough? You know you can just keep it right lol

 

[tinsoldier]

Considering how hot my M2 iPad Pro gets playing some games (to the point it throttles screen brightness and frame rate), I think ATV, as a serious console competitor, would require some hardware tweaks.

You're right maybe some fans and slightly bigger enclosure. maybe taller rather than wider.