What Apple TV hardware will run the new tvOS 26

Jump to First Reply
AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iPod + iTunes + AppleTV edited June 6

A new leak claims to have the complete compatibility list of Apple TV models that will be able to support the tvOS 26 upgrade that will be announced at #WWDC25.

Black Apple TV device on a white shelf, with a colorful, out-of-focus brick wall background illuminated in blue and pink hues.
Current-gen Apple TV 4K



The WWDC leaks continue with a compatibility list for the Apple TV and tvOS 26, following one for the Apple Watch, and a surprising one for the HomePod. This particular leak says that tvOS 26 will be available to users of these models:


  • Apple TV HD (2015)

  • Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017)

  • Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021)

  • Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022)



While the leak does not specify this detail, there are two models of the most recent Apple TV 4K 3rd generation but they are presumably both supported. The difference between the two is that one uses only Wi-Fi while the other also has Ethernet.

Just as with the Apple Watch and its watchOS 26 leaked compatibility list, this means that no models are being dropped this year.

It further means, though, that the only Apple TV models ever released that will not be supported are the first, second, and third versions of the original system. Apple itself started dropping support for the first generation model in 2018.

More recently, Netflix announced it was ending support for the second and third generation Apple TV models.

Separately, repeated rumors have been claiming that there will be a new Apple TV released some time in 2025. While it's only certain that tvOS 26 will be launched at WWDC 2025, it's conceivable -- but extremely unlikely -- that it will be done alongside a hardware announcement.

Rumor Score: Likely

Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    apple4thewinapple4thewin Posts: 451member
    I sound like a broken record, but I am still hoping for that Gen 4 Apple TV 4K. 8 years running on the 1st Gen 4K has heavily shown its age between load times and connectivity. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a great device, but I am hoping this AI craze pushes Apple to release a high-performance version, making this a good home device and maybe a mini gaming console.
    Nagra178AwilliamlondonjibAlex1N
     3Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 2 of 8
    hmlongcohmlongco Posts: 640member
    Love my Apple TV, but I have a LOT of movies and shows I purchased over the years and the new TV app... well. It sucks.

    Have persistent issues with tiles updating and as such the Movies library interface is almost unusable.

    Would love playlists. Would love being able to sort by name or date added. To be able to filter watched/unwatched shows.

    If people are springing for dedicated devices, then those devices should be able to do MORE. Not less.
    williamlondonjib
     0Likes 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 8
    commentzillacommentzilla Posts: 795member
    Wow. I have the HD version. 10-years is a good run. I'm still very happy with it.
    williamlondonAlex1N
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 8
    lotoneslotones Posts: 140member
    It's been a few weeks since I begged for hi-res audio support via Apple TV, both through Apple Music and streamed from my Mac, so here goes:

    please Apple? Pleeeeaase?
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 8
    boboliciousbobolicious Posts: 1,200member
    ...does Apple want your data ...?
    williamlondon
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 8
    clexmanclexman Posts: 232member
    I'd like to see new Apple TV hardware that supports upcoming Home Hub features. It would be nice to have something to play with until the new hardware arrives.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 7 of 8
    chelgrianchelgrian Posts: 51member
    lotones said:
    It's been a few weeks since I begged for hi-res audio support via Apple TV, both through Apple Music and streamed from my Mac, so here goes:

    please Apple? Pleeeeaase?
    It’s extremely unlikely because the majority of devices that an Apple TV would be plugged in to run at 48KHz, you have to spend a huge amount of money before you get a AV processor that doesn’t resample everything as soon as you engage room correction. It sucks.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 8 of 8
    Heat_fan89heat_fan89 Posts: 6member
    It's crazy  my Apple TV 4 (Apple TV HD) I purchased on Ebay in 2015 could get another OS update. I've been looking for a reason to buy a new ATV but will wait another year.
    williamlondon
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
Sign In or Register to comment.