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tvOS 18 Rumored to Be Compatible With These Apple TV Models

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Just ahead of WWDC, we have another last-minute compatibility rumor to share from a proven leaker, with this one relating to the Apple TV.

apple tv 4k yellow bg feature
In a post on social media platform X today, the leaker claimed that tvOS 18 will remain compatible with the Apple TV HD, released in 2015.

If so, tvOS 18 would be compatible with all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models, meaning there would be no change compared to tvOS 17:

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

Given that HomePods run a variant of tvOS, the leaker thinks the next HomePod software update is likely to support all HomePods, including the original 2018 model.

The leaker who revealed this information has a private account on X, so we have elected not to share its name or link to it, but they have shared accurate compatibility information and build numbers for Apple's software updates in the past.

Apple will unveil tvOS 18 and other major software updates during the WWDC keynote, which begins at 10 a.m. Pacific Time today.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

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Top Rated Comments

zorinlynx Avatar
zorinlynx
28 months ago
I'm amazed that Apple is still fully supporting the 2015 Apple TV. That has got to be the record for the longest a device has ever gotten software updates!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
zorinlynx
28 months ago

Drop support for the 2015 ATV HD. Release a new model. Those of us with a HD or 4K (1st Gen) will upgrade.
Why? I don't even use a 2015 ATV anymore. But I'd still rather Apple support it as long as they can.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Supercyborgninja Avatar
Supercyborgninja
28 months ago
2015? Must not be a significant update again.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H
Heat_Fan89
28 months ago
I'm still amazed that my 2015 ATV is still getting support. I plan on buying a new ATV once Apple decides to drop my device but each year it gets a new life line.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
trusso Avatar
trusso
28 months ago

Drop support for the 2015 ATV HD. Release a new model. Those of us with a HD or 4K (1st Gen) will upgrade.

Why? I don't even use a 2015 ATV anymore. But I'd still rather Apple support it as long as they can.
Agreed. It’s a streaming device for goodness sake, it doesn’t need that much power. Apple should support it for as long as they can. I have the latest Apple TV (2022 model) myself, but why would I want folks with the older models left out in the cold? Seems like an awful take if you ask me.

Too many dogs in the manger these days. :rolleyes:
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
BruiserB
28 months ago
The basic functionality of tvOS is to stream video to the TV. The resolution is limited by the model of AppleTV (HD or 4K). The chips in the AppleTV can handle their respective video rates. There really isn't a reason any of these should have to become obsolete. Hopefully Apple will continue OS support as long as possible, leaving out any new OS features that aren't necessary for the basic functionality.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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