AppleInsider Staff
Apple has either run out of stock or suspended sales of refurbished Apple TVs through its online store, possibly hinting that a new version of the device is in the offing.
As noted by AppleInsider reader Brian, the Online Apple Store's refurbished product webpage no longer shows the Apple TV as available for sale. Apple recently cut the price of the refurbished device to $75 in early August, down from $85 as seen in the above image.
While it is possible that Apple has simply run out or suspended sales of refurbished units, the timing of the stockout jibes with recent rumors of a possible product refresh. A report on Tuesday noted Apple took receipt of three fairly large shipments from Chinese partner manufacturer BYD Precision in August, the contents of each described as "Set Top Boxes." The information was discovered in bills of lading from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Until the past few days, there have been little to no rumors regarding a new Apple TV, as most media attention has been focused on an anticipated iPhone lineup refresh. However, Apple has been actively updating the existing set-top streamer's content, adding channels like Vevo, Disney, Weather and Smithsonian in late August, while a beta of the next Apple TV software released in July was found to have reinstated iTunes purchasing.
Apple last refreshed its Apple TV in March 2012, adding 1080p output to the unit while retaining the prior model's design.
The Cupertino, Calif., company has scheduled a media event for Sept. 10 which is expected to see the unveiling of new iPhone models. Although mere speculation, it is possible that Apple may be planning to announce a new Apple TV product alongside the handsets.
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
34 Comments
Hmm. Why, though? The Refurb store often runs out of Mac Mini, for example. That doesn't imply a new Mac Mini is always around the corner.
I think it likely a new Apple TV will be released soon, but unlikely that this has any more to do with it than anything else.
Hmmm Apple TVs in mutiple colors¡
I have a hard time believing this is just a hardware update, but there have been zero leaks. Maybe this is the doubling down on security.
[quote name="AppleInsider" url="/t/159374/online-apple-store-out-of-refurbished-apple-tvs-hints-at-possible-refresh#post_2390612"]Apple has either run out of stock or suspended sales of refurbished Apple TVs through its online store, possibly hinting that a new version of the device is in the offing..[/quote] Maybe. Or maybe they just ran out because not enough people are returning them so there aren't enough refurbs to satisfy demand? Apple runs out of refurbs all the time.
"Security" is nonexistent. Too many people along the supply chain opens up opportunities to pay someone for information. I don't understand how a shipping label stating "set top box "with a communication function is indicative of anything. That is an accurate description of the current Apple TV.