Shane Cole
As whispers of an impending Apple TV refresh grow louder, references to a fourth-generation hardware platform for the diminutive streamer are said to have been discovered inside iOS 7 configuration files.
The files reference a device identified as "AppleTV4,1" while the set-top box's current-generation hardware bears a model identifier of "AppleTV3,2." Developer Hamza Sood discovered the string, and the news was first published by 9to5Mac.
A jump in the first number following the product's name generally indicates a substantial hardware change, while Apple usually boosts the second number in the case of a minor spec bump. This was most recently seen when Apple released a slightly modified third-generation unit last January and incremented the model identifier from "AppleTV3,1" to "AppleTV3,2."
Multiple reports have indicated in recent weeks that an update to Apple's favorite hobby is imminent, with some suggesting it could come as soon as March. The claims were bolstered late last month when Apple promoted the Apple TV from accessory to its own top-level product category in the company's online store.
The content of the refresh is unknown, but speculation has centered around the addition of a third-party App Store and gaming support that would turn the box into a sort of iOS-based games console. Apple acquired Israeli computer vision startup PrimeSense, whose hardware powered Microsoft's first-generation Xbox Kinect, for $360 million late last year.
Apple has also been busy beefing up the Apple TV's content lineup, adding streaming channels like WatchESPN and WatchABC in recent months. The company is believed to be plotting the addition of live television content as well, negotiating directly with content providers like HBO in a bid to bypass traditional cable operators.
AppleInsider Staff
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
50 Comments
No shit, they are eventually going to update the Apple TV? Colour me shocked.
Noone getting it ? It looks like there will be an Apple event in late February/early March (I strongly prefer early March because Apple events were always but last year around that time) There will be iOS 7.1, a big introduction of iOS in the car, this software, maybe even hardware refresh to Apple TV and maybe even rumored Mac mini haswell refresh. Enough stuf for an event ;)
Better late than never, I can't understand why it's taken as long as it has already to bring out an app/channel store
Bring it on, very excited for this device as I will need another Apple TV soon anyway.
Better late than never, I can't understand why it's taken as long as it has already to bring out an app/channel store
Its taken a long time because, imo, its going to be a major upgrade. I have the feeling the new hardware will fit into one the new product categories.
I wish they would also start selling monitors with optionnal Apple TV plug-ins so they would launch a line of monitors for the minis and mac pro and TV's at the same time.
A monitor that would be able accept an AppleTV box on its back would basicly be an upgradable TV set.