APPLE DROPS TWO OLDER APPLE TV MODELS FROM TVOS 27 UPDATE

Apple is dropping support for two aging Apple TV models when tvOS 27 rolls out this fall. The 2015 Apple TV HD and the 2017 Apple TV 4K (first generation) will not support the new operating system, the company confirmed during its Worldwide Developers Conference in early June.

The cutoff is a standard move in the hardware lifecycle. Apple has maintained software support for both devices for nearly a decade, which is longer than most consumer electronics receive. The Apple TV 4K second and third generation devices will continue operating normally and receive the full slate of tvOS 27 enhancements.

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WHAT IS ACTUALLY CHANGING

tvOS 27 brings several new features to the platform, including a more polished overall experience and improved AirPlay connectivity. The update will arrive as a developer beta immediately, with general release scheduled for fall.

The software update arrives amid hardware speculation. Apple is expected to release a fourth generation Apple TV 4K later in 2026, which would mark the first new hardware in the line since the third generation launched. The new box is likely to take full advantage of tvOS 27's capabilities and could potentially serve as a higher-end option in Apple's streaming lineup.

AUDIO GETS THE BIG UPGRADE

Apple Music subscribers are getting a notable quality boost with tvOS 27. The update brings Hi-Res Lossless Audio to the Apple TV 4K, in addition to the standard Lossless Audio already available.

Lossless audio uses compression that preserves all of the original recording data, unlike lossy formats that discard information to save space. Currently, tvOS 26 supports Apple Music Lossless up to 24-bit/48 kHz, which covers the vast majority of music in the service's catalog. Hi-Res Lossless extends to 24-bit/192 kHz, capturing more of the nuance and dynamic range from studio master recordings.

There is a catch. The Apple TV 4K itself does not support Hi-Res Lossless playback above 48 kHz. Users will need compatible external digital-to-analog converters or receivers capable of handling the higher bitrate to hear the full quality. For those with the right setup, the experience approaches studio-quality sound directly through the Apple TV.

THE STRATEGY BEHIND THE HARDWARE CUTOFF

The device cutoff and audio improvements tell a broader story about Apple's TV platform strategy. By trimming support for the oldest hardware, Apple can push new features that require more processing power while keeping the current-generation devices relevant. The Hi-Res Lossless addition specifically targets audiophiles who have invested in higher-end home audio equipment, positioning the Apple TV 4K as more than a streaming box.

The expected fourth-generation hardware suggests Apple is not done iterating on the device. Whether it arrives as a direct successor or a higher-tier alternative to the current line remains to be seen, but the software groundwork in tvOS 27 makes clear the company sees a future beyond the existing models.

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Registered developers can already install the tvOS 27 developer beta through Settings, System, Software Update, Beta Updates on supported hardware.