Apple TV Software Update to Arrive Alongside iOS 7 on September 18

apple_tv_buy_99As noted late last week, Apple will indeed be releasing a major software update for the Apple TV in the near future. While that update was not mentioned at yesterday's media event, it will be arriving next week on September 18, the same day Apple is scheduled to release iOS 7 to the public, reports AllThingsD.

The new report repeats the previous observation that a notable new feature in the software update will be a change to allow purchased content from the iTunes Store to be played directly on Apple TVs that do not own the content. This is a change from the current system which requires users to load the content onto mobile devices for playback on an Apple TV via AirPlay.

The one new feature I’m aware of is a tweak to Apple’s Airplay system. I didn’t do a great job of explaining this before, so here’s another stab: The new software will allow people who have purchased content from Apple’s iTunes store to play that stuff on other people’s TVs, via its Airplay system.

The key part is that they will be able to tell an Apple TV box they don’t own to stream the media they do own, directly from the cloud. That’s a change from the current system, which requires users to download stuff to their iPhones and iPads and fling it to the TV from there. It also echoes the way Google’s new Chromecast device works.

While Apple did not debut a new model of the Apple TV at yesterday’s iPhone media event, the company has made numerous updates to the device, including the recent addition of new apps for Vevo, The Weather Channel, the Disney Channel, the Smithsonian Channel, and more. Currently, the Apple TV retails for $99 and is sold through Apple’s online and traditional retail stores.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Caution)

Top Rated Comments

Apollo 13 Avatar
137 months ago
Here are some rather interesting concept images regarding the new UI of the :apple: TV which is could get on the new update. Source: http://www.amongtech.com/apple-tv-software-getting-complete-redesign-available-september-18/

Image (http://www.amongtech.com/wp-content/uploads/apple_tv_ios_7_look_menu.jpg)
Image (http://www.amongtech.com/wp-content/uploads/apple_tv_ios_7_look_settings.jpg)
Image (http://www.amongtech.com/wp-content/uploads/Apple-TV-redesign.jpg)

Looks amazing :D:D

no it doesn't...looks like a Christmas theme.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iapplelove Avatar
137 months ago
I want to play my games through Apple TV with no lag!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aardwolf Avatar
137 months ago
"OK… nobody look at the screen while I enter my password!"
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OldSchoolMacGuy Avatar
137 months ago
Just sold my Apple TV 2 this week for $249 on eBay. Idiots will pay a mint for those things since they can be jailbroken. Perfectly happy taking that money and buying a 3.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jasonw76 Avatar
137 months ago
when will we be able to subscribe to the WatchESPN, HBOgo and Disney channels with out a cable subscription.

Why doesn't apple get in to the cable market with the existing Apple TV. I don't want a TV set by apple but just content. This will be the next big game changer like the itunes store was for music.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
137 months ago
"OK… nobody look at the screen while I enter my password!"

That's where TouchID comes handy.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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