Apple Discontinues Third-Generation Apple TV

Apple has discontinued the third-generation Apple TV, removing it from its online store. Additionally, links to the Apple TV 3 now reroute to the fourth-generation Apple TV. Apple confirmed it was discontinuing the device in an email to employees and educators obtained by 9to5Mac.

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The Cupertino company will continue to fulfill backlog orders for the device, but is now putting its attention behind the newer fourth-generation device. In early September, it was reported that Apple had begun phasing out the Apple TV 3, pulling it from its brick-and-mortar stores

The Apple TV 3 was released in 2012 and given a spec bump the following year. In fall 2015, Apple announced the long-awaited fourth-generation Apple TV, including support for Siri, the brand-new tvOS, and the App Store.

Apple is still selling refurbished versions of the Apple TV 3 for $59. The fourth-generation Apple TV can be purchased from Apple's online and retail stores in two configurations: 32GB for $149 and 64GB for $199.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

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Top Rated Comments

122 months ago
Dont worry, they still sell the MacBook Pro from 2012!
Score: 72 Votes (Like | Disagree)
decimortis Avatar
122 months ago
I'll continue to use my Apple TV 3 until it passes on. Does everything I need it to.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
122 months ago
They should have discontinued it when the 4th gen was released.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wozmatic Avatar
122 months ago
I questioned why I even bought the ATV 4 when it's so locked down and side-loading kodi once a week just to watch other files types.

Apple isn't being very customer service friendly, your customers obviously want to download files and watch them.

They're gonna start to jump ship, which I'll be doing.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JoEw Avatar
122 months ago
4th gen 32gb $99
5th gen 4K 64gb $149

Hopefully soon
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
122 months ago
I questioned why I even bought the ATV 4 when it's so locked down and side-loading kodi once a week just to watch other files types.

Apple isn't being very customer service friendly, your customers obviously want to download files and watch them.

They're gonna start to jump ship, which I'll be doing.
I appreciate your viewpoint, but I couldn't disagree more. Vast majority of consumers want to watch Apple content, download apps such as Netflix and Hulu and generally enjoy the good life within the walled garden. Very few people want to side-load anything. I never even considered it for a minute. Love the Apple TV. It's the best stream box out there.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)