Apple Releases Software Update for Third-Generation Apple TV - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Releases Software Update for Third-Generation Apple TV

apple_tv_roundupApple today released a new 7.2.1 software update for the third-generation Apple TV. It is not clear what is new in the update, as Apple has not provided release notes, but it includes several security improvements.

The update is available for all versions of the third-generation Apple TV. It can be installed through the software update mechanism in Settings, or delivered automatically for customers who have automatic updates turned on.

The third-generation Apple TV has been available since 2012 and continues to be sold alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV. The older device does not run tvOS and does not include features like Siri support and access to the App Store, but it offers content through dozens of channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and more.

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

Popular Stories

Apple TV Thumb 3

Here's What's Coming in the 2026 Apple TV

Thursday April 23, 2026 12:08 pm PDT by
There are a lot of folks waiting for a new version of the Apple TV because the set-top box hasn't been updated since 2022. There is an update coming this year, but people will need to wait a bit longer because Apple is holding the next Apple TV until the new version of Siri comes out this fall. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing in 2026. The next...
General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Releases Fourth watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and visionOS 26.5 Betas

Monday April 27, 2026 10:01 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the fourth betas of upcoming watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple released the third betas for each platform. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. There's no word on ...
General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Seeds watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and visionOS 26.5 Release Candidates

Monday May 4, 2026 10:11 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the release candidate versions of upcoming watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple released the fourth betas for each platform. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required....

Top Rated Comments

BeyondtheTech Avatar
134 months ago
"For customers who continue to use the third-generation Apple TV..."

Almost sounds condescending, doesn't it?
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pdaholic Avatar
134 months ago
Let me guess...this update slows operation of the 3rd gen Apple TV to a crawl, forcing us to upgrade the hardware?
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
applegigs Avatar
134 months ago
You'd be surprised how many people still use AppleTV 3 ... After that 4-th disappointment
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
134 months ago
"For customers who continue to use the third-generation Apple TV..."

Almost sounds condescending, doesn't it?
It's the text form of:

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
134 months ago
"For customers who continue to use the third-generation Apple TV..."

Almost sounds condescending, doesn't it?
Sounds better than "for customers who still haven't upgraded to the fourth generation Apple TV..."
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gotluck Avatar
134 months ago
yep i bought a 3rd gen (my first apple tv) after seeing the 4th gen release
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)