Apple is said to be in the process of phasing out the third-generation Apple TV, according to 9to5Mac.

A source who spoke to the tech news site has indicated that Apple is pulling the device from its brick-and-mortar retail stores, with staff instructed to remove any remaining models from store shelves.

Apple TV comparison
The claim comes despite the fact that the third-generation device is still available to purchase under the TV heading of Apple's online store, albeit at the bottom of the section page, with the option to compare the model with the fourth-generation device also still listed.

The third-generation Apple TV was released back in 2012 and received a spec bump the following year, but the model lacks the App Store native to tvOS, which also benefits from deep Siri integration and a touch-based remote that doubles as a controller.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Neutral)
Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater

Top Rated Comments

iapplelove Avatar
iapplelove
92 months ago
I'm still using a 3rd gen. It does everything I need it to do.

I can see myself keeping it for a long time too.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
godrifle Avatar
godrifle
92 months ago
I still don't even know what the 4th gen does that my 3rd gen can't. Games? Ha.

As far as apps are concerned, I don't think that there is anything the 4th gen does that an iPhone w/AirPlay + a 3rd gen can't do.

Meanwhile, VUDU support is still awful. No native app and no AirPlay support.
Plex.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
decimortis Avatar
decimortis
92 months ago
I'm still using a 3rd gen. It does everything I need it to do.

I can see myself keeping it for a long time too.
Same. We've had ours since 2012 and it continues to provide everything we need. We're not heavy aTV users: so long as it does YouTube, Netflix, and AirPlay, we're good.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnysods Avatar
jonnysods
92 months ago
When they get 4k content and a 4k device I'll get rid of my third gen
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lederermc Avatar
lederermc
92 months ago
I hope Apple would replace the 3rd gen ATV with an Airplay Only version (with video mirroring) for about $35.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
err404 Avatar
err404
92 months ago
What the aTV4 does is more in potential. It allows other content providers to offer native apps w/o needing a special deal with Apple.
However in reality, the aTV3 hits most of the big requirements for a streaming device.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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