Apple Discontinues Third-Generation Apple TV - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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.

appletv3
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)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Feature Cool

Apple Releases New iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and tvOS 27 Public Betas

Monday August 31, 2026 2:13 pm PDT by
Apple today released the sixth public betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, allowing anyone with a compatible device to download and test the new software. The sixth betas come a week after Apple seeded the fifth betas and a few hours after the eighth developer betas. You can get started by signing up on Apple's beta website and then opting in to the public beta by...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Buys an Existing Hit for the First Time Ever

Friday August 28, 2026 8:52 am PDT by
Apple TV has bought the worldwide rights to "Small Prophets," breaking with how it normally operates in acquiring an existing English-language hit rather than commissioning a show of its own from the start. Apple TV has typically developed or, at the very least, commissioned shows in-house and given them their premiere on the service, regardless of where they may eventually end up. This...
apple tv 4k yellow bg feature

Next Apple TV Rumored to Have Five New Features, Including Siri AI

Wednesday August 19, 2026 7:43 am PDT by
According to rumors, the next-generation Apple TV 4K will have at least five new features, including an A17 Pro chip or newer, increased RAM, Siri AI support, an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and an updated Siri Remote. Below, we recap everything rumored for the next Apple TV, along with potential launch timing. Rumored Features A17 Pro Chip or Newer The next Apple TV wi...

Top Rated Comments

129 months ago
Dont worry, they still sell the MacBook Pro from 2012!
Score: 72 Votes (Like | Disagree)
decimortis Avatar
129 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)
129 months ago
They should have discontinued it when the 4th gen was released.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wozmatic Avatar
129 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
129 months ago
4th gen 32gb $99
5th gen 4K 64gb $149

Hopefully soon
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
129 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)