tvOS 18 Rumored to Be Compatible With These Apple TV Models

Just ahead of WWDC, we have another last-minute compatibility rumor to share from a proven leaker, with this one relating to the Apple TV.

apple tv 4k yellow bg feature
In a post on social media platform X today, the leaker claimed that tvOS 18 will remain compatible with the Apple TV HD, released in 2015.

If so, tvOS 18 would be compatible with all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models, meaning there would be no change compared to tvOS 17:

  • Apple TV HD (2015)
  • Apple TV 4K (2017)
  • Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation) (2021)
  • Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) (2022)

Given that HomePods run a variant of tvOS, the leaker thinks the next HomePod software update is likely to support all HomePods, including the original 2018 model.

The leaker who revealed this information has a private account on X, so we have elected not to share its name or link to it, but they have shared accurate compatibility information and build numbers for Apple's software updates in the past.

Apple will unveil tvOS 18 and other major software updates during the WWDC keynote, which begins at 10 a.m. Pacific Time today.

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

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Plus Feature

iPhone 17 Lineup Specs Detail Display Upgrade and New High-End Model

Monday July 22, 2024 4:33 am PDT by
Key details about the overall specifications of the iPhone 17 lineup have been shared by the leaker known as "Ice Universe," clarifying several important aspects of next year's devices. Reports in recent months have converged in agreement that Apple will discontinue the "Plus" iPhone model in 2025 while introducing an all-new iPhone 17 "Slim" model as an even more high-end option sitting...
iPhone SE 4 Vertical Camera Feature

iPhone SE 4 Production Will Reportedly Begin Ramping Up in October

Tuesday July 23, 2024 2:00 pm PDT by
Following nearly two years of rumors about a fourth-generation iPhone SE, The Information today reported that Apple suppliers are finally planning to begin ramping up mass production of the device in October of this year. If accurate, that timeframe would mean that the next iPhone SE would not be announced alongside the iPhone 16 series in September, as expected. Instead, the report...
Generic iPhone 17 Feature With Full Width Dynamic Island

Kuo: Ultra-Thin iPhone 17 to Feature A19 Chip, Single Rear Camera, Semi-Titanium Frame, and More

Wednesday July 24, 2024 9:06 am PDT by
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today shared alleged specifications for a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 model rumored to launch next year. Kuo expects the device to be equipped with a 6.6-inch display with a current-size Dynamic Island, a standard A19 chip rather than an A19 Pro chip, a single rear camera, and an Apple-designed 5G chip. He also expects the device to have a...
iPhone 17 Plus Feature Purple

These 5 Features Will Make the iPhone 17 the Biggest Update in Years

Monday July 22, 2024 4:02 pm PDT by
The upcoming iPhone 16 models that we're expecting to see in September are going to be quite similar to the iPhone 15 models, but rumors suggest that Apple is making big changes in 2025. We've been hearing hints of an all-new device in the iPhone lineup, and it may be the most expensive iPhone Apple has offered to date. New 'Slim' Design Rumors have taken to referring to the new iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Feature

Everything New in iOS 18 Beta 4

Tuesday July 23, 2024 1:08 pm PDT by
Apple released the fourth beta of iOS 18 today, introducing small changes to a number of features throughout the operating system. There are no big additions in this beta, but Apple is continuing to refine existing settings and design choices. Apple plans to continue updating iOS 18 over the next few months, with the update set to be released this fall. We've rounded up all of the changes...
iPhone SE 4 Thumb 1

iPhone SE 4 Rumored to Launch Early Next Year With OLED Display, 48MP Camera, and More

Monday July 22, 2024 7:22 am PDT by
The fourth-generation iPhone SE will offer a series of major upgrades over the current model, the leaker known as "Ice Universe" claims. The information was listed in a post on Weibo, which also detailed the specifications of the iPhone 17 lineup. As previously rumored, the fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to feature Face ID and USB-C, marking a major upgrade from current and previous ...
iPhone 17 Plus Feature Purple

iPhone 17 Rumored to Feature Mechanical Aperture

Tuesday July 23, 2024 9:32 am PDT by
Apple is planning to release at least one iPhone 17 model next year with mechanical aperture, according to a report published today by The Information. The mechanical system would allow users to adjust the size of the iPhone 17's aperture, which refers to the opening of the camera lens through which light enters. All existing iPhone camera lenses have fixed apertures, but some Android...

Top Rated Comments

zorinlynx Avatar
7 weeks ago
I'm amazed that Apple is still fully supporting the 2015 Apple TV. That has got to be the record for the longest a device has ever gotten software updates!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
7 weeks ago

Drop support for the 2015 ATV HD. Release a new model. Those of us with a HD or 4K (1st Gen) will upgrade.
Why? I don't even use a 2015 ATV anymore. But I'd still rather Apple support it as long as they can.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Supercyborgninja Avatar
7 weeks ago
2015? Must not be a significant update again.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Heat_Fan89 Avatar
7 weeks ago
I'm still amazed that my 2015 ATV is still getting support. I plan on buying a new ATV once Apple decides to drop my device but each year it gets a new life line.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BruiserB Avatar
7 weeks ago
The basic functionality of tvOS is to stream video to the TV. The resolution is limited by the model of AppleTV (HD or 4K). The chips in the AppleTV can handle their respective video rates. There really isn't a reason any of these should have to become obsolete. Hopefully Apple will continue OS support as long as possible, leaving out any new OS features that aren't necessary for the basic functionality.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
trusso Avatar
7 weeks ago

Drop support for the 2015 ATV HD. Release a new model. Those of us with a HD or 4K (1st Gen) will upgrade.

Why? I don't even use a 2015 ATV anymore. But I'd still rather Apple support it as long as they can.
Agreed. It’s a streaming device for goodness sake, it doesn’t need that much power. Apple should support it for as long as they can. I have the latest Apple TV (2022 model) myself, but why would I want folks with the older models left out in the cold? Seems like an awful take if you ask me.

Too many dogs in the manger these days. :rolleyes:
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)