Apple TV HD and 4K Lose Support in tvOS 27
▼ Summary
– tvOS 27 drops support for the Apple TV HD (2015) and Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017).
– tvOS 27 is only compatible with the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021) and newer models.
– The update includes a redesigned Podcasts app, smoother animations, and larger text support.
– Apple did not highlight tvOS 27 during the WWDC 2026 keynote, so new features are still being discovered.
– The first tvOS 27 developer beta is available now, with a public beta in July and a full release likely in September.
The upcoming tvOS 27 update, previewed during this week’s developer events, will officially cut support for two older Apple TV models. Owners of devices from 2015 and 2017 will need to upgrade to continue receiving new system software.
According to Apple’s compatibility documentation, the Apple TV HD (2015) and the first-generation Apple TV 4K (2017) are both supported under tvOS 26 but will not be compatible with tvOS 27. Starting with the next major release, only the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021) and the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022) will receive the update.
tvOS 27 introduces a redesigned Podcasts app, smoother app launches and animations, and expanded support for larger text across the interface. Apple did not dedicate significant stage time to tvOS during its WWDC 2026 keynote, so details on additional features are still emerging.
For reference, here is the full compatibility breakdown:
tvOS 26 Compatibility:
- Apple TV HD (2015)
- Apple TV 4K (1st generation, 2017)
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021)
- Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022)
tvOS 27 Compatibility:
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation, 2021)
- Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022)
The first tvOS 27 developer beta is available starting today. A public beta is expected to arrive in July, with the final release likely coming in September. A new Apple TV 4K (4th generation) is also anticipated to launch later this year.
(Source: MacRumors)
