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

New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18

18 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18.2

Wednesday November 13, 2024 2:09 am PST by
Apple is set to release iOS 18.2 next month, bringing the second round of Apple Intelligence features to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models. This update brings several major advancements to Apple's AI integration, including completely new image generation tools and a range of Visual Intelligence-based enhancements. There are a handful of new non-AI related feature controls incoming as well....
airtag purple

AirTag 2 Rumored to Launch Next Year With These New Features

Sunday November 17, 2024 5:18 am PST by
Apple released the AirTag in April 2021, so it is now three over and a half years old. While the AirTag has not received any hardware updates since then, a new version of the item tracking accessory is rumored to be in development. Below, we recap rumors about a second-generation AirTag. Timing Apple is aiming to release a new AirTag in mid-2025, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman....
M4 MacBook Pros Thumb

M4 MacBook Pro Uses Quantum Dot Display Technology

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:19 pm PST by
The M4 MacBook Pro models feature quantum dot display technology, according to display analyst Ross Young. Apple used a quantum dot film instead of a red KSF phosphor film, a change that provides more vibrant, accurate color results. Young says that Apple has opted for KSF for prior MacBook Pro models because it doesn't use toxic element cadmium (typical for quantum dot) and is more...
iCloud General Feature

Apple Acknowledges iCloud Notes Disappearing and Explains How to Fix

Saturday November 16, 2024 9:45 am PST by
Earlier this month, we reported about some iPhone users temporarily losing all of their notes in the Notes app after accepting Apple's updated iCloud terms and conditions. Apple has now indirectly acknowledged this issue in a new support document that outlines steps to follow if your iCloud notes are not appearing on your iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro. Fortunately, the notes can be re-synced...
iPhone XS Max Black Background

Apple Adds iPhone XS Max and More to Vintage/Obsolete Product Lists

Friday November 15, 2024 8:09 am PST by
Apple today added a few older iPhone and Apple Watch models to the vintage and obsolete products list on its website. Apple has now classified the iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone XS Max as "vintage" worldwide. Apple considers a device to be "vintage" once five years have passed since the company stopped distributing it for sale. Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers sometimes offer repairs...

Top Rated Comments

zorinlynx Avatar
23 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
23 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
23 weeks ago
2015? Must not be a significant update again.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Heat_Fan89 Avatar
23 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
23 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
23 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)