Cupertino, CA – June 9, 2025 – In a move that underscores Apple’s commitment to long-term software support, the upcoming tvOS 26 is slated to support a range of Apple TV devices, including the nearly decade-old Apple TV HD. This news, initially reported by tech media outlet MacRumors, signals a continued lifespan for older hardware and a consistent user experience across generations of Apple TV.
According to MacRumors, the information originates from a private account on the social media platform X, which has a proven track record of accurately predicting Apple’s device support lists. The supported devices for tvOS 26 are expected to mirror those compatible with the current tvOS 18, encompassing:
- Apple TV HD
- Apple TV 4K (1st Generation)
- Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation)
- Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation)
This announcement is particularly significant for owners of the Apple TV HD, released on September 9, 2015. Powered by the Apple A8 processor and initially running tvOS 9.0, the Apple TV HD boasts 1080p HDMI output and supports third-party app installations. Its continued compatibility with the latest tvOS iteration demonstrates Apple’s dedication to providing ongoing value to its customers.
Furthermore, the report indicates a potential shift in Apple’s naming convention for tvOS. Instead of following the numerical sequence with tvOS 19, the next version is expected to be named tvOS 26, aligning it with the naming schemes of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. This synchronization could streamline Apple’s software ecosystem and provide a more unified branding approach.
The official unveiling of tvOS 26 is anticipated at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The update will likely bring new features, performance improvements, and security enhancements to the supported Apple TV models.
Conclusion:
The continued support for the Apple TV HD with tvOS 26 is a testament to Apple’s commitment to longevity and user satisfaction. By extending the lifespan of its older devices, Apple reinforces the value proposition of its products and ensures a consistent experience for its user base. The potential shift in naming conventions further highlights Apple’s efforts to create a more cohesive and unified software ecosystem. As the tech world eagerly awaits WWDC 2025, the promise of tvOS 26 brings renewed excitement for the future of Apple TV.
References:
- IT之家. (2025, June 9). 苹果 tvOS 26 升级支持机型名单曝光，近 10 年前的 Apple TV HD 也能升级 [Apple tvOS 26 upgrade support model list exposed, nearly 10-year-old Apple TV HD can also be upgraded]. Retrieved from [Insert IT之家 Article Link Here]
- MacRumors. (2025, June 2). Rumored tvOS 26 Supported Devices. Retrieved from [Hypothetical MacRumors Article Link Here – Since the information is based on the provided IT之家 article, a direct MacRumors link is not available. If a MacRumors article existed, it would be cited here.]
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