Two Apple TV Models Discontinued with tvOS 27 Update

Apple's new tvOS 27 operating system, released for its Apple TV streaming devices, marks a significant milestone as it renders two older hardware models obsolete due to lack of software support.

The affected devices are the 2015 Apple TV HD (model A1625) and the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017 (model A1842). These units will be unable to install tvOS 27 and will remain on tvOS 26. The latest software update focuses on enhancements for Apple Music, Podcasts, and AirPlay, introducing features like high-resolution lossless audio support and an "AutoMix" function for seamless song transitions.

Furthermore, tvOS 27 includes improved subtitle support and a new "transcribed audio" feature designed to assist users in following content when standard captions are unavailable. These capabilities, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence, demand greater processing power than the older hardware can provide.

While the older Apple TV devices will continue to function, they will not receive future software advancements. Developers are expected to increasingly focus on newer hardware, potentially leading to performance issues and a diminished user experience on the unsupported models over time.