Online Apple Store out of refurbished Apple TVs, hints at possible refresh
Apple has either run out of stock or suspended sales of refurbished Apple TVs through its online store, possibly hinting that a new version of the device is in the offing.
Internet cache of refurbished Apple TV webpage from April.
As noted by AppleInsider reader Brian, the Online Apple Store's refurbished product webpage no longer shows the Apple TV as available for sale. Apple recently cut the price of the refurbished device to $75 in early August, down from $85 as seen in the above image.
While it is possible that Apple has simply run out or suspended sales of refurbished units, the timing of the stockout jibes with recent rumors of a possible product refresh. A report on Tuesday noted Apple took receipt of three fairly large shipments from Chinese partner manufacturer BYD Precision in August, the contents of each described as "Set Top Boxes." The information was discovered in bills of lading from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Until the past few days, there have been little to no rumors regarding a new Apple TV, as most media attention has been focused on an anticipated iPhone lineup refresh. However, Apple has been actively updating the existing set-top streamer's content, adding channels like Vevo, Disney, Weather and Smithsonian in late August, while a beta of the next Apple TV software released in July was found to have reinstated iTunes purchasing.
Apple last refreshed its Apple TV in March 2012, adding 1080p output to the unit while retaining the prior model's design.
The Cupertino, Calif., company has scheduled a media event for Sept. 10 which is expected to see the unveiling of new iPhone models. Although mere speculation, it is possible that Apple may be planning to announce a new Apple TV product alongside the handsets.
Internet cache of refurbished Apple TV webpage from April.
As noted by AppleInsider reader Brian, the Online Apple Store's refurbished product webpage no longer shows the Apple TV as available for sale. Apple recently cut the price of the refurbished device to $75 in early August, down from $85 as seen in the above image.
While it is possible that Apple has simply run out or suspended sales of refurbished units, the timing of the stockout jibes with recent rumors of a possible product refresh. A report on Tuesday noted Apple took receipt of three fairly large shipments from Chinese partner manufacturer BYD Precision in August, the contents of each described as "Set Top Boxes." The information was discovered in bills of lading from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Until the past few days, there have been little to no rumors regarding a new Apple TV, as most media attention has been focused on an anticipated iPhone lineup refresh. However, Apple has been actively updating the existing set-top streamer's content, adding channels like Vevo, Disney, Weather and Smithsonian in late August, while a beta of the next Apple TV software released in July was found to have reinstated iTunes purchasing.
Apple last refreshed its Apple TV in March 2012, adding 1080p output to the unit while retaining the prior model's design.
The Cupertino, Calif., company has scheduled a media event for Sept. 10 which is expected to see the unveiling of new iPhone models. Although mere speculation, it is possible that Apple may be planning to announce a new Apple TV product alongside the handsets.
Comments
Hmm. Why, though? The Refurb store often runs out of Mac Mini, for example. That doesn't imply a new Mac Mini is always around the corner.
I think it likely a new Apple TV will be released soon, but unlikely that this has any more to do with it than anything else.
Maybe.
Or maybe they just ran out because not enough people are returning them so there aren't enough refurbs to satisfy demand?
Apple runs out of refurbs all the time.
I don't understand how a shipping label stating "set top box "with a communication function is indicative of anything. That is an accurate description of the current Apple TV.
So to me running out of refurbs seems to mean very little!
BCM7445 chip or the like. Not mentioned at AppleInsider in a while; be sure to look
for such in the teardown. Of course the wireless bandwidth for 4K even with H.265
remains out-of-reach for most, but H.265 for pre-existing 1080p would be sweet for content hogs and existing pipes.
802.11ac?
802.11ac?
Not with H.264.
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edit: correct spelling of automobile[/SIZE]
Better CPU, faster memory, SSD speed, graphics above 326 ppi.
iCloud connection with all devices, add in my car, home stereo, Apple TV.
What else is there to improve my experience?
Yes 4K display will be cool. I cannot wait to see it!
1Gbps Internet would be great - I can wait for it.
Unlimited content will be soon.
Future: Convenience, ease of use, Monitor my health! (maybe??)
Wearable: Blood Preasure (24 Hr), Heart Rate (24hr), Activity (24hr).
Sides: Food I consumed!, Exercise I did! Calories IN -less- Calories OUT = gain/loss. Easy!
Google Glasses - maybe. Just hope I am not distracted from life to get killed.
Maybe
If There is an update I hope the increase the buffer size from 8gb to 16gb. My atv2 stalls about halfway through streaming 16gb HD movies from my mac.
Seriously? What movie are you watching that's 16GB? The Avengers downloaded from the iTunes store is only 2.19GB!
I'm not completely sure what the buffer is on the ?TV2 but I know it isn't anywhere near 8GB. The RAM is 256MB and the total system memory is only 8GB. That's primarily used for the OS and the limited apps that are currently available.
802.11ac?
That's what I'm thinking.
Not with H.264.
Why not? How does H.264 affect the wireless spec?
Maybe it's the fabled AppleTV with 5-inch IGZO display.
Every time an Apple NDA is violated, Tim Cook will murder another kitten.
Run a wire.
"Security" is nonexistent. Too many people along the supply chain opens up opportunities to pay someone for information.
I don't understand how a shipping label stating "set top box "with a communication function is indicative of anything. That is an accurate description of the current Apple TV.
Siri...Apple has held the Apple TV back for a looong time now. They are building up another killing device kept behind wraps for some time.
This product is years in the making, and it certainly does not rely on an "remote" or "voice" to be controlled. It will reinvent our living room experience, and give Apple a few years heads up like with the iPhone in 2007.
Whatever it turns out to be, I sure hope it involves UHD. But I somewhat doubt we will see anything on september 10th.
Seriously? What movie are you watching that's 16GB? The Avengers downloaded from the iTunes store is only 2.19GB!
I'm not completely sure what the buffer is on the ?TV2 but I know it isn't anywhere near 8GB. The RAM is 256MB and the total system memory is only 8GB. That's primarily used for the OS and the limited apps that are currently available.
That's what I'm thinking.
Why not? How does H.264 affect the wireless spec?
Most 1080 movies downloaded of the internet come in at 8gb or more, some 20gb or more.