Apple has removed the Apple TV HD (2015) and first-generation Apple TV 4K (2017) from compatibility with tvOS 27, marking the first time in four years the company has cut Apple TV hardware from a major OS upgrade, according to TechRadar.
Affected models and continued support
The following Apple TV models will not receive the tvOS 27 update, TechRadar reported:
- Fourth-generation Apple TV HD (model A1625, released 2015)
- First-generation Apple TV 4K (model A1842, released 2017)
These devices will continue to run tvOS 26. Users can check compatibility via model numbers. The models that will support tvOS 27 include:
- Second-generation Apple TV 4K (model A2169, released 2021)
- Third-generation Apple TV 4K (model A2843, released 2022)
- Third-generation Apple TV 4K (model A2737, released 2022)
| Model | Generation | Year | tvOS 27 Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV HD (A1625) | 4th | 2015 | No |
| Apple TV 4K (A1842) | 1st | 2017 | No |
| Apple TV 4K (A2169) | 2nd | 2021 | Yes |
| Apple TV 4K (A2843) | 3rd (Wi-Fi) | 2022 | Yes |
| Apple TV 4K (A2737) | 3rd (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) | 2022 | Yes |
Why the cut? Hardware limitations and AI features
The move is driven by Apple's focus on Apple Intelligence and the new Siri AI voice assistant in tvOS 27, tools that require hardware not present in decade-old devices, TechRadar explained. The second and third-generation Apple TV 4K streamers, while compatible with tvOS 27, are also expected to be excluded from AI upgrades because they run on the A15 Bionic chip — insufficient for the new AI workloads.
However, the newer models are not entirely left out. Apple's WWDC 2026 keynote briefly highlighted performance boosts including faster app launches, smoother AirPlay connectivity, and a more responsive Control Center. Smart Downloads are also on the way, though details remain scarce.
Looking ahead: Fourth-gen Apple TV 4K speculation
With speculation of a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K looming, expected to launch later this year, TechRadar noted that this next model could be the first native streaming device for Apple's new AI integrations. For businesses that rely on Apple TV for digital signage, hospitality, or internal communications, this development means planning for hardware refreshes to access future AI-powered features.
The dropped models will still function on tvOS 26, but the lack of future updates may push users toward upgrading. The secondary market for these discontinued units could see pricing shifts as supply tightens, though TechRadar did not provide trade data.
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