Home / Technology / tvOS 27 Update Cuts Support for 2015 & 2017 Apple TVs
tvOS 27 Update Cuts Support for 2015 & 2017 Apple TVs
11 Jun
Summary
- Apple TV HD and 2017 Apple TV 4K will not receive tvOS 27.
- Second and third-gen Apple TV 4K models will support tvOS 27.
- Older models likely excluded from AI features due to hardware.
Apple has revealed that its upcoming tvOS 27 update will not support older streaming hardware. Specifically, the Apple TV HD from 2015 and the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017 are being discontinued from the update. These devices will continue to operate on tvOS 26.
Owners of the second-generation Apple TV 4K (2021) and both iterations of the third-generation Apple TV 4K (2022) will be able to upgrade to tvOS 27. However, these models are expected to miss out on the new AI integrations and the advanced Siri voice assistant previewed at WWDC 2026.
The exclusion of older hardware from tvOS 27 is attributed to hardware incompatibilities, particularly with the AI-powered functions. Apple's A15 bionic chip in the newer models is likely insufficient for these advanced features. Future Apple TV 4K models are anticipated to be the first to natively support these upcoming AI capabilities.
Despite the exclusion from AI features, the supported Apple TV 4K models will still benefit from performance enhancements in tvOS 27. These improvements include faster app launches, smoother AirPlay connectivity, and a more responsive Control Center. Additionally, new features like Smart Downloads are planned, although their functionality remains undisclosed.
