It looks like it’s the end of the line for the third-generation Apple TV

By Kris Wouk Published October 5, 2016

Apple TV — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Since the launch of the fourth-generation Apple TV, there has been little reason to buy the previous model aside from its lower price. The new tvOS-powered model boasts improved functionality, has more available apps, and is fairly regularly updated. Since the launch of its latest streaming box, Apple has continued to sell the third-generation model, but now the aging streamer has finally been discontinued.

While Apple hasn’t yet officially announced the end of the third-generation Apple TV, its days seem to be numbered. The company notified both its employees and education partners in an email obtained by 9to5Mac.

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“Effective immediately, Apple TV (third-generation), MD/199LL/A, has reached end of life and is now discontinued,” the email reads “The Apple Supply team is going to fulfill all shipable backlog.”

Those who keep a close eye on Apple have probably assumed this was coming, as not only is the older model outclassed by the newer tvOS-powered model, but the third-generation Apple TV has been slowly getting harder to find. Retailers have been removing the device from store shelves, while it has been made increasingly difficult to find the product on the Apple website.

Usually when Apple discontinues a product, it makes an official announcement to notify customers, which hasn’t happened yet, but this likely isn’t far off. If you’re looking to pick one up before it officially disappears, refurbished models can be found via Apple’s online store, but stock is likely very limited.

If you’re looking to replace your aging Apple TV but don’t want to pay $150 for a new model, a number of new Roku models were released last week, many of which feature 4K support and some of which offer HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, priced from $30 and $130. At its “Made by Google” event on Tuesday, Google unveiled its new 4K, HDR-capable Chromecast, which is priced at $70.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…

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