Apple TV Software (ATVS) was a series of operating systems developed by Apple for their early Apple TV consoles. On October 29, 2015, it was superseded by tvOS.
History[]
Version 1[]
Apple TV Software 1.0 was released on March 21, 2007 with the 1st-generation Apple TV, which ran on a Pentium M processor. The software was based on Mac OS X 10.4.7 "Tiger" and used Front Row as its user interface.[1] A computer running a supported version of iTunes was required to sync content to the device.[2] Version 1.1 was released on June 20, 2007, adding support for YouTube video playback.[3]
Version 2[]
Apple TV Software 2.0 was released on January 15, 2008. Once installed, it allowed the 1st generation device to receive downloads directly, effectively untethering it from a computer.[4][5] Version 2.0.1 was released on March 28 and added support for browsing movies by genre.[6] A 2.0.2 update that improved network reliability was released on April 14.[7] Version 2.1 was released on July 9, 2008 and allowed supported iPhone and iPod touch models to be used as remote control devices through a Remote app. It also added support for MobileMe.[8] Version 2.2 was released on October 2 and allowed purchases and downloading of HD television shows from the iTunes Store.[9] Version 2.3 was released on November 19, 2008 and added the ability to stream music over AirTunes to AirPort Express-connected speaker and learning of 3rd-party remotes.[10] Version 2.3.1 was released on February 25, 2009 and added a network test function and disabled 3rd-party hacks such as Boxee.[11] Version 2.4 was released on June 24, 2009 and added support for touch gestures from the updated Remote app for iOS devices.[12]
Version 3[]
Apple TV Software 3.0 was released on October 29, 2009. It updated the user interface, added support for Genius Mixes, and allowed tagging of internet radio stations for later listening.[13] A issue with disappearing content was addressed in an update to version 3.0.1 on November 7, 2009.[14] Version 3.0.2 was released on February 11, 2010 and was the final update based on Mac OS X that supported the 1st-generation Apple TV.[15]
Version 4[]
Apple TV Software 4.0 was released on September 1, 2010 with the 2nd-generation Apple TV. It was the first version to be based on iOS, specifically iOS 4.1.
Version 5[]
Apple TV Software 5.0 was released in March 7, 2012 with the 3rd-generation Apple TV. Based on iOS 5.1, it featured a new user interface.[16] Version 5.2 was released on January 28, 2013 with the 3rd-generation Apple TV, revision A.
Version 6[]
Apple TV Software 6.2.1, based on iOS 7.1.2, was released on September 17, 2014 and was the last update to support the 2nd-generation Apple TV.
Version 7[]
Apple TV Software 7.0, released on September 17, 2014, was based on iOS 8.0, adopting its "flat" user interface. It added peer-to-peer AirPlay support to the 3rd-generation Apple TV, revision A (model A1469).[17] Version 7.3, based on iOS 8.4.2, was released on May 13, 2019 and added an Apple TV app with support for Apple TV+ services.[18] Version 7.6.2, based on iOS 8.4.4, was released on December 14, 2020 and addressed issues with the playback of YouTube videos.[19] However, YouTube ended support for older Apple TV consoles predating the Apple TV HD in March 2021, requiring AirPlay streaming from another device to view YouTube videos.[20] Version 7.9, also based on iOS 8.4.4, was released on March 14, 2022 and is the last known security update for both revisions of the 3rd-generation Apple TV without any new published feature updates.[21]
Deprecation[]
- NOTE: There is no Apple TV Software 8.0 or tvOS 8.
Though still derived from iOS, the software was formally rebranded as tvOS in 2015, starting with tvOS 9 (based on iOS 9) for the 4th-generation Apple TV HD.[22] However, support for Apple TV Software 7.x (retroactively referred to as tvOS 7) for 3rd-generation Apple TV consoles has continued with updates being released through 2022.[17][21]
Release history[]
| Version | Based on | Build | Released | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATVS 1.0 | Mac OS X 10.4.7 |
8N5107 | 2007-03-21 | Initial release for 1st-generation Apple TV. |
| ATVS 1.1 | 8N5248 | 2007-07-20 | Bug fixes. Added YouTube video player. | |
| ATVS 2.0 | 8N5274 | 2008-01-15 | Support for direct downloads removes need for computer syncing. | |
| ATVS 2.0.1 | 8N5387 | 2008-03-28 | Added support for browsing movies by genre. | |
| ATVS 2.0.2 | 8N5428 | 2008-04-14 | Bug fixes and improved network reliability. | |
| ATVS 2.1 | 8N5485 | 2008-07-09 | Support for MobileMe and control by Remote app from iOS devices. | |
| ATVS 2.2 | 8N5499 | 2008-10-02 | Added Genius support and purchasing of HD television shows. | |
| ATVS 2.3 | 8N5573 | 2008-11-19 | Music streaming over AirTunes and learning of 3rd-party remotes. | |
| ATVS 2.3.1 | 8N5587 | 2009-02-25 | Added network test feature and blocked 3rd-party hacks like Boxee. | |
| ATVS 2.4 | 8N5660 | 2009-06-24 | Support for touch gestures from Remote app for iOS devices. | |
| ATVS 3.0 | 8N5789 | 2009-10-29 | New main menu, Genius Mixes, and internet radio station tagging. | |
| ATVS 3.0.1 | 8N6004 | 2009-11-07 | Bug fixes. | |
| ATVS 3.0.2 | 8N6013 | 2010-02-11 | Bug fixes. Final release for 1st-gen Apple TV. | |
| ATVS 4.0 | iOS 4.1 | 8M89 | 2010-09-01 | Initial release for 2nd-generation Apple TV. |
| ATVS 4.1 | iOS 4.2 | 8C150 | 2010-11-22 | Added support for AirPlay and VoiceOver in menus. |
| ATVS 4.1.1 | iOS 4.2.1 | 8C154 | 2010-12-14 | Bug fixes. |
| ATVS 4.2 | iOS 4.3 | 8F191m | 2011-03-09 | AirPlay video support for 3rd-party apps on iOS devices. |
| ATVS 4.2.1 | 8F202 | 2011-03-22 | Bug fixes. | |
| ATVS 4.2.2 | 8F305 | 2011-05-11 | Bug fixes. | |
| ATVS 4.3 | 8F455 | 2011-08-01 | Support for Vimeo and streaming of iTunes purchases. | |
| ATVS 4.4 | iOS 5.0 | 9A334v | 2011-10-12 | AirPlay mirroring for iPad 2 and iPhone 4S. |
| ATVS 4.4.1 | 9A335a | 2011-10-17 | Bug fixes. | |
| ATVS 4.4.2 | 9A336a | 2011-10-24 | Bug fixes, stability, and performance. | |
| ATVS 4.4.3 | iOS 5.0.1 | 9A405l | 2011-11-17 | Support for Netflix in Mexico. |
| ATVS 4.4.4 | 9A406a | 2011-12-15 | Stability and performance. | |
| ATVS 5.0 | iOS 5.1 | 9B179b | 2012-03-07 | Initial release for 3rd-generation Apple TV. |
| ATVS 5.0.1 | iOS 5.1.1 | 9B206f | 2012-05-10 | Bug fixes. HD support for video previews from the iTunes Store. |
| ATVS 5.0.2 | 9B830 | 2012-06-05 | Bug fixes. | |
| ATVS 5.1 | iOS 6.0 | 10A406E | 2012-09-24 | Support for multiple iTunes accounts, shared Photo streams, AirPlay-enabled speakers, and SDH subtitles for hearing-impaired. |
| ATVS 5.1.1 | iOS 6.0.1 | 10A831 | 2012-11-29 | Added support for Up Next. |
| ATVS 5.2 | iOS 6.1 | 10B144b | 2013-01-28 | Initial release for 3rd-generation Apple TV, revision A. |
| ATVS 5.2.1 | iOS 6.1.3 | 10B329a | 2013-03-19 | Updated Hulu Plus app with support for closed captioning. |
| ATVS 5.3 | iOS 6.1.4 | 10B809 | 2013-06-19 | Added support for Crunchyroll, ESPN, HBO GO, Qello, and Sky News. |
| ATVS 6.0 | iOS 7.0.1 iOS 7.0.2 |
11A470e 11A502 |
2013-09-23 | Direct iTunes Music Store purchases and playback; viewing shared iCloud photo streams and videos; automatic software updates. |
| ATVS 6.0.1 | iOS 7.0.3 | 11B511d | 2013-10-25 | Stability and performance. |
| ATVS 6.0.2 | iOS 7.0.4 iOS 7.0.6 |
11B554a 11B651 |
2013-11-14 | Stability and performance. Security update. |
| ATVS 6.1 | iOS 7.1 | 11D169b | 2014-03-10 | Easier channel hiding. AirPlay can discover Apple TV over Bluetooth. |
| ATVS 6.1.1 | iOS 7.1.1 | 11D201c | 2014-04-22 | Stability and performance. |
| ATVS 6.2 | iOS 7.1.2 | 11D257c | 2014-06-30 | Support for iTunes Extras. |
| ATVS 6.2.1 | 11D258 | 2014-09-17 | Stability and performance. Final release for 2nd-gen Apple TV. | |
| ATVS 7.0 | iOS 8.0 | 12A365b | 2014-09-17 | Added Family Sharing and "flat" user interface like iOS 8. Peer-to-peer AirPlay on 3rd-gen Apple TV, revision A. |
| ATVS 7.0.1 | iOS 8.1 | 12B410a | 2014-10-20 | Bug fixes, stability, and performance. |
| ATVS 7.0.2 | iOS 8.1.1 | 12B440 | 2014-11-17 | Bug fixes, stability, and performance. |
| ATVS 7.0.3 | iOS 8.1.3 | 12B466 | 2015-01-27 | Bug fixes, stability, and performance. |
| ATVS 7.1 | iOS 8.2 | 12D508 | 2015-03-09 | Bug fixes, stability, and performance. |
| ATVS 7.2 | iOS 8.3 | 12F69 | 2015-04-08 | Bug fixes, stability, and performance. Support for new YouTube API. |
| ATVS 7.2.1 | iOS 8.4 | 12H523 | 2016-02-25 | Bug fixes, stability, and performance. |
| ATVS 7.2.2 | iOS 8.4.1 | 12H606 | 2016-12-12 | Bug fixes, stability, and performance. Support for Amazon Video. |
| ATVS 7.3 | iOS 8.4.2 | 12H847 | 2019-05-13 | Added Apple TV app with support for Apple TV+ services. |
| ATVS 7.3.1 | 12H864 | 2019-07-22 | Bug fixes and stability. | |
| ATVS 7.4 | iOS 8.4.3 | 12H876 | 2019-09-24 | Bug fixes and stability. |
| ATVS 7.5 | iOS 8.4.4 | 12H885 | 2020-03-24 | Support for Apple TV remote control from Control Center. |
| ATVS 7.6 | 12H903 | 2020-09-16 | Bug fixes and stability. | |
| ATVS 7.6.2 | 12H914 | 2020-12-14 | Fixed YouTube bug. | |
| ATVS 7.7 | 12H923 | 2021-04-26 | Bug fixes and stability. | |
| ATVS 7.8 | 12H937 | 2021-09-20 | Bug fixes and stability. | |
| ATVS 7.9 | 12H1006 | 2022-03-14 | Bug and/or stability fix(es). Last release to date for 3rd-gen Apple TV. |
- * There is no Apple TV Software 8.0.
References[]
- ↑ First Look: Hacking Apple TV by Dan Frakes, Macworld. 2007-03-27.
- ↑ Wirelessly in sync., Apple Inc. Archived 2007-01-13.
- ↑ The Complete Guide to Apple TV 1.1 Software and YouTube by Jeremy Horwitz, iLounge. 2007-07-20.
- ↑ Apple TV untethers from Mac, price dropped by Peter Cohen, Macworld. 2008-01-15.
- ↑ Apple TV, Take Two by Christopher Breen, Macworld. 2008-02-20.
- ↑ Apple releases Apple TV 2.0.1 update by Christopher Breen, Macworld. 2008-03-31.
- ↑ Apple rolls out 2.0.2 update for Apple TV by Christopher Breen, Macworld. 2008-04-14.
- ↑ Apple TV 2.1 update goes live, adds MobileMe support by C. Bohon, Engadget. 2008-07-10.
- ↑ Apple TV 2.2 update delivers HDTV shows, Genius support, Apple Inside 2008-10-03.
- ↑ Apple Releases Apple TV 2.3 Software Update by Arnold Kim, MacRumors. 2008-11-19.
- ↑ Apple updates Apple TV software to version 2.3.1 by Sam Oliver, AppleInsider. 2009-02-25.
- ↑ Apple TV 2.4 Update Now Available, Updated Remote App with Gestures by Arnold Kim, MacRumors. 2009-06-24.
- ↑ Apple releases Apple TV 3.0 software by Jonathan Seff, Macworld. 2009-10-29.
- ↑ Apple TV 3.0.1 update addresses disappearing content issue by Philip Michaels, Macworld 2009-11-07.
- ↑ Apple releases 3.0.2 software update for Apple TV by Marco Tabini, Macworld. 2010-02-11.
- ↑ Apple TV version 5.0 update hands-on: new interface, new features by David Pierce, The Verge 2012-03-07.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Use AirPlay on your Mac, Apple Support. Accessed 2021-02-14.
- ↑ Apple TV, Popular Timelines. 2013-01. Accessed 2022-09-28.
- ↑ Apple updates eight-year-old Apple TV Gen 3 to version 7.6.2 by Taha Broach, The 8-Bit. 2020-12-15.
- ↑ YouTube no longer works on third-gen Apple TV, here are your options, Benjamin Mayo, 9to5Mac. 2021-03-04.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Apple security updates, Apple Support. 2022-09-22.
- ↑ Apple TV HD (4th Generation, Siri) specs, EveryMac. Accessed 2021-02-14.
External links[]
- About Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation) software updates at Apple Support
- Update to Apple TV 3.0.1 or later to prevent content from temporarily disappearing until re-synced (2009-11-07, archived 2009-11-08)
- Apple Introduces Apple TV 3.0 Software With Redesigned User Interface (2009-10-29, archived 2009-11-02)
- About Apple TV software version 2.0.2 (archived 2008-04-20)
- AppleTV Firmware Download Locations at iClarified
- Firmware/Apple TV at The iPhone Wiki
- tvOS: Version history at Wikipedia
