Apple Introduces New Apple TV Set-Top Box with 1080p Video and Updated Interface - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Introduces New Apple TV Set-Top Box with 1080p Video and Updated Interface

As expected, Apple today introduced an updated Apple TV offering support for 1080p video, which is now also available through the iTunes Store. The company is also rolling out an updated interface for the set-top box, with icon-based category buttons and large billboard-style artwork for content.

apple tv 2012
The new Apple TV maintains the same $99 price tag as its predecessor and is available for pre-order today. It launches on March 16th.

“People are going to love streaming movies and TV shows in 1080p with the new Apple TV, and photos look beautiful displayed at the maximum resolution of your TV,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Apple TV is easier than ever to use with its new icon-based interface and the ability to access your purchased movies, TV shows and music right from iCloud.”

Apple's iCloud services have also been updated to support 1080p video, allowing users to stream their content to any linked device including the new Apple TV. AllThingsD notes, however, that not all studios are participating in the iCloud video streaming, with Fox and Universal having to hold out due to agreements with HBO.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

183 months ago
To bad a new version of Handbrake was released one week ago. Now have to wait another year for an ATV3 preset.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
183 months ago
If an A5 chip and 1080p are the only new features, and the new UI is available to me, I'll hang onto my 2nd gen Apple TV for a little bit longer.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Blasterzilla Avatar
183 months ago
Original Apple released in 2007

After all these 2 years?

Original Apple TV was released January 9th 2007 - according to Wikipedia.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
183 months ago
So can we upgrade the older iTV version 2 system to run this new interface? Is the only difference the 1080P?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
183 months ago
PS3 + 1TB internal stacked with video + PMS software + Mac > ATV... still.

Unless Apple has something in that thing which they didn't reveal, it's still not besting the PS3. Pity, but then the PS3 with Playstation Media Server is superb.

Really??

Hmmm

250ish for PS3
100ish for 1TB HD ... Unless the prices have dropped back to the proper levels.
300 or more for a used Mac capable of running windows virtually

SO!

A $650 investment outdoes a $99 box.. Shocking! :eek:
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CmdrLaForge Avatar
183 months ago
Now I buy one. Finally after all those years.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)