Apple to Unveil Television Set Operating System at WWDC? - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple to Unveil Television Set Operating System at WWDC?

BGR claims to have received information from a "trusted source" indicating that Apple will demonstrate the operating system for its television set at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month. The company is reportedly making a public unveiling of the operating system ahead of the actual product in order to allow third-party manufacturers to build functionality into their components to allow them to be controlled from the Apple television set and remote.

This new OS is said to be much more feature-complete than the current OS that runs on the Apple TV, and is apparently the one that Apple’s upcoming HDTV will run. Yes, that one.

We’ve heard Apple is actively trying to court manufacturers to use a new “control out” API in order for third-party manufacturers to make accessories that are compatible with the new Apple TV OS and the upcoming “iTV.” It’s said that by using the API, it will be possible to control any connected components all from the Apple remote (and the Apple remote iOS app as well, we’re assuming).

The report's source indicates that Apple is unlikely to show off its actual television set at WWDC, and most rumors have suggested that the company won't introduce the product until late this year at the earliest.

apple tv 2012 interface
BGR has a mixed track record of late, having accurately offered information on several iOS releases last year while being more hit-or-miss on hardware-related claims.

Related Roundup: Apple TV
Tag: BGR
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

deannnnn Avatar
180 months ago
Seems like a lot to be releasing at WWDC.
iOS 6, OSX Mountain Lion, New MacBook Pros, new iMacs, and now the Apple TV set (or just it's OS)?
No way we're going to get all of these things at once.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
669532 Avatar
180 months ago
as long as its after all those new macs...
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
180 months ago
When tim cook says that there's a lot to look forward to, I'm in suspense. New redesigned macs? A TV? Redesigned iPhone? All of the above? What do they have in store for 2012?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
180 months ago
This a gigantic year for Apple. I gotta say this year's lineup of updates are better than last year.

Wow nothing has actually come out yet, Apple has one of the most effective hype machines ever.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
180 months ago
Well they're at least half right. Apple TV runs iOS and iOS 6 will be released to developers at WWDC. Hopefully Apple TV becomes a full fledged member of the iOS family this time around.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
180 months ago
I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of rumors prior to WWDC, most of which are probably BS.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)