Either it is a coincidence or Apple is preparing to launch an updated version of their Apple TV box – possibly with 1080p and Bluetooth 4.0. The Apple TV box is disappearing from stores throughout the world.
Apple TV refresh imminent?
9to5mac.com reports that the black Apple TV box has disappeared from stores and online retailers throughout the world, which could mean that Apple plans to release an updated version very soon.
The Apple TV box is disappearing from shelves throughout the world
The report notes that Amazon US, Amazon UK, Target, Walmart, Buy.com, Radio Shack and more lists the Apple TV box as either “sold out” or with a “2 weeks or more” shipping date. Users have chimed in to tell that it is also out of stock in Germany, India, UK and Ireland. Best But even claims that Apple will not let them order any more products.
The first reference to the new Apple TV box was found in iOS 5.1 with codename 3.1 (the current uses 2.1). According to sources the new Apple TV box will implement low-power Bluetooth 4.0 that could potentially turn iOS devices into gaming controllers due to very low lag.
The next-generation Apple TV box is also believed to support 1080p output, unlike the current Apple TV box that is capped at 720p. This would require that Apple update movies in iTunes to 1080p from 720p – which Apple allegedly told movie studios to prepare for in September-October 2011.
This is the first time a shortage of the Apple TV supply has occurred. It is speculated that an updated Apple TV box could be released at the rumored iPad 3 event in early March 2012.
- Source: 9to5mac
Apple TV disappearing from stores, update imminent?
