Apple’s tvOS 27 brings its first major Apple TV hardware cutoff in years, dropping support for the Apple TV HD introduced in 2015 and the first-generation Apple TV 4K introduced in 2017. The update is limited to the second-generation Apple TV 4K from 2021 and
The change arrived quietly, but the effect is immediate for anyone still using older Apple streaming boxes. Apple’s tvOS 27 is ending support for two Apple TV models that have been hanging on in living rooms for years.
The compatibility shift shows up in Apple’s tvOS 27 documentation following WWDC 2026 on June 8. Apple TV HD, introduced in 2015, and the first-generation Apple TV 4K, introduced in 2017, are no longer eligible for the update.
That leaves a narrower path forward for users. Compatibility is limited to the second-generation Apple TV 4K released in 2021 and third-generation Apple TV 4K models released in 2022.
For people who bought around those earlier launches, this is the kind of moment that’s never just technical. It’s about whether a familiar device keeps working with the latest software—or gets left behind. Apple’s own history shows how long the company kept older boxes moving. Apple TV HD remained eligible for major tvOS updates for nearly a decade before losing support with tvOS 27. The first-generation Apple TV 4K received major operating system updates for about eight years before it reached the end of Apple’s compatibility list.
The most recent comparable cutoff came later, and it was for the thinner Apple TV. That last thin model was cut off a full decade after release in 2022 with version 7.9. Now, after roughly four years, Apple is drawing the line again—this time for models introduced in 2015 and 2017.
How to check if your Apple TV supports tvOS 27
Apple says users can determine support by checking the model number. Open Settings, select General, then select About. The model number appears near the top of the screen.
The following Apple TV models will not run tvOS 27:
A1625 — Apple TV HD (2015, fourth-generation Apple TV)
A1842 — First-generation Apple TV 4K (2017)
These Apple TV models will run tvOS 27:
A2169 — Second-generation Apple TV 4K (2021)
A2843 — Third-generation Apple TV 4K (2022)
A2737 — Third-generation Apple TV 4K (2022)
Model numbers aren’t the only way to tell what you have. Apple TV HD includes a USB-C port on the back and shipped with the black Siri Remote that uses a glass touch surface. The first-generation Apple TV 4K shipped with the same black Siri Remote. Second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K models shipped with the redesigned Siri Remote that features a circular clickpad.
tvOS 27 Apple TV 4K Apple TV HD Apple TV hardware cutoff model number A1625 A1842 A2169 A2843 A2737
So basically my Apple TV is about to become a brick? Love that.
Wait I thought Apple TVs always get updates like forever. My 2017 one still works fine, so why cut it off now??
Check the model number, it says, but tbh I’m not even sure where mine shows the model. I’m probably looking at the serial number again like an idiot. Also does this mean Netflix stops working or just the app store stuff? Sounds like apps will break but maybe not.
Apple really said “compatibility shift” like we didn’t all see this coming. I have the one with the glass Siri remote (not the clickpad one) and now I’m just mad. Can’t believe it only lasted like 8 years… seems like they’re doing this every couple updates now.