Apple TV 4K marked vintage as fourth-generation model prepares for October 13 launch

Key points

• Apple has officially designated the 2017 Apple TV 4K as a 'vintage' product, signaling reduced repair availability.
• This status change coincides with the imminent launch of a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, expected at an October 13 event, which will feature an A19-class chip, Apple Intelligence support, and enhanced HomePod integration.
• The new Apple TV 4K is expected to ship on October 30, alongside a refreshed HomePod Mini and a new smart home hub called 'HomeView'.
• The HomePod Mini is expected to feature an S10 chip, Wi-Fi 7 support, and new color options, while the HomeView hub will ship in mid-November.
• The new Apple TV is rumored to include a built-in microphone and a remote with a speaker, enhancing Siri control and remote tracking capabilities.

Background

Apple's decision to mark the 2017 Apple TV 4K as 'vintage' aligns with its standard product lifecycle, where devices are classified as 'vintage' after five years post-discontinuation and 'obsolete' after seven years. This move precedes the anticipated launch of a fourth-generation model, which has been rumored for some time. The upcoming 'Welcome Home' event on October 13 is expected to unveil not only the new Apple TV but also a refreshed HomePod Mini and a new smart home hub, 'HomeView', which was first spotted in a trademark filing. The new devices are expected to integrate Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, marking a significant upgrade from previous models.

How outlets are covering it

GSMArena emphasizes the practical implications of the 'vintage' status for existing users, noting that while the device remains serviceable, parts availability may become limited. The Verge focuses on the new features of the upcoming Apple TV, such as a built-in microphone and a remote with a speaker, which aim to enhance Siri control and remote tracking. MacRumors and 9to5Mac highlight the broader ecosystem updates, including the new HomePod Mini with an S10 chip and Wi-Fi 7 support, and the new 'HomeView' smart home hub, which is expected to ship in mid-November. All sources agree on the October 13 announcement and October 30 shipping date for the new Apple TV and HomePod Mini, but differ in their emphasis on the specific features and implications of the 'vintage' status.

Why it matters

The designation of the 2017 Apple TV 4K as 'vintage' signals a shift in Apple's product lifecycle, indicating reduced repair availability and potentially limited software support. This move coincides with the launch of a new generation of Apple TV, which is expected to feature significant upgrades, including an A19-class chip, Apple Intelligence support, and enhanced integration with the HomePod Mini and 'HomeView' smart home hub. These updates are likely to impact users' decisions on upgrading or maintaining their current devices, as well as the broader smart home ecosystem.

What to watch

Apple is expected to announce the new Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini, and 'HomeView' smart home hub at its 'Welcome Home' event on October 13. The new Apple TV and HomePod Mini are expected to ship on October 30, while the 'HomeView' hub is anticipated to ship in mid-November. The new devices are expected to feature significant upgrades, including an A19-class chip, Apple Intelligence support, and enhanced integration with the HomePod Mini and 'HomeView' smart home hub. Users are advised to consider upgrading or maintaining their current devices based on the new features and implications of the 'vintage' status.