Apple Releases Software Update for Third-Generation Apple TV - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Releases Software Update for Third-Generation Apple TV

apple_tv_roundupApple today released a new 7.2.1 software update for the third-generation Apple TV. It is not clear what is new in the update, as Apple has not provided release notes, but it includes several security improvements.

The update is available for all versions of the third-generation Apple TV. It can be installed through the software update mechanism in Settings, or delivered automatically for customers who have automatic updates turned on.

The third-generation Apple TV has been available since 2012 and continues to be sold alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV. The older device does not run tvOS and does not include features like Siri support and access to the App Store, but it offers content through dozens of channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and more.

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

Popular Stories

tvOS 27 Feature

Apple Seeds tvOS 27 Beta 3 to Developers

Monday July 6, 2026 10:22 am PDT by
Apple today seeded the third beta of tvOS 27 to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming two weeks after Apple released the second beta. The beta can be downloaded and installed through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A free developer account is required. tvOS 27 has few new features compared to the other 27 software updates, but it does add a redesigned Podcasts app,...
General visionOS watchOS and tvOS Betas Feature Redux

Apple Releases Fourth watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6 and visionOS 26.6 Betas

Monday July 6, 2026 10:16 am PDT by
Apple today provided developers with the fourth betas of upcoming watchOS 26.6, tvOS 26.6, and visionOS 26.6 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple seeded the third betas. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. There's no word on what's in the...
New Apple TV Logo

Apple TV Earns Record 87 Emmy Nominations for 2026, Led by 'Pluribus' and 'Widow's Bay'

Wednesday July 8, 2026 10:37 am PDT by
Apple earned its highest number of Emmy nominations to date in 2026, with popular shows like Pluribus, Margo's Got Money Troubles, Widow's Bay, Shrinking, and Slow Horses earning the most nominations. New series Widow's Bay received 19 nominations, while Pluribus was second with 18 nominations. The five most highly nominated shows are up for best series in their respective categories, and...

Top Rated Comments

BeyondtheTech Avatar
136 months ago
"For customers who continue to use the third-generation Apple TV..."

Almost sounds condescending, doesn't it?
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pdaholic Avatar
136 months ago
Let me guess...this update slows operation of the 3rd gen Apple TV to a crawl, forcing us to upgrade the hardware?
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
applegigs Avatar
136 months ago
You'd be surprised how many people still use AppleTV 3 ... After that 4-th disappointment
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
136 months ago
"For customers who continue to use the third-generation Apple TV..."

Almost sounds condescending, doesn't it?
It's the text form of:

apple tv 3 software update image
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
136 months ago
"For customers who continue to use the third-generation Apple TV..."

Almost sounds condescending, doesn't it?
Sounds better than "for customers who still haven't upgraded to the fourth generation Apple TV..."
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gotluck Avatar
136 months ago
yep i bought a 3rd gen (my first apple tv) after seeing the 4th gen release
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors