A number of MacRumors readers are reporting that Apple has just pushed out a new iOS software update for the second-generation Apple TV bringing support for several new features including streaming access to purchased TV shows and support for video service Vimeo. Daring Fireball's John Gruber explains the TV show feature:
You can buy — not just rent but buy — new episodes directly from your Apple TV, and access and stream any TV show episodes you’ve previously purchased using your iTunes account. (I’m not quite sure if it has all episodes — but it’s showing me all the TV shows I can remember buying from iTunes.)
According to one report, however, the feature may be U.S.-only for the time being.
In addition to the purchased TV show support, the update also brings support for Vimeo video content and reportedly adds YouTube playlist support.
With the update, Apple TVs now report a software version of 4.3 (2557), while Apple's servers refer to the update as Build 8F455 of iOS 4.3.
Update: Apple has also added TV shows to the "Purchased" sections of iTunes on both iOS and Mac/PC applications. The addition allows users to freely re-download previously-purchased TV show content in the same way that Apple enabled the feature for music alongside its iCloud announcements in early June.
Update 2: Apple has now updated its Apple TV support document with information on the two main changes included in the 4.3 update.
- TV show purchases: Purchase TV shows on Apple TV. Shows purchased on Apple TV can be re-downloaded on other iOS devices. Shows purchased on other iOS devices or with iTunes automatically show up as available to play on Apple TV. - Vimeo: Browse and watch millions of user-uploaded videos found on the Vimeo service, for free.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has high expectations for Apple's first foldable iPhone.
In his Power On newsletter today, he said the foldable iPhone will be "the most significant overhaul in the iPhone's history."
"iPhone 4, iPhone 6 and iPhone X were clearly a big deal, but this is a whole new design," he said.
Like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, the foldable iPhone will reportedly open up like ...
iOS 26.5 is now available for developers, and while it doesn't include any new Siri capabilities, there are some major changes for the European Union, and smaller tweaks for features available worldwide.
Suggested Places
In the Maps app, there's a new "Suggested Places" feature that recommends locations to visit based on trending places nearby and recent searches. When Apple launches ads in ...
Apple has been celebrating its upcoming 50th anniversary by hosting surprise performances and other events around the world over the past few weeks, and now Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has revealed details about the company's grand finale.
In a social media post, Gurman said Apple's celebrations will conclude this week with a finale at its Apple Park headquarters for employees.
A special...
At least 14 new shows and films are premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout the remainder of 2026, starting with Twisted Yoga today.
In the U.S., Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month or $129 per year, with a free one-week trial available for new subscribers. Apple TV is also included in Apple One and Peacock bundles, with all of the options outlined on Apple's website....
Wednesday March 25, 2026 3:33 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple this week released tvOS 26.4, and the software update includes a handful of new features and changes for the Apple TV.
tvOS 26.4 is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released since 2015. To update your Apple TV, open the Settings app on the device, navigate to System → Software Updates, and select Update Software.
Below, we have recapped what is new in tvOS...
Apple today provided developers with the fourth betas of upcoming watchOS 26.4 and visionOS 26.4 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a week after Apple released 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.
watchOS 26.4 adds a new Average Bedtime metric to ...
I'm sick of storing all my purchased content on my computer. It's hogging up all my space (I know i should just get an external harddrive). If this is the true this is awesome. Allowing the apple ecosystem to manage my content. I'm digging this.
Being an early adopter who dropped 300 bucks on a 1st-gen Apple TV, it feels like a slight betrayal to see these updates (Netflix, Vimeo, etc.) available only to the users who paid $100 for a 2nd-gen ATV... I always told people that one of the (many) reasons iPods prevailed over other MP3 players was that Apple kep supporting/updating them long after you purchased it, but now I'm feeling the opposite with my Apple TV :confused:
This isn't an iPod, where the software was hardly ever updated and when it was the OS on an old iPod classic was pretty bare bones.
To complain though that your 4+ year old original Apple TV is not getting the same software upgrades as the most recent release of the device is about as silly as someone with a 4+ year old original iPhone complaining about not getting iOS 5.
NHL / NFL support would be a great addition. While they are at it, add a NASCAR channel as well.
:apple:TV needs to add more support for video sites. A Showtime or HBO channel would be a major game changer and huge surprise. It'll probably never happen though:(
