There's no reason to have an Apple TV anymore
A freelance journalist discusses the obsolescence of the first-generation Apple TV 4K due to software updates and potential future AI feature limitations. The author expresses a personal intent to upgrade to the rumored fourth-generation model expected in 2026.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing trend of planned obsolescence in consumer electronics as AI integration becomes a standard requirement for hardware longevity.
Credit: Apple / Pocket-lint By Eli Becht Published Aug 29, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT Eli is a freelance journalist who lives in Detroit, MI. He got his start in journalism covering video games and sports for Heavy before branching out into greater esports coverage at Dexerto . He also has bylines at SlashGear , Sports Illustrated , and more. He added technology coverage to his plate over his years of writing, and it's something he continues to cover at Pocket-lint. He's interviewed numerous game developers and covered several live events, such as the launch of Destiny 2 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 in Los Angeles. He has written more than 5,000 articles and looks to continue adding to that number in the years to come. For Pocket-lint, he specializes in home theater audio/video formats, and loves streaming devices like the Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K.
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