If the latest report from Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is to be believed, Apple may not be releasing an updated Apple TV this year, despite strong sales. Instead, Apple will reportedly focus on software updates to extend the AirPlay and other features of the device and make it compatible with the next-generation iPhone.
Rumors have been circulating that the Apple TV could soon receive an update featuring the A5 processor, which could bring full 1080p capabilities to the Apple TV. Instead, however, Apple may choose to focus their efforts on improving the AppleTV software, and delaying an updated model until some time in the future.
While actual sales numbers of the Apple TV have not been disclosed, Kuo believes that Apple has sold around 480,000 units in the second quarter. Despite selling significantly fewer units than any of Apple’s other products, that Apple TV still remains one of the most popular set-top boxes in the market, with many competing technologies failing altogether to catch consumer interest.
Apple has already announced a new feature of the iPad 2, allowing it to work through the Apple TV to provide high-definition wireless mirroring of your iPad 2’s screen directly to your HDTV – a feature that would be of particular use for gaming, presentations, or watching videos. Additionally, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings claims that the Apple TV is important for them as Netflix continues to expand to new devices.