Numerous reports have flown about that Apple is working on a new version of their streaming set-top box, the Apple TV. Now, 9to5Mac reports that references to the next-generation Apple TV can be found inside of iOS 7 software builds.
The reference is inside of an Apple TV framework related to the device’s AirPlay functionality. The mention of the next Apple TV is the highlighted “AppleTV4,1.” The current Apple TV is “AppleTV3,2″ while “3,1″ is the 1080P model introduced in March 2012, and 2,1 is the first iOS model introduced in September 2010.
The sighting of Apple TV 4,1is a solid indication that a new device is in the works. The jump from 3,2 to 4,1 indicates notable changes, at the very least to the internal components.
The report also notes that the latest Apple TV software builds contain references to the new iOS 7 game controller framework. However, these could be leftover from the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, so they don’t necessarily indicate game controllers for the next-generation Apple TV.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated that 2014 will see new product introductions throughout the year, but no firm announcements of any such products have been made. 9to5Mac notes a new Apple TV was introduced in March 2012, and this year all indications are Apple will debut iOS 7.1 this March, so perhaps that month will be a big one for Apple announcements.
