Following earlier reports that Apple is constraining retail supplies of the current Apple TV ahead of an imminent refresh, more evidence has surfaced that Apple is ramping up to launch a new set-top box.
Prominent retailers have seen inventory for the current Apple TV dwindle over the last few weeks.
AppleInsider reports:
For three consecutive weeks, the Cupertino-based company has failed to make good on its promissory to restock indirect channel partners with fresh inventory of the existing $99 Apple TV product, say people familiar with matter.
Instead, partners and channel members have seen Apple push back deliveries each consecutive week by one additional week — a practice that almost always foreshadows a formal discontinuation of a product ahead of new models.
Retailers like Amazon and MacConnection are showing limited availability for the second-gen Apple TV. Interestingly, Best Buy’s online store is showing the Apple TV as completely sold out. Apple’s online store is still showing the set-top box as “In Stock.”
The next-gen Apple TV is expected to use the A5X processor and play 1080p video. Rumors suggest that the device will be announced at the iPad 3 announcement next Wednesday.
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
