Skip to main content

iTunes changes leave behind first-gen Apple TV, Windows XP, and Vista users

apple-logo
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re the type who isn’t fond of upgrading their hardware, Apple may be the cause of a few headaches for you. On February 26, the company announced in a support document that upcoming security changes will mean those with older Apple TV devices or running older operating systems will no longer be able to access the iTunes Store.

Specifically, if you’re running the now 11-year-old first-generation Apple TV, you’ll no longer be able to purchase or download previously purchased TV shows and movies from the iTunes Store. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise as Apple has considered the first generation of its streaming hardware obsolete for some time now. Even the second-generation Apple TV is considered obsolete.

Recommended Videos

It’s unlikely that huge numbers of people are using the older Apple TV, but another group that is likely much larger will also be affected by this change. Users of Windows XP and Windows Vista will also be unable to user the latest version of iTunes. This is another situation that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, as those operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft. Windows 7 is now the oldest version of Windows that is officially supported by the company.

If for some reason you either can’t or don’t want to upgrade your version of Windows, you’re not entirely out of luck: You can still use older versions of iTunes, though they won’t be supported by Apple, and they won’t be able to make new iTunes purchases or redownload previously purchased content. Apple TV users will need to buy new hardware, whether its the current-gen Apple TV 4K or another option. If you really don’t want to stop using your old Apple TV and like to tinker, you could always consider jailbreaking it to make at least some use out of it.

Fortunately for the affected users, Apple did give some advanced warning, as the changes go into effect starting May 25. If you’re looking for a good option to replace your first-gen Apple TV, be sure to check our list of the best streaming devices you can buy.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Best gaming TVs of 2024 for Xbox Series X, PS5, and more
LG C4 OLED

The best TVs should look great, sound fantastic, and feature numerous optimizations for the types of content people love watching most. And while it would easy to say that a TV billed as 4K is all you need for a great gaming TV, pixel count is just one checkbox. If you’re a diehard gamer (console or PC), there are plenty of other picture specifications to consider when buying a new TV. And while 4K resolution is still essential, features such as HDR (high dynamic range), input lag, and response time are far more critical tech specs to gamers who want their games to be smooth, fast, and looking as good as they can. 

Not all TVs are created equal, and even some of the best TV brands have one or two sets that aren’t great for gaming. That’s why we’ve put together this list of all the best gaming TVs you can buy in 2024. With options from Samsung, Sony, LG, Hisense, and TCL, there’s a gaming TV on this list for just about everyone.

Read more
Amazon deals: TVs, laptops, headphones and more
amazon boxes on doorstep

Amazon is one of the most popular retail outlets on the planet. It has almost everything you could want among its shelves, and that includes a plenty of deals worth taking a look at. All of the best Amazon deals are scattered across departments, with some great TV deals, laptop deals, and tablet deals leading the charge. There are even some really great coffee maker deals and MacBook deals worth taking a look at. We’ve pieced together what we consider to be some of the best Amazon deals to toss in the shopping cart today, so read onward for all of the details. You can also check out what the competition is up to with the current Best Buy deals and Walmart deals.
TCL 43-inch S4 4K Google TV — $210 $280 25% off

Value is front and center with the TCL 50-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV, as it’s a nice balance of affordability and features. It delivers stunning 4K picture quality with four times the resolution of Full HD, as well as endless entertainment with easy access to your favorite streaming services. Google Chromecast is built right into the TV, allowing you to easily stream movies, shows and photos from your Android or iOS device. It also has 3 HDMI inputs, which makes it great for gamers who want to connect several consoles, or for anybody looking to set up a home theater arrangement.

Read more
Best Beats headphone deals: Studio Pro, Studio Buds, Powerbeats
Beats Studio Pro sitting on travel case.

You haven’t fully shopped the best headphone deals until you’ve had a look at everything Beats has to offer. It’s one of the most popular headphone brands on the planet, but unlike Bose headphone deals and even Sony headphone deals, Beats headphone deals often turn out some significant price drops. Whether you’re looking for an in-ear option or a set of the best wireless headphones Beats has you covered, and we’ve got you covered when it comes to the check-out line. Below you’ll find all of the best Beats headphone deals. They include some substantial discounts on the Beats Studio 3 and Powerbeats Pro headphones, but if you’d like to consider some other options be sure to check out what’s going on among today's best AirPods deals, best AirPods Pro deals, and best AirPods Max deals.

Best Beats earbuds deals

Read more