Apple could be paving the way for the much-rumoured new Apple TV box with a new deal on the existing model.
Over in the US, it’s emerged that Apple retail stores have begun offering a $25 iTunes gift card to customers who buy a current generation Apple TV. This promotion is set to run until March 5.
As pointed out by 9to5Mac, this is the classic behaviour of a company that wants to shift old stock prior to the launch of a replacement model. It's especially noteworthy for Apple, a company that's never quick to discount or run offers on its products without good reason.
The next Apple TV is rumoured to represent the biggest overhaul for the range yet. While all versions to date have been media streaming devices, acting as a bridge between your iOS device and your TV, the next one expected to be a full-on set-top-box.
It could come with a dedicated TV tuner for playing regular live TV content, but with Apple’s customary UI magic layered on top. It’s also claimed that Apple is in the process of agreeing terms with media companies - the most recent of which being Time Warner Cable - to stream the latest TV shows.
Earlier reports have suggested that the new Apple TV will have its own app store, and could even come with a heavy focus on gaming. Combined with a significantly more powerful processor and controller support, it could well take on the properties of a games console as well as a media box.
Most sources believe that the new Apple TV will launch some time between June and the end of the year.
Next, read our pick of the best TVs of 2014.