Some European stocks of Apple TV units are apparently a little low as recent reports suggest that Apple could be releasing a refreshed Apple TV set top box in the coming months. Apple has today updated the Apple Store in both the UK and in Ireland to reflect extended shipping times for the Apple TV in both locations, with shipping times slipping from 24 hours to 3-5 days. This is interesting in the context of recent reports from Panjiva (via Om Malik at GigaOM) who are saying that Apple has been in receipt of large numbers of ‘set top box’ shipments from its supplier BYD Precision Manufacture, located in Shenzhen, China.
Apparently, the last time such a substantial set top box shipment was made was just prior to the launch of the third generation Apple TV. That said, regular shipments of Apple TV units are to be expected, particularly given that the device sells consistently well in most markets.
Notably, however, the last time that the Apple TV was refreshed was in early 2012, so the company could be planning to refresh the unit either alongside the upcoming iPhone event, or later in the year when new versions of the iPad, the iPad mini as well as the latest generation of MacBooks are expected to be launched. It is worth noting, however, that stock levels in other Apple Stores, such as the US, are apparently normal, as well as those in third party resellers showing no shortages.
In the near term, however, customers in the UK and Ireland may just have to wait a little longer for their Apple TV delivery.
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