Old Apple TVs Lose More Functionality: YouTube and CBS All Access/Paramount+ Dropping Support
It seems the sunset is drawing nearer for owners of older, third-generation Apple TVs. Following last week’s confirmation from Google that the YouTube app would cease to function on these devices in early March, another major streaming service is now joining the exodus: CBS All Access, soon to be rebranded as Paramount+. This development signals a continuing trend of older hardware being left behind as streaming services evolve and prioritize newer platforms.
According to reports, users of the third-generation Apple TV are now seeing a message indicating that CBS All Access support will be discontinued coinciding with the platform’s highly anticipated relaunch as Paramount+ on March 4th. While frustrating for users attached to their older devices, the writing has been on the wall for some time. As technology advances, supporting older hardware often becomes unsustainable, requiring significant resources to maintain compatibility with outdated operating systems and hardware limitations.
The implications of these changes are significant. For many users, the Apple TV served as a convenient and centralized hub for accessing their favorite streaming content. Losing native app support for popular platforms like YouTube and Paramount+ diminishes the functionality and value of these devices. This could force users to either resort to less convenient workarounds, such as casting from their iPhones or iPads, or ultimately invest in newer streaming devices.
The message displayed to third-generation Apple TV users, as reported by MacRumors, clarifies that while the new Paramount+ service will be readily available on iPhones, iPads, and the newer Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models, native support for the older device is being dropped. The good news, if it can be called that, is that users will still be able to stream Paramount+ content from their iOS devices to their third-generation Apple TV using AirPlay 2. This mirrors the workaround being offered for YouTube, which will also rely on AirPlay casting once the native app is removed.
However, casting is not a seamless replacement for native app support. Casting depends on a stable Wi-Fi connection and relies on the user having a compatible iOS device. It also requires users to manually initiate the stream from their mobile device each time, adding an extra layer of complexity and inconvenience compared to simply launching an app directly on the Apple TV. Furthermore, casting can drain the battery of the iOS device being used to control the playback, which can be irritating if the user is engaged in other activities on their phone or tablet.
The decision by ViacomCBS to discontinue support for the third-generation Apple TV aligns with similar moves by other streaming providers. Supporting a wide range of devices and operating systems is a complex and costly undertaking. Older devices, like the third-generation Apple TV, often lack the processing power, memory, and software capabilities required to run the latest versions of streaming apps effectively. As a result, developers are faced with the choice of either limiting the features and functionality of their apps to accommodate older hardware, or focusing their resources on newer platforms that can deliver a better user experience.
In the case of Paramount+, the decision to prioritize newer devices likely reflects the streaming service’s ambition to offer a high-quality viewing experience with features such as 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Atmos audio. These advanced features demand more processing power and bandwidth than older hardware can typically provide.
When questioned about the upcoming YouTube app removal, a Google spokesperson explained that the company is "always working to ensure our users have the best experience on YouTube, and from time to time we need to make changes to our supported devices list." This statement highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the need to support older hardware with the desire to innovate and improve the user experience.
The situation raises the question of how long consumers can expect their streaming devices to remain fully supported. While it is unrealistic to expect indefinite support for older hardware, the relatively short lifespan of the third-generation Apple TV, which was released in 2012, is prompting some users to question the long-term value proposition of these devices.
For owners of the affected Apple TVs, the loss of native app support for YouTube and Paramount+ is undoubtedly disappointing. However, it’s important to keep the situation in perspective. As the original article points out, losing support for a few apps is not necessarily a reason to rush out and purchase a new device, especially if you are comfortable with the casting workaround.
That being said, if the prospect of casting from your mobile device is unappealing, now might be the right time to consider upgrading to a newer streaming device. The market is filled with affordable and capable options, including newer Apple TV models, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV sticks, and Chromecast with Google TV. Each of these devices offers its own unique set of features and benefits, so it’s worth doing some research to determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.
In conclusion, while the news of YouTube and Paramount+ dropping support for the third-generation Apple TV is unwelcome, it is part of a broader trend of older hardware being left behind as technology evolves. While casting provides a temporary workaround, users may eventually need to upgrade to a newer streaming device to enjoy the latest features and a seamless user experience. The decision of when to upgrade ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget, and tolerance for workarounds.
