The second-generation Apple TV runs a variant of iOS, according to the USB device configuration list found in the first beta version of iOS 4.2. TUAW reports that the list contains a discriptor for “AppleTV2,1” referencing the new set-top box, and indicating that it is indeed an iOS device. Notably, the “productString” and “productID” fields list it as “iProd” and “4765” respectively, indicating that it is the same device that was previously identified as the second-generation iPad, due to the fact that the original iPad used a similar “iProd” descriptor. During Apple’s demonstration of the second-generation Apple TV, the device sported an interface similar to that of the first-generation model, despite the device being based on the same Apple A4 chip used in the iPad, iPhone 4, and fourth-generation iPod touch instead of the Intel processor found in the prior model.
Charles Starrett
Charles Starrett was a senior editor at iLounge. He's been covering the iPod, iPhone, and iPad since their inception. He has written numerous articles and reviews, and his work has been featured in multiple publications.