Apple TV (3rd generation): release date, model numbers and price
Apple released the Apple TV (3rd generation) on March 7, 2012, 15 years ago at $99. Its model number is A1427 (identifier AppleTV3,1). Apple stopped selling it on October 3, 2016. Refurbished, it costs from $70 today, 29% below launch.
Updated October 31, 2026. Release date and launch price from Apple. Refurbished prices checked daily at Mac of All Trades, Amazon, Back Market, Gazelle, Apple Store, MacSales.com, eBay, Loop Mobile, and MacPro-LA.
- Released
- March 7, 2012 15 years ago
- Launch price
- $99
- Discontinued
- October 3, 2016 1671 days on sale
- Model number
- A1427 Identifier AppleTV3,1
- Storage
- 8GB
- First refurbished
- May 8, 2012 Apple Store, 63 days after launch
Where to buy a refurbished Apple TV (3rd generation)
Every refurbisher that has sold the Apple TV (3rd generation), cheapest today first. Listings counts the offers each one has live, one per version and grade, not how many devices it holds.
| Refurbisher | Cheapest today | Offers |
|---|---|---|
 Back Market 3 listings | $70 | See offers |
 eBay 1 listing | $79 | See offers |
 Mac of All Trades 0 listings | Sold out | Get an alert |
 Apple Store 0 listings | Sold out | Get an alert |
The Apple TV (3rd generation) so far
Launched 15 years ago.
$99 at launch First refurbishedMay 8, 2012
Apple Store, after 63 days DiscontinuedOct 3, 2016
1671 days on sale TodayOct 31, 2026
from $70, 29% below launch
- Released, Mar 7, 2012$99 at launch
- First refurbished, May 8, 2012Apple Store, after 63 days
- Discontinued, Oct 3, 20161671 days on sale
- Today, Oct 31, 2026from $70, 29% below launch
Every Apple TV (3rd generation) part number
1 part number in the US. You'll find it on the back of the box and in the device's settings, next to the model number.
| Part number | Model | Version | Today | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8GB1 part number · from $70 | ||||
MD199 | A1427 | $70 | ||
Apple TV (3rd generation) questions
When did the Apple TV (3rd generation) come out?
Apple released the Apple TV (3rd generation) on March 7, 2012, 15 years ago at $99.
How much did the Apple TV (3rd generation) cost at launch?
$99 for the base model. Refurbished, it costs from $70 today.
What is the Apple TV (3rd generation) model number?
Its model number is A1427 (identifier AppleTV3,1). The model number starts with A. It is printed on the device or its box, and most devices also show it in their settings.
When was the Apple TV (3rd generation) discontinued?
Apple stopped selling it on October 3, 2016. Refurbishers still sell it.
How much is a refurbished Apple TV (3rd generation)?
From $70 today. The lowest price RefurbMe has seen is $46.
How we get these numbers
Release dates, launch prices and model numbers come from Apple. Every day RefurbMe checks the stock and prices of Mac of All Trades, Amazon, Back Market, Gazelle, Apple Store, MacSales.com, eBay, Loop Mobile, and MacPro-LA and keeps every price it sees, which is where the lowest price seen comes from. The cheapest price today is the lowest in stock at our last check; it can change between that check and your visit.
