The new Apple TV will be available early to a limited number of app developers, and it will cost just $1. Apple has been inviting registered developers to claim its new set-top box before it makes its public debut in October.
The deadline to claim an Apple TV was September 11, so if you haven’t already registered your interest, it’s too late, unfortunately. Those who did, however, will have the opportunity to receive the new Apple TV early — and they’ll pay a whole lot less for it.
Apple TV starts at $149 for a 32GB model, or $199 for a 64GB model. But developers who are selected to receive one early will get the set-top box itself, the new Apple TV remote, a power cord, a Lightning to USB cable, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for just $1.
Technically, the new Apple TV is free to these developers, but Apple charges $1 “to verify your billing and shipping address.”
By making the new Apple TV available to developers like this, Apple not only gives them a chance to start developing new apps and games early, but it may also encourage those who were still unsure about building Apple TV software to give it a shot.
Apple has never offered a program like this one to developers in the past. It did give somethe opportunity to buy an Apple Watch after pre-orders sold out, but the device was not delivered early, and developers were still charged full price for it.