Apple TVs Disappear From Store Shelves: Product Refresh To Be Announced At iPad 3 Launch?

Apple TVs aren’t immediately available in a number of online stores (Best Buy, Target and Amazon included), and according to one Best Buy employee, it is not currently possible for retail store managers order in additional stock. Because of this, many are expecting Apple to announce a third-generation Apple TV device at its March iPad 3 announcement. The device has already been referenced in iOS 5.1′s beta versions, and according to 9to5Mac, it should come with support for Bluetooth 4.0 (though we’re not sure what other new features will launch with the product). It has been a while since Apple launched a new Apple TV, and a product refresh is overdue. But what about the company’s rumored Apple HDTV launch? It seems strange for Apple to be further developing its set-top box with another product – and even bigger, better product – already being in the pipeline. Some expect Apple’s HDTV to entirely replace the Apple TV (and take it’s name), though the price of the smart TV – an estimated $1,500, we’re hearing – could isolate a chunk of the pre-established Apple TV customer-based. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.