$99 Apple TV Still On Track for September Delivery, Apple Confirms

Shipments of the redesigned Apple TV are still on track for September, Apple has confirmed via notifications sent out to customers on Sunday, according to several sources.

One source in particular notes that customers have been receiving notifications of their orders for the new Apple TV listed as "Prepared for Shipment" since Sunday.

The product still listed as "Ships: September," meaning that Apple is still able to deliver on promise. Below is Apple’s official pricing and availability scheme as announced on September 1.

Pricing & Availability
Apple TV will be available late this month for a suggested retail price of $99 (US) and can be pre-ordered beginning today on Apple’s online store (www.apple.com). Apple TV, which comes standard with an aluminum Apple Remote, will be available through the Apple’s online store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

However, Apple hasn’t been able to fulfill orders for customers who’ve paid for expedited shipping of their set-top-box.

On Thursday, Apple began refunding these customers, saying "Our records indicate that when you placed your order you paid for upgraded shipping.Due to a delay, we may have not been able to meet our delivery commitment."

A day before, Apple had started authorizing the credit cards of those who placed pre-orders of the device, AppleInsider reports.

Apple advertises its new “hobby” as being the simplest way to watch your favorite HD movies and TV shows on your HD TV.

Apple also believes it is dirt cheap, noting the “breakthrough” price of just $99, with respect to the massive number of choices for HD movies, and the large online selection of HD TV shows from ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel and BBC America for just 99 cents.

Unlike the first iteration, the new Apple TV relies on streaming content, rather than having the user download and store it on a hard drive.

Analysts believe that Apple’s new TV hub is yet one more step towards a full-fledged HDTV.