Update: Apple has confirmed the promo, and according to the T&C online orders are also eligible.

According to our sources, Apple retail employees were informed this morning that beginning today, anyone who purchases an Apple TV from Apple will receive a free $25 iTunes gift card. As of right now this promotion seems to only be available at brick and mortar locations, but we will update this post if it pops up at the Apple online store . The promotion is scheduled to end on March 5th. iTunes gift cards can be used to download movies, music, apps, and more.

Here’s what we know so far about the incoming next-generation Apple TV hardware: Back in January we reported that Apple was testing the new Apple TV hardware that could include a revamped operating system and possibly app and game support for sometime in the first half of 2014. We also reported that Apple was working on new hardware that included a built-in AirPort Express 802.11ac router and others with built-in TV tuner functionality to control existing cable boxes. Most recently we reported that code in recent builds of iOS 7 point to refreshed hardware, at least internally. Bloomberg followed up by confirming a couple of the same details including a new interface for navigating content. It also said the hardware will include a faster processor and get an introduction in April ahead of a Christmas launch. Despite Apple adding a ton of new content in recent months, the most recent reports originating from The Wall Street Journal claimed Apple’s plans could get scaled back as it continues to negotiate with content providers and cable companies.

In the past few weeks 9to5Toys has featured several deals for as low as $84 new, and $62 open-box.

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