Monthly archives: October, 2021

Apple’s latest iteration of the popular Apple TV streaming device is due to hit shelves this May. First introduced to consumers in 2007, the Apple TV connects you to all your favorite streaming services, like Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Photo sharing through iCloud, AirPlay 2 casting from iOS devices, and gameplay through the Apple Arcade are just a few of the other standout functions of the device.

Intended to replace the 5th-generation Apple TV 4K released in 2017, which added UHD and HDR support to the streamer, Apple’s 6th-gen 2021 streaming hub brings a handful of new tech to the table. That said, if you’re considering adding an Apple TV to your media room or are wondering whether you should upgrade your older model, we’ve put together this side-by-side comparison of the Apple TV 4K (2017) and the Apple TV 4K (2021) to help you decide.

If you’re on a budget or wondering if the older Apple TV HD will do the trick, we’ve also put together an Apple TV 4K vs. Apple TV HD comparison, too. 

Identical hubs, new remote

Five years between hardware releases would lead many to believe that the latest and greatest model would look drastically different. That’s simply not the case with the Apple TV 4K. Both generations look exactly the same, measuring 3.9 inches wide and 1.4 inches from top to bottom. In terms of color, there’s only one — black. Connections on the back of both units include power, HDMI, and an Ethernet jack for optional network gear hard-wiring.

The major design difference between both generations is Apple’s redesigned Siri remote. Packaged with the 2021 Apple TV 4K (and sold separately for $59 as a backward-compatible remote), the revamped remote boasts a brand-new appearance. Clad in 100% recycled aluminum, it’s sleeker and a hair longer than the previous generation, and it features a five-way directional pad, touch controls, power and mute buttons, along with a side-facing Siri button for those frustrated by accidentally hitting it on the old version.

Compare that to the 5th-gen remote’s touchpad-only design that forced many a user to swipe and tap through on-screen menus. At times it was easy, but the oversensitive pad could quickly become a nuisance. We’re betting the new remote’s added directional pad will take care of that issue. Apple’s 6th-gen remote also adds Bluetooth 5.0 and CEC support for compatible devices, allowing you to do things like power your TV on and off and adjust the volume on your A/V receiver using just your Apple TV remote.

Winner: Apple TV 4K (2021)

Identical user interface, improved performance

Both the 2017 and 2021 Apple TV 4K are built upon the same operating system, Apple’s tvOS 14 (based on iOS 14.4). The Apple TV home screen features rows and columns of your favorite apps, recommended content, as well as photos, games, the Apple App Store, and general device settings. Adding certain apps to the customizable top row allows you to watch previews of recommended movies, TV shows, music videos, games, and photos right on the home screen. Navigating is as simple as swiping or directional-padding your way through the on-screen apps and options. Once the app or item you want to open is highlighted, select it to launch the service. You can also use your remote’s Siri button to open apps and navigate around your Apple TV using voice commands.

In terms of overall performance, the 2017 Apple TV 4K is powered by Apple’s A10X Fusion chip. The 2021 model rocks Apple’s all-new A12X Fusion chip. This means faster frame-rate support during all video playback, quicker load times, and smoother navigation. The latest Apple TV also boasts an HDMI 2.1 output and support for Wi-Fi 6 for an improved streaming experience, app to app. Thanks to the faster chipset on the 2021 model, HDR can now be viewed at 60 frames per second, as compared to only 30fps on the previous model. Both units feature native support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Another benefit for video connoisseurs is the addition of HDR picture tuning, native to the 2021 model and available through a software update on older Apple TV hardware. Similar to professional TV calibrations, the feature allows you to use a compatible iPhone (iOS 14.5 or later) to measure your TV’s colors against your Apple TV’s image output. The end result: A well-balanced image, brimming with color and appropriate brightness levels.

Winner: Apple TV 4K (2021)

Smart home command center

Both the 5th- and 6th-gen Apple TVs can be used as command centers for your home’s Apple HomeKit smart ecosystem. You can use the streaming hub to view live video from your property’s web-connected smart cameras, lock and unlock compatible smart locks using the Siri remote, adjust smart thermostat temperature settings, and more.

AirPlay 2 is available on both 5th- and 6th-gen Apple TVs, allowing you to wirelessly cast video, photos, music, and your compatible iOS device screen to your Apple TV, letting you view and listen to content through your TV and home theater system.

Winner: Tie

Price and warranty

The 2021 Apple TV will sell for the same price(s) as the 2017 model. That’s $179 for 32GB of storage and $199 for the 64GB version. Apple provides a one-year limited warranty on Apple TV devices, with additional AppleCare plans available at the time of purchase. With the release of the 2021 Apple TV 4K right around the corner (pre-orders start April 30), Apple has already announced it’s discontinuing the 2017 Apple TV 4K. That means if you look hard enough, you might be able to start nabbing the 2017 model at end-of-life and/or refurbished prices (while supplies last).

Price-wise, Apple still demands more than the other guy. Competitive 4K streaming hubs from companies like Roku, Amazon, and Google are generally less expensive than Apple hardware while offering a number of the same key perks, like apps, games, UHD, and HDR support. That said, if you’re Apple-or-die, forking over a few extra dollars for Apple’s stream box probably won’t mean that much to you and yours in the grand scheme of things.

Winner: Tie

The verdict

Should you upgrade from your existing Apple TV 4K to the 2021 model? Probably not. Aside from a slight boost in performance and a new remote (which you can buy separately), the fundamentals of both the 2017 and 2021 models are essentially the same. If you’re buying your very first Apple TV, however, we’d recommend opting for the 2021 model. You’ll net yourself all the latest hardware perks and the HDR calibration tool for the same price as the previous generation.

If either generation of the Apple TV 4K sends you into sticker shock, fear not. Check out our roundup of the best streaming devices to find the hardware and price point that better aligns with you and your wallet.

Editors’ Recommendations

https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/apple-tv-4k-2017-vs-apple-tv-4k-2021/
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The Apple TV is Apple’s set-top box that runs tvOS. The company currently sells the updated Apple TV HD first introduced in 2015 and the 2021 second-generation Apple 4K models. Alongside the two products, Apple also has the Apple TV app, which is available for iOS and Android users and lots of smart TV owners, and Apple TV+, the company’s video streaming service with exclusive original content.

History

The first-generation Apple TV was unveiled in September 2006. The product, which would be called iTV, couldn’t have this name since the British terrestrial broadcast network ITV already held the right to the name in the UK and threatened to take legal action against Apple.

Shipped six months later, the first Apple TV had a 40GB HDD, and a 160GB HDD option was later released.

The second-generation Apple TV was announced in September of 2010 and was the first model to run on a variant of iOS. In a smaller, all-black case, it was one-quarter the size of the original Apple TV. The HDD was replaced by 8GB of internal flash storage, enough for buffering purposes. Also different from the first set-top box, this one was only used for streaming content. It also supported output up to 720p over HDMI only.

The third-generation Apple TV was released almost two years later in March 2012. It included the A5 chip and support for 1080p output. As of 2021, the third-generation set-top box still works with streaming services including Apple TV+, Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.

The fourth generation, or the Apple TV HD, was the biggest revamp to the set-top box in years, and it launched in September 2015. With a brand-new black remote charged via Lightning cable, it introduced the tvOS operating system with an App Store allowing downloads of third-party apps for video, audio, games, and other content. This device includes the A8 processor and support for Dolby Digital Plus.

Two years later, in September of 2017, Apple introduced the fifth-generation Apple TV, or the Apple TV 4K, which supports 2160p output, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and includes the A10X Fusion processor. This model is similar to the fourth-generation model with the only difference being the addition of vents on the base and the removal of the USB-C port.

The sixth-generation Apple TV, or the second-generation Apple TV 4K, was introduced in April of 2021. With a similar design to its predecessor, the main change is the A12 chip and the second-generation Siri Remote.

Specs

Currently, Apple sells the fourth and sixth generation of its set-top box.

Apple TV HD (fourth-generation)

Launched in 2015, the Apple TV HD uses the A8 chip with 64-bit architecture. It supports videos up to 1080p and 60 fps. Only available in 32GB storage option, the set-top box uses the second-generation Siri Remote, featuring Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology, an IR transmitter, and a Lightning connector for charging.

These are its ports and interfaces: HDMI 1.4, 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, IR receiver, USB-C for service and support, built-in power supply.

The fourth-generation Apple TV runs the latest tvOS software, currently on iOS 15.

Apple TV 4K (sixth-generation)

Launched in 2021, the second-generation Apple TV 4K uses the A12 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture. It supports videos up to 2160p and 60 fps, HEVC Dolby Vision, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos technologies. Available in 32GB and 64GB storage options, the set-top box uses the second-generation Siri Remote featuring Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology, an IR transmitter, and a Lightning connector for charging.

These are its ports and interfaces: HDMI 2.1ax, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO; simultaneous dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology, IR receiver, and Built-in power supply.

The sixth-generation Apple TV runs the latest tvOS software, currently on iOS 15.

Second-generation Siri Remote

Alongside the new Apple TV 4K, the company introduced a redesigned Siri Remote. It is made of aluminum and rubber buttons. It has a microphone for Siri, an IR transmitter, a Lightning connector for charging, and uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology.

In an interview with Apple Vice President of Product Marketing for Home and Audio Tim Twerdahl, the new remote is inspired by the iPod click wheel:

“Once we came up with this circular design we thought it looked a lot like the iPod quick wheel, so what could do that could really help people with their TV using an interface like that? The scrubbing of the video came as such a natural thing, professional editors often use these jog-style controls, which are quite powerful, and it’s really nice to bring this into people’s living room.“

Although it was rumored, the second-generation Siri Remote doesn’t have a U1 chip to help users find the accessory when it gets lost on the couch. According to Tim Twerdahl, the thicker design of the remote chassis means it won’t get lost in couch cushions as much as the previous generation. 

You can learn more about the second-generation Siri Remote here.

Third-party certified Apple TV Remote

In August of 2021, Deutsche Telekom started offering a third-party certified Apple TV Remote. This is the first company to offer Universal Electronics’ remote control to customers who purchase a new Apple TV 4K directly with the carrier with a Magenta TV subscription.

The alternative Siri Remote from Universal Electronics looks more like a classic TV remote control since it does not have a trackpad and comes with buttons for switching channels and accessing the TV guide. However, it also includes all the buttons needed to navigate through tvOS, including the Siri button and even a built-in microphone.

tvOS 15: what’s new to the Apple TV

Apple released on September 20 tvOS 15, the operating system to the Apple TV HD and 4K (1st and 2nd gen). Here’s everything new with it:

• For All of You: Browse a new row in the Apple TV app to find something that everyone in the house can’t wait to watch.
• Shared with You: Movies and shows shared through Messages appear in a new row in the Apple TV app.
• Spatial Audio: Listen with AirPods Pro or AirPods Max for a theater-like experience with sound that surrounds you.
• Smart AirPods routing: Get an automatic onscreen notification to magically connect your AirPods.
• HomeKit camera enhancements: View multiple cameras around the house at the same time on your Apple TV.
• Room-filling stereo sound: Pair two HomePod mini speakers with Apple TV 4K and enjoy rich, balanced sound for everything you watch.

You can learn more about tvOS 15 here.

tvOS 15.1 features

tvOS 15.1 brings the long-awaited SharePlay feature. With it, you can watch movies, shows, or listen to songs while on a FaceTime call on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac with friends.

tvOS 15.1 also brings bug fixes.

Pricing

The Apple TV pricing starts at $149 on the HD model and goes up to $199 on the 4K model with 64GB of storage.

• 32GB, HD model: $149
• 32GB, 4K model: $179
• 64GB, 4K model: $199

Lower prices may be available from Apple’s official Amazon store.

2021 Apple TV 4K release

The new set-top box launched on May 21. Pre-orders started on April 30.

Review Apple TV 4K (1st-gen)

In our opinion article about the previous Apple TV, is its simplicity that people love the most:

The Apple TV is the true TV hub for the streaming era, especially for Apple fans. In many ways, it’s the simplicity of the Apple TV, with an ad-free experience and a range of 4K HDR content, via iTunes Store that makes people still own this product after all this time.

Deals

Over at 9to5Toys, you can find the best deals on the Apple TV and other Apple products. Download the 9to5Toys iPhone app to receive push notifications for new deals as well.

Apple TV app

The Apple TV app holds Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+. It also includes the Apple TV Channels, with over 30 streaming services ready to be subscribed to within the app.

With personalized and curated content, it’s easier to discover new shows. You can also search for your own library while also being able to buy or rent content from the iTunes Store.

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ launched on November 1, 2019. It features Apple’s original TV shows and movies. Here’s what’s on Apple TV+.

At its 2019 September iPhone event, Apple officially announced launch details for its premium TV service: $4.99 per month for a family subscription. Customers who purchase an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, or Mac can enjoy one year of the service for free.

Since the Apple TV+ debut, Apple has received a total of 518 awards nominations and accolades, and 152 award wins from the Critics Choice Awards, Writers Guild Association, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Peabody Awards, and more.

“Ted Lasso” and “Wolfwalkers” are two of the most prized shows on the catalog.

Read more

https://9to5mac.com/guides/apple-tv/
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Apple TV 4K (2021, A12, Silver Siri Remote) Specs

Identifiers: 4K (2nd Gen) – MXGY2LL/A* – AppleTV11,1 – A2169 – 3111

All Apple TV Models | All 2021 Models

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Although it looks the same as the earlier Apple TV 4K, the Apple TV 4K (2021, A12, Silver Siri Remote) — sometimes also referred to as the Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) — has new internals with support for high-frame rate HDR (60 fps) with Dolby Vision when connected to a compatible television.

This Apple TV 4K is powered by a six core Apple A12 Bionic processor, has 3 GB of RAM, and is offered with either 32 GB or 64 GB of internal flash memory storage.

Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO, low-power “Thread” networking support, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Perhaps most notably, this Apple TV 4K ships with a much improved silver-colored “Siri Remote” with a touch-enabled “clickpad control that offers five-way navigation” and an outer ring that works as a “jog control” for quick scene selection. It also has a microphone for use with Siri. This Siri Remote also is compatible with the earlier Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (2017) and is available for purchase separately for US$59.

Also see: What are all the differences between the Apple TV 4K (2017) and the Apple TV 4K (2021)?

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• Tech Specs
• Ports
• Global Original Prices
• Popular Q&As

Click on the category for related details. The most commonly needed info is “open” by default, but all info is important.

Introduction Date:

April 20, 2021*

Discontinued Date:

N/A

Details:

The “Introduction Date” refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The “Discontinued Date” refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended. *This Apple TV first was available for order on April 30, 2021 with initial deliveries scheduled for May 21, 2021. Also see: All Macs introduced in 2021.

Processors:

1 (6 Cores)

Geekbench:

N/A

Details:

The Geekbench 2 benchmark does not support this Apple TV. Geekbench 2 benchmarks reflect results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. Individual user-submitted benchmarks can vary, but an average can be useful to get an idea of the relative performance of different Apple devices. You also might be interested in combing through all Geekbench user-submissions for Apple devices with the AppleTV11,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench results from different Macs side-by-side, please see EveryMac.com’s Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Processor Speed:

2.49 GHz*

Processor Type:

Apple A12 Bionic

Details:

*Apple states that this Apple TV 4K has an Apple A12 Bionic processor with a 64-bit architecture and an unspecified clockspeed. However, third-party analysis has determined that the A12 Bionic processor runs at 2.49 GHz.

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

The Apple A12 Bionic processor in this Apple TV is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.

System Bus Speed:

N/A

Cache Bus Speed:

N/A

ROM/Firmware Type:

N/A

EFI Architecture:

N/A

L1 Cache:

N/A

L2/L3 Cache:

N/A

RAM Type:

Onboard

Min. RAM Speed:

N/A

Standard RAM:

3 GB*

Maximum RAM:

3 GB*

Details:

*Apple provides no public information about the amount of RAM in this Apple TV 4K model. However, third-party analysis has determined that it has 3 GB of RAM. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

Pending*

RAM Slots:

None

Video Card:

N/A

VRAM Type:

N/A

Standard VRAM:

N/A

Maximum VRAM:

N/A

Details:

The video cannot be upgraded.

Display Support:

Single Display*

Native Resolution:

Multiple*

Details:

*This Apple TV 4K requires a 4K TV and an HDR TV for 4K and HDR streaming. It also requires 802.11 wireless, an Ethernet network, or broadband Internet access.

2nd Display Support:

None

2nd Max. Resolution:

N/A

Details:

This Apple TV 4K can only be connected to a single television.

Standard Storage:

32, 64 GB SSD*

Storage Interface:

N/A

Details:

*This Apple TV 4K is available with either 32 GB or 64 GB of internal flash storage.

Standard Optical:

None

Standard Disk:

None

Details:

No Apple TV plays CDs or DVDs.

Standard Modem:

None

Standard Ethernet:

Gigabit

Details:

This Apple TV 4K has a “wired” Gigabit Ethernet port as well as 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO; simultaneous dual band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and “Thread” networking support.

Standard AirPort:

802.11ax

Standard Bluetooth:

5.0*

Details:

This Apple TV 4K has built-in support for 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.0.

USB Ports:

None

Firewire Ports:

None

Expansion Slots:

None

Expansion Bays:

None

Details:

The Apple TV models have no expansion slots or bays. It is not designed to be upgraded by end users.

Incl. Keyboard:

None

Incl. Input:

Siri Remote*

Details:

*This Apple TV 4K includes a silver-colored “Siri Remote” (A2540, EMC 3732, MJFM3LL/A) with a touch-enabled “clickpad control that offers five-way navigation” and an outer ring that works as a “jog control” for quick scene selection, as well. It also has a microphone for Siri, Blueooth 5.0, an IR transmitter, and a Lightning port for charging. This Siri Remote also is compatible with the earlier Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K and available for purchase separately for US$59.

Case Type:

Cuboid

Form Factor:

Apple TV 4K

Details:

Uses a small 3.9 inch by 3.9 inch, 1.4 inch tall case.

Apple Order No:

MXGY2LL/A*

Apple Subfamily:

4K (2nd Gen)

Details:

*MXGY2LL/A refers to the Apple TV 4K (2021) with 32 GB of storage. With 64 GB of storage the order number is MXH02LL/A.

Apple Model No:

A2169 (EMC 3111)

Model ID:

AppleTV11,1

Details:

These identifiers are unique to this specific Apple TV. Also see: All Apple devices with the A2169 Model Number, the 3111 EMC Number, and the AppleTV11,1 Model Identifier. For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on Macs, please refer to EveryMac.com’s Mac Identification section.

Pre-Installed OS:

tvOS 14.5 (18L204)

Maximum OS:

Current

Details:

*Apple reports that this Apple TV 4K runs the “tvOS” which is based on the iOS, but it has its own app store. It supports the current version of the tvOS.

Dimensions:

3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4

Avg. Weight:

0.94 lbs. (425 g)

Details:

In inches – height x width x depth (98 mm x 98 mm x 35 mm)

Original Price (US):

US$179, US$199*

Est. Current Retail:

US$179, US$199*

Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is “open” by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the device.

Global original prices for the Apple TV 4K (2021, A12, Silver Siri Remote) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com’s Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices – North & South America

Canada:

C$229, C$249

Brazil:

R$2.399, R$2.599

Mexico:

MXN $4499, $4999

United States:

US$179, US$199*

Original Prices – Europe

Austria:

€199, €219

Belgium:

€199, €219

Denmark:

DKK 1,499, 1,699

Finland:

€199, €219

France:

€199, €219

Germany:

€199, €219

Ireland:

€199, €219

Italy:

€199, €219

Luxembourg:

€192,42, €211,76

Netherlands:

€199, €219

Norway:

NOK 1.990, 2.190

Portugal:

€199, €219

Spain:

€199, €219

Sweden:

SEK 1.995, 2.195

Switzerland:

CHF 199, 228

United Kingdom:

£169, £189

Original Prices – Asia

China:

N/A

Hong Kong:

HK$1,399, H$1,599

India:

Rs 18,900, 20,900

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

¥21,800, ¥23,800

Korea:

N/A

Malaysia:

RM 849, 949

The Philippines:

PHP 10,990, 11,990

Singapore:

S$269, S$299

Taiwan:

NT$5,590, NT$6,190

Thailand:

THB 6,700, 7,400

Vietnam:

VND 4,990,000, 5,990,000

Original Prices – Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$249, A$279

New Zealand:

NZ$299, NZ$329

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the Apple TV models follow.

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