In terms of set-top box offerings, Apple now only sells the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation). The company released its first modern Apple TV running tvOS, the Apple TV HD, in 2015. Since then, it has released three new versions, each adding several new features and improvements over its predecessor, with some models offering more significant upgrades from others. With a lower starting price of $129 and only one model year to choose from, new Apple TV buyers no longer face the same conundrum as in recent years when Apple offered multiple Apple TVs from different generations. Even so, first-time Apple TV customers may be able to get an older model used or from a third-party retailer, so it’ll be important to weigh exactly what’s added to each new model. Check out the detailed breakdown below of every new feature, change and improvement added with each Apple TV model compared to its immediate predecessor:
Apple TV HD (2015)
Apple A8 chip (1.5 GHz, 2 cores) Memory 2 GB Active cooling with internal fan “tv” logo. Height 1.4 inches Weight 425 grams Resolution support up to 1080p Support for SDR Support for 7.1 channel surround sound output HDMI 1.4 port 10/100 Ethernet port WiFi 5 Bluetooth 4.0 32 GB or 64 GB of storage First generation Siri Remote included
Apple TV 4K (First generation, 2017)
A10X Fusion chip (2.38 GHz, 6 cores) 3GB memory, 50 percent more Resolution support up to 2160p (4K). Support for SDR, HDR10 and Dolby Vision Support for audio output with 7.1.4 surround sound channels with Dolby Atmos HDMI 2.0a port Gigabit Ethernet port First generation Siri remote included (white ring around Menu button).
Apple TV 4K (Second Generation, 2021)
A12 Bionic chip (2.49 GHz, 6 cores) Support for high-frame HDR content up to 60 fps ARC and eARC support HDMI 2.1 port WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.0 Thread support Second-generation Siri remote (Lightning charging port) included, fully redesigned with circular clickpad
Apple TV 4K (Third Generation, 2022)
A15 Bionic chip (3.23 GHz, 6 cores), 50 percent faster CPU performance and 30 percent faster GPU performance 4GB memory, 33 percent more Passive cooling with fanless design The “” logo replaces the “tv” logo. Height 1.2 inches Weight 208/214 grams, 50 percent reduction Support for HDR10+ The Gigabit Ethernet port is only available with the 128GB model Thread support is only available with the 128GB model 64 GB or 128 GB storage Second generation Siri remote included (USB-C charging port).
Unlike many other Apple devices, Apple TV offers many specific technical features that not all users can take advantage of due to the dependence on the specifications of other connected hardware such as televisions and speakers. As such, this should be the main criteria you use to determine if you need to upgrade to a new Apple TV. In other words, if you don’t see features like high-frame-rate content, improved HDMI port specs, more advanced HDR formats, and Thread support as worthwhile upgrades, it’s unlikely to be worth buying a new model. Avid home theater enthusiasts, audiophiles, and gamers who can use features like Dolby Atmos support, Gigabit Ethernet, and ARC and eARC support will benefit most from the upgrade. If you don’t have a 4K HDR TV, it’s likely that you won’t gain much by upgrading to the latest model, but it might be worth it if you can benefit from better performance and more storage space. If you own the first-generation Apple TV 4K, it’s only worth upgrading if you want features like high-frame-rate HDR, Thread support, and more gaming power. Unless you specifically want HDR10+ support or 128GB of storage, there’s no reason to upgrade from the second-generation Apple TV 4K to the third-generation Apple TV 4K. It’s important to note that the latest version of the Siri Remote, the second-generation model with a USB-C charging port, is available separately from Apple for $59. It works with all of the Apple TV models above, so the Siri Remote shouldn’t be a major factor in the decision to upgrade.
