The Apple goggle box is Apple ’s primed - top box that enable you to see films and TV prove on your big - CRT screen television through a good deal of other online services let in Apple TV+ , Netflix , Amazon Prime and many of the OnDemand channel . Now in its sixth coevals , the Apple TV has evolved a lot over the geezerhood ; there are currently three theoretical account to choose from , and a phone number of buying pick for each .
In this lineament , we ’ll search at the unlike models of Apple TV and what each one offers – and costs – to help you adjudicate which is the best for you . So before pass your hard cash over to Apple , let ’s take a look at the dissimilar Apple goggle box models .
If you do handle to reach a decision , you canbuy immediately from Appleor browse our roundup of thebest Apple deals .
It ’s authoritative to note that various TV manufacturers now admit the Apple TV app and AirPlay 2 sustenance with their set , plus Roku and the Amazon Fire include the Apple boob tube app . So you do n’t need to buy an Apple TV in society to watch Apple ’s content , or to stream to your TV from your iPad or iPhone . say more about theTVs that offer Apple TV app and AirPlay 2 .
What Apple TV models are there?
Apple presently sells two types of Apple TV : the 4th - contemporaries Apple TV HD from 2015 ( which now ship with the 2021 Siri remote control ) ; and thesixth - generation 2021 Apple TV4K.
You may also hear these two devices bear on to as the fourth- and sixth - gen Apple TVs . Or simply as the Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.
There could be some confusion though because the 5th generation Apple TV , which launched in 2017 , was also called Apple telly 4K. We have a separate comparing of theApple television 4 K ( 2021 ) vs Apple TV 4 K ( 2017 ) .
You may be enquire which Apple TV you have , or which one to buy , so we will start by running through the unlike Apple TV version .
Apple TV versions
motion picture below show the original Apple TV and today ’s Apple TV , the excogitation of which is unchanged from the second generation :
When Apple television set was introduced in 2007 it started life sentence as a machine that supply a uncomplicated style to sync mental object from the iTunes library on your Mac to learn on your telly screen .
Since then it ’s advanced a lot . It now runstvOSand includes an App Store with a full suite of apps for streaming and download video depicted object – including Netflix , Amazon Prime , Disney+ , all the On Demand channels ( such as iPlayer in the UK ) and , of track , Apple TV+ . discipline outwhat ’s on Apple TV+in our guidebook to the service . The App Store also admit games and you could also get at Apple Arcade for subscription gaming .
you could also play music from your own Music library and Apple Music ( if you sign ) and you could rain buckets content directly from your iPhone , iPad or Mac using AirPlay .
Apple TV HD vs 4K (4th gen vs 6th gen)
There are two Apple TV models that presently on sales event : the 4th generation and the sixth generation Apple TV : also have intercourse as Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4 K 2021 . There was also a Apple TV 4 K that launch in 2017 , but that is no longer on cut-rate sale . We ’ve included the Apple TV 4 KB 2017 in the table below so you could see how that equate to the current simulation .
As you might have judge , the giving difference of opinion between the HD and 4 K manikin is support for 4 KB video , although there are a few other differences too . The Apple TV 4 thousand is also available in two storage choice , so you essentially have three framework to pick from :
Processor
As you’re able to see , other than 4 K and , in the caseful of the 2021 mannequin , 60fps . The other dispute is the C.P.U. : the Apple TV HD has the A8 , the 5th genesis ship with the A10X , and the novel 4 KB model has the A12 Bionic . Here ’s how those processor equate :
As you could see , the A12 Bionic in the young Apple TV 4 K is not particularly unexampled . It ’s not clear why Apple did n’t use a newer chip , such as the A4 Bionic that features in the iPhone 12 generation , but the A12 should be sufficient for the need of the Apple TV user .
Remote
Another difference is the remote control condition that transport with the different Apple video mannequin . The 1st gen Apple TV had a white remote , the 2nd and 3rd gen models shipped with a slim aluminium remote control , the fourth propagation Apple TV establish with the Siri Remote that also ship with the Apple TV 4 K in 2017 . The original Siri Remote had a trackpad country at the top and admit an accelerometer for secret plan play .
The Siri Remote was then updated again with the 2021 Apple TV 4 K , the new aluminum remote now ships with the 4th gen Apple TV HD .
Picture quality
Broadly speaking , both poser of Apple tv set on the Apple Store right now are standardized – and aesthetically , they ’re monovular . The master difference between the two models is that the Apple TV 4 K support 4 K and HDR content . The central difference between the Apple TV 4 K 2021 and the 2017 fashion model is the capableness to show 60fps content .
The herculean A12 Bionic C.P.U. and quicker networking capabilities ( Gigabit Ethernet or 802.11ac WI - Fi ) should verify it runs that mental object smoothly .
The Apple TV 4 KB fashion model are able to toy picture and TV show at 2160p , while the quaternary - generation HS model only volunteer 1080p . This means you’re able to get more pixels with the 4 K role model , which lead in more elaborated images in those films and TV shows ( and TVs ) that indorse the data formatting .
Many – though not all – Apple TV apps extend 4 honey oil content , and Apple charge the same for 4 K cinema as it does for HD , and offers destitute , reflex upgrades for anyone who ’s already buy HD content that has a 4 K reading useable . However , it ’s deserving note that you may only stream 4 super C content , not download it to learn offline ( the file would quickly fill up your reposition ) – though you may still download HD spill .
In add-on to 4 K , the Apple TV 4 K also support Dolby Vision and HDR10 , which are both different data format of HDR – high dynamic range . Separate and distinct from 4 KB , HDR delivers richer , more vibrant colouring and increase dividing line between blacks and white so that you’re able to see more detail in the darker areas of the image . Essentially 4 K means more pel while HDR entail that the TV can exhibit millions more color .
Most 4 kilobyte mental object is probable to confirm HDR – though there may be some exceptions – and some regular HD content will also support one or other of the data formatting . plainly to benefit from 4 kB and HDR you will need a TV that supports it too .
Sound quality
As for audio , the 4th multiplication Apple idiot box manakin supports Dolby 7.1 surround sound , while the 4 K machine support Dolby Atmos 360 - grade cinema sound .
Dolby Atmos apply object - oriented audio recording engineering to fire speech sound in dissimilar directions to give you a more immersive audio frequency experience . It creates an consequence that means you see the sound moving around you – assuming that the film you are watching has that effect and that you have the necessary speakers to bring out the effect .
Recent film that pop the question Dolby Atmos includeWonder Woman 1984,Onward , The Invisible Man , Sonic The Hedgehog , Birds of Prey,1917,Raya and the Last Dragon , Godzilla vs KongandTop Gun . Apple will upgrade your copy of the film to the Dolby Atmos version if you have already buy it from the iTunes Store .
you may listen to show playing on your Apple TV via your AirPods – here ’s how : How to geminate AirPods with Apple TV .
Networking and Ports
The other major differences between the fourth , fifth and 6th generation modelling are the addition of component part and technologies required to support the deliverance of the 4 K HDR depicted object .
As we explained above , there are differences in terms of processor used in each fashion model , with each being faster and more equal to than the next . The A12 Bionic and the A10X in the 4 grand models will be more equal to than the A8 in the Apple TV HD .
But a smooth , high quality picture , requires more than a debauched mainframe . The networking capabilities are also important , specially for delivering 4 K content . The 4 honey oil versions of the Apple TV both offer up faster Gigabit Ethernet compare to the 10/100BASE - T Ethernet offered by the 4th coevals model . This means that if you stop up it straight into the mesh using a cable the 4 K Apple TV can support a maximum bandwidth of 1000Mbps ( 1gigabit a second ) while the 100BASE - T means that the 4th propagation model can only support 100Mbps .
If you are relying on wireless networking the Apple TV HD ( and old 2017 4 K mannikin ) offer 802.11ac Wi‑F. The newer Apple TV 4 K goes a step further tender next generation Wi - Fi 6 : 802.11ax . Both the old and new 4 K models offer simultaneous dual band , which means they can use both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands at the same time and double the available bandwidth , or pick out 5GHz over 2.4GHz for a dedicated WiFi net . That should make it less probable that your film will protrude buffer because of overcrowding and interference on your internet .
The other difference is that the 4 K Apple goggle box put up Bluetooth 5.0 while the 4th contemporaries example has Bluetooth 4.0 . Bluetooth 5 transmits data faster than Bluetooth 4 , it also requires less business leader . Bluetooth 5 also has a wider range , 200 m out-of-door or 40 m indoors compared to 50 m outdoors and 10 grand in indoors .
Storage
Storage capacity is another distinction between the HD and 4 one thousand role model . The question is how much storage do you actually ask ? While the fourth - gen Apple TV is only available with 32 GB , the 4 honey oil model can hail with either 32 GB or 64 GB , so you have a decision to make .
At first flush , you might think that the declamatory storage capacity is worth it to fit all those gargantuan 4 G files , but remember that you wo n’t be able to download any 4 K film or TV shows from iTunes . So in fact , if you plan to mainly watch 4 thousand content , you might need less store than before , because you ’ll be sticking to streaming only .
Still , in favour of the bombastic electrical capacity model , it ’s only a £ 20/$20 price rise for the special entrepot , which is n’t too severe – so if you think you ’re likely to benefit from having a collection of HD ( not 4 K ) TV shows and films downloaded to watch offline , it wo n’t just break the bank .
Apple TV price
Many years ago Apple trade the Apple TV for £ 79/$99 . Sadly the chintzy Apple TV is now £ 139/$149 – and that mannikin is six age old .
The newer Apple TV 4 K models are even dear at £ 169/$179 or £ 189/$199 . Apple did at least reduce the terms in the UK by £ 10 when this modelling was introduced in April 2021 , but it ’s still a lot to pay when you regard that there are substitute boob tube streamers that have a much lower price .
However , from time to clip resellers may discount the Apple television further , in which case you will see the best prices right now below :
The 32 GB Apple TV HD issold by Apple for £ 139/$149 .
Apple TV 4 K 2021 , 32 GB issold by Apple for £ 169/$179 .
Apple TV 4 K 2021 , 64 GB is soldby Apple for £ 189/$199 .
Should I buy the 4K Apple TV?
If you ’re deciding between the Apple TV HD and 4 K Apple telly models , there are a few thing to consider .
First up : how much do you care about icon character ? Are you antsy to make certain you watch movies in the highest possible quality , with 4 thou and HDR enabled ? Or are you utterly well-chosen watching standard HD ? If the latter , there ’s really no reason to spend extra money .
You also need to verify you could actually take reward of the unexampled features . you’re able to only watch 4 special K and HDR mental object if your tv set set supports those features , so now ’s the time to ensure precisely what your TV is equal to of . If your TV is only HD , you wo n’t get much welfare from the Apple TV 4 K – unless you ’re planning an upgrade soon , and just require to future - proof .
Finally , you ’ll necessitate dissolute net too . Apple recommends connections of at least 25Mbps for streaming 4 K content ( and retrieve , you ca n’t download it in front of time to see offline ) . If your cyberspace is n’t fast enough , the character will automatically be lowered and you ’ll finish up watching message in standard HD anyway .
If you have the capacity to take reward of the capability of the Apple TV 4 kelvin the other question to answer is whether you actually demand the hardware at all . Before you purchase an Apple TV coiffure - top - box verification to see if your TV in reality already offers the Apple TV app and AirPlay cyclosis . If it does the Apple idiot box computer hardware is only really going to give you entree to the App Store and Apple Arcade .
Should I buy the Apple TV HD?
The Apple TV HD was introduced in 2015 . It ’s old . It ’s also expensive for what it is . £ 139/$149 is a gamy cost to ante up for a TV cyclosis box when you may buy a Fire TV Stick 4 K for £ 49.99 at Amazonhereor the Fire TV Stick Lite ( HD ) for £ 29.99here . Similarly the Roku Streaming Stick can play Apple TV+ shows and other Apple message , and is often discounted . The 4 thousand model is usually £ 49.99 and available from the the like ofCurrys PC World , but you may find a bigger discount onAmazon .
As with the Apple TV 4 K , the only reason to buy an Apple TV is if you require to use the App Store or Apple Arcade gambling help . If you have a of late purchased smart TV or one of the substitute rain buckets sticks mentioned above you do n’t really need the Apple TV .
Read : Which smart TVs are compatible with AirPlay or have Apple TV ?
Should I buy an older Apple TV?
The specs of the 2021 Apple TV 4 atomic number 19 are very similar to the 2017 Apple TV 4 K , although there are some significant differences : the truehearted A12 processor , the ability to wager 60fps , and the Modern Wi - Fi standard . If you notice one of these old generation Apple television receiver you may be allure to corrupt . OUr advice would be that if the price is good enough then by all means purchase one , but keep in mind that , at least in the UK , the newer 4 K model is now £ 10 cheaper than it was , so the saving needs to take that into thoughtfulness .
If there are any deals on the 2017 Apple TV 4 M they will seem below :
Apple TV 4 K 2017 , 32 GB , was £ 179/$179
Apple television 4 K 2017 , 64 GB , was £ 199/$199
It ’s also worth checking theApple TV sectionof Apple ’s freshen up store to see if there are any cheaper fourth - gen or 5th - gen models , and there ’s alwayseBay – where you might even regain an older third - gen example for a passel less .
As for whether you should buy the third - gen Apple TV , or an even older model , the reply is no . These models do not include the App Store and we are n’t sure-footed that access to the streaming table service that are useable via these older devices will continue .
Verdict
If you ’re attached to buying an Apple TV , hopefully by now you have an estimation of what fashion model to opt for . But if not , it ’s deserving considering whether you should really buy one at all .
The question basically boil down to visualise out if your telecasting already does everything you would practice the Apple TV for , or if you could bribe a standardised competing gadget for an frightful passel less .
You should also abide in mind that Apple may have bigger plans for the Apple TV . Read our round up of theApple games console bruit .
