.svg) | |
 Apple TV 4K withSiri Remote | |
| Developer | Apple |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Type | Digital media player Microconsole |
| Release date |
|
| Introductory price | |
| Online services | 8,000 total apps, including 2,000 games and 1,600 video apps (as of October 27, 2016)[4] |
| Website | appletv |
Apple TV (stylised tv) is adigital media player andmicroconsole developed and marketed byApple. It is a small piece ofnetworking hardware that sends received media data such as video and audio to a TV or external display. Its media services includestreaming media,TV Everywhere–based services, local media sources, andsports journalism andbroadcasts.
Second-generation and later models function only when connected viaHDMI to anenhanced-definition orhigh-definitionwidescreen television. Since the fourth-generation model, Apple TV runstvOS with multiple pre-installedapps. In November 2019, Apple releasedApple TV+ and theApple TV app.
Apple TV lacks integrated controls and can only be controlled remotely, through aSiri Remote, iPhone or iPad,Apple Remote, or third-party infrared remotes complying with the fourth generationConsumer Electronics Control standard.
Before the Apple TV, Apple made a number of attempts to create TV-based devices: In 1993, Apple released theMacintosh TV in an attempt to enter the home-entertainment industry. The device had a 14-inchCRTscreen and aTV tuner card.[5] It was not a commercial success, with only 10,000 sold before its discontinuation in 1994.[6] That year, the company developed theApple Interactive Television Box, a collaboration withBT Group andProximus Group that was never released to the public.[6][7] Apple's final major attempt before the Apple TV was theApple Pippin in 1990s, a combinationhome game console and networked computer.[6][8]
At a September 2006Apple special event, Apple announced the first-generation Apple TV. It was originally announced as "iTV" to fit into their "i"-based product naming convention, but was renamed "Apple TV" before launch due to a trademark dispute with British broadcasting networkITV, which threatened legal action against Apple.[9][10] Pre-orders began in January 2007 and it was released in March 2007. It is based on aPentium M processor and ran a variant ofMac OS X Tiger, and included a 40 GB hard disk for storing content.[11] It supported output up to720p onHDTVs viaHDMI, and supported some standard definition televisions viacomponent video.[12] At launch, Apple TV required a Mac orWindows-based PC runningiTunes on the same network to sync or stream content to it.[13]
A model with a 160 GB hard drive was released in May 2007. The 40 GB version was discontinued in September 2009.[14] In January 2008, it became a stand-alone device through a software update, which removed the requirement of iTunes syncing from separate computer, and allowed for media from services such asiTunes Store,MobileMe, andFlickr to be rented or purchased directly on the Apple TV.[15]
In July 2008, Apple released the software 2.1 update which added external recognition ofiPhones andiPod Touches as alternative remote control devices to the Apple Remote.[16] In September 2015, Apple discontinued iTunes support for the first-generation Apple TV, with accessibility being obstructed from such devices due to obsolete security standards.[17][18]
The first generation Apple TV can be modified into a makeshiftIntelMac Mini, with a USB boot disk image being available online, and an install to the inbuilt hard drive possible by flashing the image to the hard drive through the USB booted disk. The device is not easily used unless aUSB hub is installed, due to it only having one USB port.[19]
The first generation Apple TV has a 1 GHz Intel Pentium M CPU, and 256 MB of RAM. Neither the CPU or RAM can be upgraded without soldering, as both are soldered onto the motherboard. The device has oneHDMI interface, oneUSB port, one 10/100 base TEthernet port, and aComponent video interface. Due to its thermal management design utilizing the upper case as a passive heat sink, the device gets warm when in use. A fan is used to cool the case, but it does not reach the CPU and is instead installed to cool the hard drive and installed power supply.[20][21]
Apple released the second-generation Apple TV in September 2010. Based on the ARM-basedApple A4 chipinstead of an Intel x86 processor, it runs a variant ofiOS.[22][23] It is housed in a black enclosure and is one-quarter the size of the first-generation model. The device has 8 GB of flash storage for buffering, replacing the internalhard drive in the first-generation model. It supports output up to720p viaHDMI and does not support standard definition televisions.[24][25]
In conjunction with its release, Apple renamed AirTunes toAirPlay, with support for streaming video from iPhones, iPads, and Macs to Apple TV.[26]
At a March 2012Apple special event, Apple announced the third-generation Apple TV. Externally identical to its predecessor, it includes anA5 chip with one core deactivated and supports1080p video output.[27][28] It also allows remote access toHomeKit devices.[29]
Apple quietly released a "rev A" of the hardware in March 2013.[30][31] It uses a single-core variant of the A5 chip and draws less power than the original third-generation model.[30] Despite Apple's promise before the revision's launch that "the component changes ... don't affect product features",[32][33] in September 2014, Apple TV Software 7.0 introduced peer-to-peerAirPlay exclusively for the rev A model.[31]
The third-generation Apple TV was discontinued in October 2016.[34] In December 2017, Apple added support forAmazon Prime Video.[35] TheApple TV app, bundled with Apple TV Software 7.3, was released in May 2019.[36]
On September 9, 2015, Apple announced the fourth-generation Apple TV atan Apple special event. The fourth-generation model uses a new operating system,tvOS, with anapp store, allowing downloads of third-party apps for video, audio, games and other content. It uses a 64-bitApple A8 chip, and adds support forDolby Digital Plus audio. It is taller but otherwise resembles the second- and third-generation models. The remote replaced the arrow button with swipe-to-select features,Siri support, a built-in microphone, volume control over HDMICEC andIR, and anaccelerometer (IMU).[37][38]
Upon release, the third-party apps were available from a limited range of providers, with newAPIs providing opportunities for more apps. New apps and games were initially required to interface with the new touchpad-enabled Siri remote, a requirement later relaxed for games.[39][40][41]
The fourth-generation Apple TV started shipping in October 2015. Several unexpected problems, such as incompatibility withiTunes Remote app for iOS andwatchOS,[42] were fixed by Apple in tvOS 9.1 on December 8, 2015.[43]
On September 13, 2016, Apple releasedtvOS 10, bringing an updated remote app, single-sign on, andlight-on-dark color scheme. tvOS 10 also introducedHomeKit support and allows it to function as a home hub, supporting controlling appliances remotely, granting guest access, and setting up automations.[44]
After newer 4K versions of the Apple TV were released, Apple continued to sell the fourth-generation model as an entry-level option, rebranding it as theApple TV HD in March 2019.[45][46] On October 18, 2022, the Apple TV HD was discontinued after seven years on the market after the release of the 4K third-generation model.[46]
.svg)
Atan Apple special event on September 12, 2017, Apple announced the AppleTV 4K, which supports2160p output,HDR10,Dolby Vision, and includes a fasterApple A10X chip supportingHEVC hardware decoding.Dolby Atmos support was added in tvOS 12.[47][48] Following the announcement of the new models, the 64 GB version of the Apple TV HD was discontinued.[49] Changes to the 4th-generation case include the addition of vents on the base, the removal of theUSB-C port, and the addition of a tactile white ring around the Menu button on the includedSiri Remote.
On April 20, 2021, Apple announced an updated Apple TV 4K with theA12 Bionic chip, support forhigh frame rate HDR,HDMI 2.1, andWi-Fi 6. Its HDMI port supportsARC and eARC, which allows other sources plugged into the television to output audio through Apple TV, including to AirPlay speakers likeHomePod.[50] Like the HomePod mini, it has aThread radio. It can pair with the ambient light sensor on iPhones withFace ID to optimize its color output, a feature that was also extended to older Apple TVs with tvOS 14.5.[51]AirPlay supports high frame rate HDR playback, allowing videos shot on theiPhone 12 Pro inDolby Vision 4K 60fps to be mirrored in full resolution. Following the announcement, the previous Apple TV 4K with anA10X chip was discontinued.[52] tvOS 17 addedFaceTime and support for Continuity Camera with a paired iPhone or iPad.[53]
The model also comes with a thicker, redesigned Siri Remote with a circular touchpad with navigational buttons, as well as power and mute buttons. The remote does not include an accelerometer and gyroscope, which were present in the previous Siri Remote, making it incompatible with some games.[54] The remote is compatible with previous generation tvOS-based Apple TVs and ships with an updated SKU of the Apple TV HD.[55]
On October 18, 2022, Apple announced an updated Apple TV 4K with theA15 Bionic chip with a 5-core CPU (one high efficiency core disabled) and 5-core GPU, support forHDR10+, reduced weight and dimensions, and removed the "TV" text from the top of the unit, leaving only the Apple logo. It supports HDMI 2.1 QMS that allows a change of refresh rate without having a blank screen interruption.[56] It comes in two configurations, a Wi-Fi-only model with 64 GB of storage, and a more expensive 128 GB model with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and aThread radio. The includedSiri Remote charges viaUSB-C instead ofLightning.[57]
Apple TV allows consumers to use anHDTV with any Apple TV or aUHDTV with Apple TV 4K or later, to stream video, music, and podcasts as well as downloading apps and games from the tvOS App Store. The first, second, and third generations offered limited content which Apple had provisioned to work with Apple TV. These have now been discontinued[58] in favor of the fourth generation Apple TV, with an OS based oniOS called tvOS which lets developers create their own apps with their own interface that run on Apple TV. These include multimedia, music apps, and games.[59][60]
Features of Apple TV include:
Since tvOS andwatchOS are based on iOS, they have inherited many of the accessibility features ofiOS andmacOS[74] and are compatible with Apple's entire product line including theApple Watch as aremote controller for the Apple TV. tvOS includes the Apple technologies ofVoiceOver, Zoom, andSiri to help theblind and those with low vision. Pairing aWireless keyboard with the tvOS on the Apple TV enables another accessibility feature that also is an incorporation of VoiceOver. When typing, VoiceOver mirrors with an audio voice, each character pressed on the keyboard and repeated again when it is entered. The Apple TV is designed to work with theApple Wireless Keyboard or theApple Magic Keyboard.[citation needed]
Apple TV with and without tvOS supportsclosed captioning, so the deaf or hard of hearing can properly watch TV episodes and feature-length movies. Compatible episodes and movies are denoted with a CC (closed captioning) or SDH (Descriptive Audio) icon in the iTunes Store either on the Apple TV or in iTunes itself. The viewer can customize the captions in episodes or movies with styles andfonts that are more conducive to their hearing and/or visual impairment.[75] Apple's Remote app on iOS devices allows control of the Apple TV from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.[76]
Similar to Google's redesign of YouTube, Apple has restricted access to most viewed charts on movies and podcasts. They are replaced by "Top Movies", "Top Podcasts", and "Editor's Picks".[77] Parental controls allow consumers to limit access to Internet media service content via "Restrictions" settings; individual services can be turned off (e.g., to reduce clutter), icons can be rearranged via the tap-and-hold techniqueà la iOS. Internet media is split into four categories: "Internet Photos", "YouTube", "Podcasts", and "Purchase and Rental". Each of the categories is configured by a parental control of "Show", "Hide" or "Ask" to prompt for a 4-digit PIN. In addition, movies, TV shows, music and podcasts can be restricted by rating.[78]
Apple TV allows users on a computer runningiTunes to sync or stream photos, music and videos.[79] A user can connect a computer on a local network to maintain a central home media library of digitized CD,DVD or HD content,[80] provide direct connectivity to photo organization software such as iPhoto,[81] limit home video access to a local network only,[82] play Internet radio,[83][84] or preload content on Apple TV to be used later as a non-networked video player.[85] For users who wish to connect the Apple TV to a computer, synchronization and streaming modes are supported.[79] Apple TV in synchronization mode works in a way similar to theiPod. It is paired with an iTunes library on a single computer and can synchronize with that library, copying all or selected content to its own storage. Apple TV need not remain connected to the network after syncing.[85][86] Photos can be synced fromiPhoto,Aperture, or from a folder on aMac, or Adobe Photoshop Album,Adobe Photoshop, or from a hard disk folder inWindows.[87]
Apple TV can also function as apeer-to-peerdigital media player, streaming content from iTunes libraries and playing the content over the network.[88][89] First-generation Apple TVs can stream content from up to five computers or iTunes libraries. Also, five Apple TVs can be linked to the same iTunes library. The second-generation Apple TV onwards allows users to stream content from more than one iTunes library: these additional iTunes libraries can be on the same or on different computers. This is possible when Apple TV and every iTunes library from which you want to stream content meet all of the following conditions: (1) the Apple TV and the iTunes library you are streaming from are both on the same local network, (2) each uses the iTunes "Home Sharing" feature, and (3) each are using the same "Home Sharing" Apple ID. Apple TV HD and newer can also stream content locally using third-party apps such asPlex,Kodi,VLC media player,Emby andMrMC.
Apple TV natively supports the following audio, video, and picture formats (although with the Apple TV HD and later, apps may use alternative built-in software in order to play other codecs and formats, e.g.Emby,MrMC,VLC media player,Kodi andPlex):
| Codec | First generation | Second generation | Third generation | HD (originally fourth generation) | 4K (first generation) | 4K (second generation) | 4K (third generation) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video/image | AV1 | Not supported | 1080pSDR via software decoding[90][91] | 2160pSDR via software decoding[90][91] | ||||
| HEVC H.265 | Not supported | 1080pSDR Main/Main 10 up to 30FPS via software decoding | 2160pSDR Main/Main 10 up to 60 FPS,Dolby Vision (Profile 5)/HDR10 (Main 10 profile) up to 30FPS | 2160pSDR/Dolby Vision (Profile 5)/HDR10 (Main 10 profile) up to 60FPS | ||||
| - | HDR10+ support | |||||||
| .m4v, .mp4, and .mov containers | ||||||||
| AVC H.264 | 720p at 24FPS, 960 by 540 at 30 FPS | 720p at 30FPS | 1080p at 30FPS | 1080p at 60FPS | 2160p at 60FPS | |||
| .m4v, .mp4, and .mov containers | ||||||||
| VP9 | Not supported | 2160pSDR via software decoding[92] | 2160pSDR | |||||
| MPEG-4 | 640x480 at 30FPS | |||||||
| .m4v, .mp4, and .mov containers | ||||||||
| Motion JPEG | Not supported | 720p at 30FPS (.avi) | ||||||
| JPEG | Supported | |||||||
| GIF | Supported | |||||||
| TIFF | Supported | |||||||
| HEIF | Not supported | Supported | ||||||
| Audio | HE-AAC (V1) | Not supported | Up to 2 channels, 16 to 320 Kbps | |||||
| AAC, protected AAC | Up to 2 channels, up 160 Kbps AAC-LC in video containers or 320 Kbps for audio only | |||||||
| MP3 | Up to 2 channels, 16 to 320 Kbps | |||||||
| Apple Lossless | Up to 2 channels | |||||||
| FLAC | Not supported | Up to 2 channels | ||||||
| AIFF | Up to 2 channels | |||||||
| WAV | Up to 2 channels | |||||||
| Dolby Digital (AC-3) | Up to5.1 channels | |||||||
| Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3) | Not supported | Up to7.1 channels | Up to7.1.4 channels withDolby Atmos metadata | |||||
Attempts to sync unsupported content to Apple TV will draw an error message from iTunes.[93] The first- and second-generation Apple TV video output can be set to either1080i or1080p; however, this resolution is limited to the user interface and the viewing of photographs – all other content is simply upscaled to those resolutions. Those models cannot play 1080i or 1080p video content (e.g., HD camera video).[88][89][94][95][96] The third- and fourth-generation Apple TV support 1080p video content. The Apple TV 4K, as the name suggests, supports 4K resolutions and HDR, including Dolby Vision. 4K content from sources such as iTunes can be played on a compatible 4K television set.
Apple offersAVC1080p movies and video podcasts on iTunes.[97] In comparison,Blu-ray films are 1080p H.264 orVC-1 video encoded at rates of up to 40 Mbit/s.[98] Apple TV's audiochip supports 7.1surround sound,[99] and some high definition rentals from iTunes are offered with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.[100] There is an Apple TV export option inQuickTime which allows content in some formats that the device does not support to be easily re-encoded.[101] Applications that use QuickTime to export media can use this; e.g.,iMovie's Share menu,[102] iTunes' advanced menu,[103] and some third-party content conversion tools.[104]
Apple TV streams video through anHDMI cable (Type A) connected to the TV's HDMI port.Audio is supported through theoptical or HDMI ports. The device also has aMicro-USB port, which is reserved for service and diagnostics. The device connects throughEthernet orWi-Fi to the computer for digital content from the Internet and local networks. Apple TV does not come with audio, video or other cables, which must be acquired additionally as required.[105] On the previous Apple TV, media files could be transferred directly onto the device by syncing with another computer. Once content was stored on the device's hard drive, Internet connectivity was no longer needed to view content.[85] This is not the case with the later models, which do not have a hard drive for storing media.
The first-generation Apple TV hadcomponent video andRCA connector audio ports, both removed in the 2nd generation. The device does not haveRCA/composite video orF/RF connectors,[89][106] but can be tricked into outputting color via composite.[107] Starting with the Apple TV HD, Apple removed theoptical audio port. Apple also enhanced the HDMI port by adding support forHDMI. The 4th generation also removed theUSB hardware port in favor of the reversibleUSB-C port and the 5th generation removed USB entirely.[citation needed]
AirPlay allows iOS devices or anAirPort-enabled computer with theiTunes music player to send astream of music to multiple (three to six, in typical conditions) stereos connected to anAirPort Express (the audio-only antecedent of Apple TV) or Apple TV.[108] The AirPort Express' streaming media capabilities use Apple'sRemote Audio Output Protocol (RAOP), a proprietary variant ofRTSP/RTP. UsingWDS-bridging,[109] the AirPort Express can allow AirPlay functionality (as well as Internet access, file and print sharing, etc.) across a larger distance in a mixed environment of wired and up to 10 wireless clients. Speakers attached to an AirPort Express or Apple TV can be selected from within the "Remote" iPhone/iPod Touch program, allowing full AirPlay compatibility[110] (see "Remote control" section below). A compatible Mac runningOS X Mountain Lion or later can wirelessly mirror its screen to an Apple TV through AirPlay Mirroring[111][112] while one runningOS X Mavericks or later can also extend its display with AirPlay Display.
Apple TV can be controlled by many infrared remote controls[113] or paired with the includedApple Remote to prevent interference from other remotes.[88][114][115] Either kind of remote can control playback volume, but for music only.[15][116][117] TheApple Wireless Keyboard is supported on the second-generation Apple TV and later using the built-inBluetooth.[118] The consumer has the ability to control media playback, navigate menus and input text and other information. Third-party keyboards that use the Apple layout may also be compatible.[118] On July 10, 2008, Apple releasedITunes Remote, a freeiOS application that allows theiPhone,iPod Touch, andiPad to control the iTunes library on the Apple TV viaWi-Fi.[119][120] TheApple Watch also has a remote app to control Apple TV.[121] The Remote App was updated on September 13, 2016,[122] to take advantage of all the features of the Apple TV 4. This includes Siri, Touchpad, and Home Buttons, along with a now playing screen.
On September 9, 2015, Apple announced the new Siri Remote for the fourth-generation Apple TV (Apple TV HD) (although in some territories, Apple have kept the name Apple TV Remote, due to Siri functionality not being enabled on it in that territory).[123] It is a completely redesigned remote that features dual microphones forSiri support and a glass touch surface for navigation around the interface by swiping or tapping and scrubbing to fast forward or rewind. Also, it has a menu and home button, a Siri button to invoke Siri, a Play/Pause button, and a Volume Up/Down button to control the volume on the TV. The Siri Remote communicates with the Apple TV via Bluetooth rather than infrared, removing the requirement of a line-of-sight with the device. This new remote is only supported by the Apple TV HD and later and will not work with earlier generations.
Beginning with the Apple TV HD, the remote includes two microphones and a button to activateSiri. Siri on the Apple TV has all of the functions of Siri on iOS 9; it can also respond to requests specifically for the TV.[124] For instance, the viewer can ask Siri to search for a TV show or movie and it will search across multiple different sources to tell the user where the content is available to watch. It can also do things such as Play/Pause,[125] Rewind/Fast Forward, skip back 15 seconds and temporarily turn on captioning when asked "what did he say?" or "what did she say?", open a specific app, and more.
The original Apple TV ran a modified build ofMac OS X v10.4 Tiger.[126]
Apple TV software 1.0 presented the user with an interface similar to that ofFront Row. Like Front Row on the Mac, it presents the user with seven options for consuming content. Movies, TV Shows, Music, Podcasts, Photos, Settings, and Sources. It was a modified version of OS x v10.4 Tiger.[127]
In February 2008, Apple released a major and free upgrade to the Apple TV, labelled "Take Two" (2.0). This update did away with Front Row and introduced a new interface in which content was organized into six categories, all of which appeared in a large square box on the screen upon startup (movies, TV shows, music,YouTube, podcasts, and photos) and presented in the initial menu, along with a "Settings" option for configuration, including software updates.[128][129]
In October 2009, Apple released a minor upgrade for the Apple TV called "Apple TV Software 3.0".[130] This update replaced the interface in version 2.0 with a new interface which presented seven horizontal columns across the top of the screen for the different categories of content (Movies, TV Shows, Music, Podcasts, Photos, Internet, and Settings).[131] This update also added features such as content filtering, iTunes Extras,[132] new fonts, and a new Internet radio app. One new feature in particular was the 'Genius' playlist option allowing for easier and more user friendly playlist creating.[133]
The 2nd[134] and 3rd[135] generation Apple TVs run a version ofiOS, rather than the modified Mac OS X of the original model. The interface on Apple TV Software 4 is similar to that of previous versions, with only minor changes and feature additions throughout. In March 2012, Apple released a major new software update, with the Apple TV 3rd generation, labeled as Apple TV Software 5 (iOS 5.1),[136] which shipped with the new 3rd generation Apple TV. This update completely revised the look of the home screen to make it resemble the icon grid seen on iOS. Instead of 7 columns, content and third-party channels are shown in a tiled grid format,[137] which can be rearranged. Throughout the years, for Apple TV Software 5–6, Apple released minor revisions, content additions, and feature updates.
The Apple TV Software 7.0 features a flat look similar to iOS 7 and OS X Yosemite and adds features such as Peer-To-Peer AirPlay.[138] Version 8.0 was skipped. Apple TV Software 7.2.2 (iOS 8) is currently available for the Apple TV (3rd generation), as of March 2019. It does not support tvOS 9.0 or later. However, it does supportAmazon Video, which was automatically added to those Apple TVs running 7.2.2 on December 6, 2017.[35] In May 2019 Apple TV Software 7.3 (iOS 8.4.2) was released to the public. This update was the first update for the 3rd generation Apple TV since 2016. This update adds the new Apple TV app to the home screen. The Apple TV app brings compatibility to the Apple TV Channels service. This update also fixes some security flaws found in Apple TV Software 7.2.2 and earlier.[139] On September 24, 2019, Apple TV Software 7.4 (iOS 8.4.3) was released to the public.[140] On March 24, 2020, Apple TV Software 7.5 (iOS 8.4.4) was released to the public.[141]
The Apple TV HD and later run anoperating system calledtvOS[142] which does not support the earlier generations of Apple TV. It features an app store, allowing third-party app developers to release their own apps on the platform.[143] The new software also features support for Siri voice control. The tvOSsoftware development kit (SDK) for developing tvOS apps is included inXcode 7.1 and later.[144] A new development feature, App Thinning,[145] is used in the Apple TV, running on tvOS, due to the storage restrictions of the device (as little as 32 GB) and the dual-use of theNAND Flash Memory to precache movies from Apple's content servers as well as storage for downloaded applications from the tvOS App Store. Apple's aim is to limit the size of application downloads and steering users toward downloading individual segments of apps in order to better manage storage space. Developers have reacted with criticism toward the download size limits, arguing that it leads to situations where game data is purged and has to be re-downloaded.[145]
| Obsolete[146] | Vintage | Discontinued | Current |
| Models | 1st generation | 2nd generation | 3rd generation | HD (originally 4th generation)[a] | 4K (1st generation) | 4K (2nd generation) | 4K (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photos | | |  | |  |  |  |
| Release date(s) | January 9, 2007 | September 1, 2010 | March 7, 2012 (Rev A) January 28, 2013 | October 30, 2015 | September 22, 2017 | May 21, 2021 | November 4, 2022 |
| Discontinued | September 1, 2010 | March 7, 2012 | March 10, 2013[147] (Rev A) September 8, 2016 | 64 GB: September 12, 2017 32 GB: October 18, 2022 | April 20, 2021 | October 18, 2022 | In production |
| Unsupported | N/A | September 17, 2014 | N/A | Partially supported[b] | Fully supported | ||
| Model number - Model ID - Order number | A1218 - AppleTV1,1 - MA711 | A1378 - AppleTV2,1 - MC572 | A1427 - AppleTV3,1 - MD199 (Rev A) A1469 - AppleTV3,2 - MD199 | A1625 - AppleTV5,3 - MGY52 for 32 GB models MLNC2 for 64 GB models | A1842 - AppleTV6,2 - MQD22 for 32 GB models MP7P2 for 64 GB models | A2169 - AppleTV11,1 - MXGY2 for 32 GB models MXH02 for 64 GB models | A2737 - AppleTV14,1 - MN873 for 64 GB models A2843 - AppleTV14,1 - MN893 for 128 GB models |
| Processor | 1 GHzIntel "Crofton"Pentium M[148] | 1 GHzApple A4 (ARM Cortex-A8) | 1 GHzApple A5 (single-coreARM Cortex-A9, dual-core with one core locked) (Rev A.) 1 GHzApple A5 (ARM Cortex-A9, single-core - redesign from A5 dual-core). | 1.5 GHzdual-coreApple A8 | 2.38 GHz6-coreApple A10X | 2.49 GHz6-coreApple A12 | 3.23 GHz5-coreApple A15 |
| Graphics | NvidiaGeForce Go 7300 with 64 MB ofVRAM[149] | Apple A4 (PowerVR SGX535) | Apple A5 (PowerVR SGX543MP2) (Rev A) Apple A5 (PowerVR SGX543MP1) | Apple A8 (PowerVR Series 6XT GX6450) | Apple A10X Fusion (12-core) | Apple A12 Bionic (4-core) | Apple A15 Bionic (5-core) |
| Neural Engine | N/A | 8-core | 16-core | ||||
| Memory | 256 MB of 400 MHzDDR2SDRAM[150] | 256 MBLPDDR2[151] | 512 MB LPDDR2[152][unreliable source?] | 2 GBLPDDR3[153][154] | 3 GBLPDDR4[155][156] | 4 GBLPDDR4 | |
| Storage | 40 or 160 GB internalHDD | 8 GBNAND flash forcache[152][157] | 32 or 64 GBNAND flash | 64 or 128 GBNAND flash | |||
| Peripheral connections | |||||||
| HDMI (unspecified) | HDMI 1.4 | HDMI 2.0a | HDMI 2.1 witheARC | ||||
| Component video | N/A | ||||||
| Optical audio | N/A | ||||||
| USB 2.0 (officially for service use only, though hackers have managed to allow connectivity of hard disks, mice, and keyboards)[158] | Micro-USB (reserved for service) | USB-C (for service and developer use) | HiddenLightning port inside the Ethernet port (for service use)[159] | None[156] | |||
| N/A | Lightning port to chargeSiri Remote | USB-C port to chargeSiri Remote | |||||
| Connectivity | |||||||
| Wi-Fi 4 (802.11b/gand draft-n) (Broadcom BCM94321MC, dual-band, 300 Mbit/s)[160] | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11a/b/gand draft-n) (Broadcom BCM4329, dual-band, 150 Mbit/s)[161][118] | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11a/b/g/n) (Broadcom BCM4330, dual-band, 300 Mbit/s)[162] | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) (dual-band, 867 Mbit/s) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) (dual-band, 1200 Mbit/s) | |||
| N/A | Thread | Thread(128 GB model only) | |||||
| 10/100 Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet(128 GB model only) | |||||
| N/A | Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (support for keyboards only)[161] | Bluetooth 4.0 (support for keyboards only)[118][163] | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | |||
| Infrared receiver | |||||||
| Video output | |||||||
| 1080p (undefined, following the Version 3.0 software update),720p 60/50 Hz (NTSC/PAL),576p 50 Hz (PAL),480p 60 Hz (NTSC)[164] overHDMI (HDCP capable) orComponent Video (480i 60 Hz is unofficially supported) | 720p,576p,480p overHDMI only (HDCP capable) | 1080p,720p,576p,480p overHDMI only (HDCP capable) | 2160p,1080p,720p,576p,480p overHDMI only (HDCP capable) | ||||
| SDR | SDR,HDR10,Dolby Vision | SDR,HDR10+,Dolby Vision | |||||
| Audio output | |||||||
| Optical audio (48 kHz maximum sample rate),HDMI,RCA analogstereo audio | Optical audio (48 kHz fixed sample rate),HDMI | HDMI-CEC, AirPlay, Bluetooth | |||||
| Supports output up to5.1 channels | Supports output up to7.1 channels | Supports output up to 7.1.4 channels (Dolby Atmos) | |||||
| Power | Built-in universal 48 Wpower supply | Built-in universal 6 W power supply | Built-in universal 11 W power supply[165] | Built-in universal 13 W power supply[155] | Built-in universal 5.2 W power supply[166] | ||
| Cooling | active | passive | active | passive | |||
| Dimensions | 1.1 inches (28 mm) (h) 7.7 inches (200 mm) (w) 7.7 inches (200 mm) (d) | 0.9 inches (23 mm) (h) 3.9 inches (99 mm) (w) 3.9 inches (99 mm) (d) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) (h) 3.9 inches (99 mm) (w) 3.9 inches (99 mm) (d) | 1.2 inches (30 mm) (h) 3.66 inches (93 mm) (w) 3.66 inches (93 mm) (d) | |||
| Weight | 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) | 9.2 oz (260 g) | 15 oz (430 g) | 7.34 oz (208 g) (64 GB model) 7.55 oz (214 g) | |||
| Included remote | Apple Remote (plastic) | Apple Remote (aluminum) | Siri Remote (first generation)(2015-2021 SKUs) Siri Remote (second generation)(2021-2022 SKUs) | Siri Remote (first generation) | Siri Remote (second generation) | Siri Remote (third generation) | |
| Initial operating system | Apple TV Software 1.0 (modified build ofMac OS X 10.4 Tiger) | Apple TV Software 4.0 (based oniOS 4.1) | Apple TV Software 5.0 (based oniOS 5.1) (Rev A) Apple TV Software 5.2[167] (based oniOS 6.1) | tvOS 9.0[168] (based oniOS 9)[169] | tvOS 11.0 (based oniOS 11) | tvOS 14.5 (based oniOS 14.5) | tvOS 16.1 (based oniOS 16.1) |
| Current operating system | Apple TV Software 3.0.2 (modified build of Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger) | Apple TV Software 6.2.1 (based oniOS 7.1.2) | Apple TV Software 7.9 (based oniOS 8.4.6)[170] | tvOS 18.2.1 (based oniOS 18.3.1) | |||
| Timeline of iOS devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch models |
|---|
 |
Apple TV contains neither a TV tuner nor apersonal video recorder.[88][93] Both capabilities can be applied to the connected home computer through various third-party products, such as allowing PVR software to connect to iTunes and enable scheduled HDTV recordings to play automatically via Apple TV for playback.[173] Apple TV HD and newer can be linked with Wi-Fi-based tuners such asHDHomeRun.[174]
TheFront Row interface lacks some iTunes functionality, including rating items, checking the account balance, adding funds to the account, synchronizing from more than one computer,[175] fullInternet radio support,[89][176] and games.[177]
The Movies search box only searches the iTunes Store, not local hard drives and networks.[178]
Movies rented on Apple TV must be watched on Apple TV, unlike iTunes rentals, which can be transferred to any video-enabled iPod, iPhone, or Apple TV.[179][180] Movies purchased on Apple TV can be moved to a video-enabled iPod or iPhone via iTunes.[181]
Apple TV prior to 4th generation (Apple TV HD) did not support theHDMI Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI CEC) protocol.
On the Apple TV (2nd generation), digital output audio is up-sampled to 48 kHz, includinglossless CD rips at44.1 kHz. Although this is a higher frequency and the difference is not audible, it is seen by some as falling short of digital transmission of data standards due to the audio not being 'bit perfect'.[182]
Within the first week of presales in January 2007, Apple TV was the top pre-selling item at theApple Store.[183] Orders exceeded 100,000 units by the end of January and Apple began ramping-up to sell over a million units before the 2007 holiday season.[184] Analysts began calling it a "DVD killer"[185] that could enable multiple services. Analysts also predicted that Apple could sell up to 1.5 million units in the first year.[186] Besides theApple Store,Best Buy was one of the first retailers to carry the device;[187]Target andCostco[188] followed shortly thereafter.
Two months into sales,Forrester Research predicted at the time that Apple would only sell a million Apple TV units, because consumers prefer advertisement-supported content over paid content. Forrester predicted that cable companies would be the clear winners over content providers such as the iTunes Store.[189] Shortly after, Apple released YouTube functionality and Jobs stated that Apple TV was a "DVD player for the Internet". Some market analysts predicted that YouTube on Apple TV "provides a glimpse of this product's potential and its future evolution",[190] but overall, analysts had mixed reactions regarding the future of Apple TV. Some negative reactions followed after Jobs referred to the device as a "hobby", implying it was less significant than the Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone.[191]
In the fourth quarter of 2008, sales were triple that of the fourth quarter of 2007.[192]
In Apple's first-quarter 2009 financial results conference call, acting chief executive Tim Cook stated that Apple TV sales increased three times over the same quarter a year ago. Cook mentioned that the movie rental business was working well for Apple, Apple would continue investment in movie rentals and Apple TV, but Apple TV is still considered a hobby for the company.[192] Due to the growth of digital TV and consumers turning to Internet media services, an analyst at the time predicted sales of 6.6 million Apple TVs by the end of 2009.[193]
The second generation sold 250,000 units in the first two weeks it was available. On December 21, 2010, Apple announced that they had sold 1 million units.[194][unreliable source?] In the second fiscal quarter of 2011, it had topped 2 million in total sales, with 820,000 sold in that quarter alone.[195]
On January 24, 2012, Apple announced they had sold 1.4 million units in the first fiscal quarter of 2012,[196] and 2.8 million units in all of fiscal year 2011.[197] (4.2 million units through January 1, 2012).
Tim Cook announced at theAll Things Digital conference in May 2012 that Apple had sold 2.7 million of the 3rd generation model in 2012.[198]
In the Q4 FY2012 earnings call,Engadget reported comments from Tim Cook that Apple had shipped 1.3 million Apple TV units in the 4th Quarter (presumed to be 3rd generation).[199]
MacObserver reported statements by Tim Cook in the Q1 FY2013 earnings call that Apple sold over 2 million Apple TV units in the December Quarter (presumed to be 3rd generation).[200][unreliable source?]
These reports lead to a cumulative volume of the 3rd generation device of 6 million units, as of January 1, 2013.[citation needed]
On February 28, 2014, at Apple's shareholders meeting, Apple CEOTim Cook announced that in 2013 Apple TV brought in 1 billion dollars of revenue for Apple.[201]
A market survey published by Parks Associates in December 2014 found that Apple TV has lost consumer traction toGoogle Chromecast, garnering only a 17% market share.[202]
Tim Cook announced at theApple Special Event on March 9, 2015, that Apple had sold a total of 25 million Apple TVs up to that point.[203]
During an Apple earnings call on January 27, 2016, CEO Tim Cook stated that the Apple TV had record sales, although further details were not provided.[204] In June 2019 it was estimated that there are 53 million units of all generations in use worldwide.[205]
In 2019, Apple analyst John Gruber stated the Apple TV sells at a lowprofit margin or a loss, saying units are effectively sold at cost.[206]
For users of the third-generation Apple TV, Apple has also released the Apple TV Software 7.5 with general improvements, since this model has access to the Apple TV App and Apple TV+.
The new Apple TV uses the latest iOS frameworks and frameworks that are unique to tvOS.
Footnotes
Quotations related toApple TV at Wikiquote
Media related toApple TV at Wikimedia CommonsArticles related to Apple TV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
.svg)
