Apple TV (device)

Models

First generation (2007)

At a September 2006 special event, Apple announced the first generation Apple TV. Apple originally announced the device as iTV to fit into their "i"-based product naming convention, but later renamed it Apple TV due to a trademark dispute with British television network ITV. Preorders began in January 2007, and the device shipped that March.

The first generation Apple TV includes a Pentium M processor that runs a variant of Mac OS X Tiger, and originally shipped with a 40 GB hard drive. It supports output up to 720p via HDMI, and supported some standard definition televisions via component video. It also has a USB port and a 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet port. At launch, Apple TV required a Mac or Windows-based PC running iTunes on the same network to sync or stream content to it.

A model with a 160 GB hard drive was released in May 2007. The 40 GB version was discontinued in September 2009.

The first generation Apple TV could be modified into a makeshift Intel Mac Mini using a USB boot disk image available online; installation to the built-in hard drive was possible by flashing the image to the drive.

Software

Apple TV Software 1.0 had an interface similar to that of Front Row in Mac OS X. It had seven rows for Movies, TV Shows, Music, Podcasts, Photos, Settings, and Sources.

In February 2008, it became a stand-alone device through the "Take 2" version 2.0 software update, which removed the requirement of iTunes syncing from a separate computer, and allowed media from services such as iTunes Store, MobileMe, and Flickr to be accessed directly from Apple TV. In July 2008, Apple released the software 2.1 update, which added external recognition of iOS devices as remote control devices.

In October 2009, Apple released a minor upgrade called "Apple TV Software 3.0". This update included an updated interface with seven horizontal columns across the top of the screen for the different categories of content (Movies, TV Shows, Music, Podcasts, Photos, Internet, and Settings). This update also added features such as content filtering, iTunes Extras, new fonts, and a new Internet radio app. The Genius playlist option allowed for easier playlist creation.

Second generation (2010)

Apple released the second generation Apple TV in September 2010. It includes an ARM-based Apple A4 chip and runs a variant of iOS. It is housed in a black plastic enclosure and is one-quarter the size of its predecessor. The device has 8 GB of flash storage for buffering, replacing the internal hard drive in the first generation model. It supports output up to 720p via HDMI and does not support standard definition televisions. Its software was updated to begin featuring streaming services, beginning with Netflix. In conjunction with its release, Apple renamed AirTunes to AirPlay, with support for streaming video from iOS devices and Macs to Apple TV.

Third generation (2012)

At a March 2012 special event, Apple announced third generation Apple TV. Externally identical to its predecessor, it includes an A5 chip with one core deactivated and supports 1080p video output. It allows remote access to HomeKit devices.

Along with the release of the third generation model, Apple released Apple TV Software 5 (based on iOS 5.1), which revised the home screen to resemble the icon grid of iOS. The update was also released to the second generation model. The user interface design had reportedly been rejected by Apple's then-CEO Steve Jobs five years earlier.

Apple quietly released an updated "rev A1469" model in March 2013. It uses a single-core variant of the A5 chip and draws less power than the original model. Despite Apple's promise before the revision's launch that "the component changes ... don't affect product features", in September 2014, Apple TV Software 7.0 introduced peer-to-peer AirPlay exclusively for the rev A model. Software 7.0 also introduced a new flat design aesthetic similar to iOS 7 and OS X Yosemite.

The third generation model was discontinued in October 2016. In December 2017, Apple added support for Amazon Prime Video. The Apple TV app, bundled with Apple TV Software 7.3, was released in May 2019.

HD (originally fourth generation, 2015)

On September 9, 2015, Apple announced the fourth generation Apple TV, and began shipping it in October 2015. It includes a 64-bit Apple A8 chip and adds Siri, support for Dolby Digital Plus audio, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and support for audio output via Bluetooth. The HDMI 1.4 port supports HDMI CEC. The Apple TV system software was concurrently renamed tvOS, and added support for App Store to allow the development and distribution of third-party apps and games.

The model includes the Siri Remote, which replaced the arrow button on previous Apple TV remotes with a touchpad that uses swipe-to-select gestures. It has a dedicated Siri button, a built-in microphone, volume control over HDMI-CEC and IR, and an accelerometer (IMU). Apps and games on the tvOS App Store were initially required to be fully functional with the Siri Remote, but the requirement was later relaxed for games.

On September 13, 2016, Apple released tvOS 10 with support for single-sign on, a light-on-dark color scheme, and introduced HomeKit, which allows it to function as a home hub to control appliances remotely, grant guest access, and set up automations.

After the Apple TV 4K was released in 2017, Apple continued to sell the 32 GB model as an entry-level option, and rebranded it as the Apple TV HD in March 2019. On October 18, 2022, following the release of the third generation 4K model, the Apple TV HD was discontinued. The Apple TV HD is the longest supported Apple device ever, supporting eleven major versions of tvOS from versions 9 through 26.

4K (first generation, 2017)

On September 12, 2017, Apple announced the Apple TV 4K, with support for 2160p output, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Gigabit Ethernet, and a faster Apple A10X chip supporting HEVC hardware decoding. Support for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Digital Plus was added in tvOS 12. Changes to the enclosure include the addition of vents on the base, the removal of the USB-C port, and the addition of a tactile white ring around the Menu button on the included Siri Remote. The first generation Apple TV 4K was discontinued in 2021, following the announcement of the second generation model.

4K (second generation, 2021)

On April 20, 2021, Apple announced the second generation Apple TV 4K with the A12 Bionic chip, support for high frame rate HDR, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 6. Its HDMI port supports ARC and eARC, which allows other sources plugged into the television to output audio through Apple TV, including to AirPlay speakers like HomePod. Like the HomePod Mini, it has a Thread radio. It can pair with the ambient light sensor on iPhones with Face ID to optimize its color output, a feature that was also extended to older Apple TVs with tvOS 14.5. AirPlay supports high frame rate HDR playback, allowing videos shot on the iPhone 12 Pro in Dolby Vision 4K 60 FPS to be mirrored in full resolution. The A12 chip adds support for VP9 profile 2 decoding of 4K HDR10 video up to 60 FPS on YouTube. tvOS 17 added FaceTime and support for Continuity Camera with a paired iPhone or iPad.

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. The remote is compatible with older tvOS-based Apple TVs and shipped with an updated SKU of the Apple TV HD.

4K (third generation, 2022)

On October 18, 2022, Apple announced an Apple TV 4K with the A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core CPU (one high efficiency core disabled) and 5-core GPU, support for HDR10+, Metal 4, reduced weight and dimensions (due to the removal of the fan), and without the "TV" text on the top of the unit, retaining the Apple logo. It supports HDMI 2.1 QMS that allows a change of refresh rate without a blank screen interruption. tvOS 18.2 added support for variable widescreen aspect ratios for projectors. It comes in two configurations, a Wi-Fi-only model with 64 GB of storage, and a more expensive 128 GB model that adds Ethernet and a Thread radio. The included Siri Remote charges via USB-C.

On June 25, 2026, the U.S. prices of the 64 GB and 128 GB models were increased to $199 and $249, respectively, a 54% and 67% increase of over the initial $129 and $149 prices, due to higher component prices caused by the global RAM and SSD shortage.

Features

Video streaming

• Apple TV can be used to rent and buy movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store. Since the fourth generation model, Apple TV can download apps and games from the tvOS App Store.
• Users can stream live and on-demand content from apps that support login through a cable provider by way of its TV app. The single-sign on feature in tvOS 10.1 and later allows users to log in to all of these apps at once, bypassing the need to authenticate each individually.
• Beginning with the fourth generation model, it can be linked with Wi-Fi-based TV tuners such as HDHomeRun.

Music and podcast streaming

• Since the second generation model, users can access their music and podcasts libraries that they purchased in iTunes through iCloud using the Music and Podcasts apps. Users can also subscribe to music streaming services and access content.

Photos

• Since the second generation model, the integrated Photos app can sync photos from iCloud Photo Library and display them on a television. Since the fourth generation model, users can download third-party apps to view, edit and share photos.

Casting and mirroring

• With AirPlay, introduced with the second generation model, users can stream or mirror content wirelessly from an iOS device or Mac. Its functions include:
  • Casting, which allows users to wirelessly send video or audio from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the Apple TV.
  • Mirroring, which allows users to wirelessly mirror their Mac screen or AirPlay device to the TV, using it as a second monitor.
  • Peer-to-peer AirPlay, introduced with the third generation "rev A" model, which uses Bluetooth to connect to an Apple TV if the iOS device or Mac are not on the same Wi-Fi network.

Siri

• Siri was introduced with the fourth generation model. It enables voice dictation in text fields, including usernames and passwords. Siri voice commands can control media playback, toggle closed captioning, and launch specific applications.
• Universal search is available for apps in the United States. In Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, the feature is limited to iTunes and Netflix. In Australia, universal search supports movies and TV shows in iTunes, Netflix, and Stan.
• A Live Tune-In feature allows the viewer to ask Siri to tune to live streams.

Apple Home

• Apple Home functionality was initially introduced with the third generation model, but was phased out with iOS 10. Since iOS 10, the fourth generation model can be used as a home hub to control Apple Home appliances remotely, grant guest access, and set up automations.

General

• HDMI CEC, which was introduced with the fourth generation model, can control other devices in a home theater.
• App Switcher enables users to switch apps.
• Aerial Screensaver allows the TV to display a flyover view of a city when Apple TV is inactive. Screensavers can also be invoked from the home screen by pressing menu on the Siri Remote once.

App Store

• Since the fourth generation model, the tvOS App Store allows developers to create apps for Apple TV. It supports various third-party utilities and entertainment services.
• Apps can be easily ported from iOS to tvOS because the operating systems share a common codebase and kernel.

Accessibility

tvOS inherits many of the accessibility features of iOS and macOS and is compatible with Apple's entire product line including the Apple Watch as a remote. tvOS includes VoiceOver, Zoom, and Siri as tools to assist users with low vision. When a wireless keyboard is paired, VoiceOver provides audio feedback by speaking each character as it is typed. Apple TV is compatible with the Apple Wireless Keyboard and the Apple Magic Keyboard.

Apple TV supports closed captioning. 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. The viewer can customize the styles and fonts of captions according to their preferences and needs. Apple's Remote app on iOS devices allows control of the Apple TV from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

Restrictions

Apple restricts access to most viewed charts on movies and podcasts. They are replaced by "Top Movies", "Top Podcasts", and "Editor's Picks". Parental controls can limit access to content via "Restrictions" settings; individual services can be turned off. 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, media can be restricted by rating.

Local sources

Apple TV allows users on a computer running iTunes to sync or stream photos, music and videos. A computer on a local network can be connected to maintain a central library, provide direct connectivity to photo organization software such as iPhoto, limit home video access to a local network only, play Internet radio, or preload content to be used later as a offline video player. Synchronization and streaming modes are supported when Apple TV is connected to a computer. The Movies search box searches only the iTunes Store, not local hard drives and networks.

Apple TV in synchronization mode functions in a way similar to the iPod. It is paired with an iTunes library on a single computer and can synchronize with that library, copying all or selected content to its internal storage. Apple TV does not need to remain connected to the network after syncing.

Apple TV can function as a peer-to-peer digital media player, streaming content from iTunes libraries and playing the content over the network.

Apple TV can stream content from more than one iTunes library: iTunes libraries can be on the same or on different computers; the Apple TV and iTunes library must be on the same local network and have the Home Sharing feature enabled using the identical Apple ID. It can stream content locally using third-party apps such as Plex, Kodi, VLC media player, Emby and MrMC.

Supported formats

Apple TV natively supports many 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 and Plex):

Apple offers AVC 1080p video content encoded at rates from 4 to 8 Mbit/s and HEVC 4K video encoded at rates up to 30 Mbit/s through iTunes and the TV app. Films on Blu-ray are 1080p H.264 or VC-1 video encoded at rates of up to 40 Mbit/s, while films on Ultra HD Blu-ray are 2160p HEVC video encoded up to 128 Mbit/s.

Since the fourth generation model, Apple TV's audio chip supports 7.1 surround sound, and some high definition rentals from iTunes are offered with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. The Apple TV 4K introduced 7.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos.

Remote control

Apple TV can be paired with an Apple Remote. The Apple Wireless Keyboard is supported. Third-party keyboards that use the Apple layout may be compatible. The Apple Watch has a remote app.

Since the fourth generation model, the Siri Remote has been bundled with Apple TV. Siri is available only in jurisdictions that allow Siri. It includes dual microphones for Siri support and a glass touch surface for navigation around the interface by swiping or tapping and scrubbing to fast forward or rewind. It has a menu and home button, a Siri button, a Play/Pause button, and a Volume Up/Down button.

The Siri Remote communicates with the Apple TV via Bluetooth and does not require line-of-sight communications.

End of life

First generation

The first generation Apple TV lost access to YouTube in May 2015.

In September 2018, Apple discontinued iTunes Store support for the first generation Apple TV, with accessibility being obstructed due to obsolete security standards.

Second and third generation

iOS 10, released in 2016, removed the ability to use the third generation Apple TV as a hub to control Apple Home automations. It retained support as a hub for remote access to devices.

With the release of iOS 16 in 2022, Apple Home received a major redesign based on a new architecture which the third generation Apple TV did not support, and remote access no longer functioned in homes upgraded to it. Support for the legacy Apple Home architecture was removed in iOS 26, released in 2025.

iOS 16 removed support for most AirPlay functionality with the second and third generation Apple TV, including playback of DRM content.

YouTube was removed from the second generation model in May 2015 and the third generation model in March 2021. HBO dropped support for its apps on both models in 2020. Hulu dropped both models in October 2022, and Netflix dropped both models in June 2024.

Technical specifications

Sales

Within the first week of presales in January 2007, Apple TV was the top pre-selling item at the Apple Store. Orders exceeded 100,000 units by the end of the month. Sales surpassed a million units before the 2007 holiday season. Analysts began calling it a "DVD killer" that could enable multiple services. Best Buy was one of the first retailers to carry the device; Target and Costco quickly followed.

Amazon notably declined to develop an Amazon Video app for the Apple TV until 2017. In October 2015, shortly before the launch of the fourth generation model, Amazon announced would no longer sell the Apple TV, citing "customer confusion" and removed the third generation model from its marketplace. Amazon reversed their stance and released an Amazon Video app in late 2017, and resumed sales of the Apple TV.

The second generation sold 250,000 units in its first two weeks. On December 21, 2010, Apple announced it had sold 1 million units. Apple sold 2.8 million units in fiscal year 2011.

A market survey published by Parks Associates in December 2014 found that Apple TV has lost consumer traction to Google Chromecast, garnering only a 17% market share.