Apple TV#Second generation

File:Macworld San Francisco banner "Introducing Apple TV"-2007-01-09.jpg

Before the Apple TV, Apple made a number of attempts to create TV-based devices: In 1993, Apple released the Macintosh TV in an attempt to enter the home-entertainment industry. The device had a 14-inch CRT screen and a TV tuner card.{{cite web |title= When Apple flops: The worst Apple products of all time |url= https://www.networkworld.com/article/766357/data-center-when-apple-flops-the-worst-apple-products-of-all-time.html |website= Network World |date= August 6, 2009 |access-date= 12 August 2018 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= December 17, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231217093034/https://www.networkworld.com/article/766357/data-center-when-apple-flops-the-worst-apple-products-of-all-time.html |url-status= live }} It was not a commercial success, with only 10,000 sold before its discontinuation in 1994.{{cite web |title= Apple TV: The history of Apple's bid to take over your living room |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/11849521/Apple-TV-The-story-of-Apples-bid-to-take-over-your-living-room.html |website= The Daily Telegraph |date= September 8, 2015 |access-date= 12 August 2018 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= August 13, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180813004500/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/11849521/Apple-TV-The-story-of-Apples-bid-to-take-over-your-living-room.html |url-status= live }} That year, the company developed the Apple Interactive Television Box, a collaboration with BT Group and Proximus Group that was never released to the public.{{cite magazine |title= Apple TV Prototype Sells on eBay for 46 Bucks |url= https://www.wired.com/2010/05/apple-tv-prototype-sells-on-ebay-for-46-bucks/ |magazine= Wired |access-date= 12 August 2018 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= December 29, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161229012747/https://www.wired.com/2010/05/apple-tv-prototype-sells-on-ebay-for-46-bucks/ |url-status= live |last1= Chen |first1= Brian X. }} Apple's final major attempt before the Apple TV was the Apple Pippin in 1990s, a combination home game console and networked computer.{{cite web |title=When Apple Failed |url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/10/29/apple-product-flops-tech-personal-cx_ag_1030apple.html |website=Forbes |access-date=12 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813045332/https://www.forbes.com/2008/10/29/apple-product-flops-tech-personal-cx_ag_1030apple.html |url-status=live }}

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At a September 2006 Apple 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 network ITV, which threatened legal action against Apple.{{cite news |last= Cohen |first= Peter |title= Apple 'It's Showtime!' event |work= MacWorld |date= September 12, 2006 |url= https://www.macworld.com/article/52855/2006/09/showtime.html |access-date= September 13, 2006 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= January 1, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080101024351/http://www.macworld.com/article/52855/2006/09/showtime.html |url-status= live }}{{Cite web |date=2012-02-11 |title=ITV warns Apple not to brand smart television 'iTV' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/media/9076502/ITV-warns-Apple-not-to-brand-smart-television-iTV.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}} Pre-orders began in January 2007 and it was released in March 2007. It is based on a Pentium M processor and ran a variant of Mac OS X Tiger, and included a 40 GB hard disk for storing content.{{cite press release |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2007/03/21Apple-TV-Now-Shipping/ |title=Apple TV Now Shipping |date=March 21, 2007 |access-date=June 18, 2017 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917075742/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2007/03/21Apple-TV-Now-Shipping/ |url-status=live }} It supported output up to 720p on HDTVs via HDMI, and supported some standard definition televisions via component video.{{Cite web |last=Cheng |first=Jacqui |date=2007-03-27 |title=Apple TV: an in-depth review |url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2007/03/apple-tv-1st-generation.ars |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=January 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106012213/http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2007/03/apple-tv-1st-generation.ars |url-status=live }} At launch, Apple TV required a Mac or Windows-based PC running iTunes on the same network to sync or stream content to it.{{Cite web |title=Apple TV (2007) Review |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/666304/apple-tv-2007-review.html |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Macworld |language=en-US |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528181041/https://www.macworld.com/article/666304/apple-tv-2007-review.html |url-status=live }}

A model with a 160 GB hard drive was released in May 2007. The 40 GB version was discontinued in September 2009.{{cite web|url= https://www.macworld.com/article/142782/2009/09/apple_drops_price_of_apple_tv_16gb_to_229.html |title= Apple drops price of 160 GB Apple TV, kills 40 GB model|first=Aayush|last=Arya|date=September 14, 2009|work=MacWorld|access-date=September 14, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091005103947/http://www.macworld.com/article/142782/2009/09/apple_drops_price_of_apple_tv_16gb_to_229.html|archive-date=October 5, 2009|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} 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 as iTunes Store, MobileMe, and Flickr to be rented or purchased directly on the Apple TV.{{cite web|url= http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3187 |title=Apple TV: About Apple TV software updates |date=November 19, 2008 |publisher=Apple Inc.|access-date=November 20, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081205100216/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3187|archive-date=December 5, 2008|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

In July 2008, Apple released the software 2.1 update, which added external recognition of iPhones and iPod Touches as alternative remote control devices to the Apple Remote.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/apple-tv-2-1-update-goes-live-adds-mobileme-support/|title=Apple TV 2.1 update goes live, adds MobileMe support|first=Cory|last=Bohon|website=Engadget|date=July 10, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2019|df=mdy-all|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112755/https://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/apple-tv-2-1-update-goes-live-adds-mobileme-support/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT208104|title=About iTunes Store availability|date=February 23, 2018|df=mdy-all|access-date=February 25, 2018|archive-date=February 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225175153/https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT208104|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2015/08/28/apple-tvs-ipods-cinema-display-obsolete-sept-8/|title=Apple TVs (plus iPods & Cinema Displays) hitting obsolete status day before new hardware on Sept 9|work=9to5Mac|date=August 28, 2015|df=mdy-all|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726070537/https://9to5mac.com/2015/08/28/apple-tvs-ipods-cinema-display-obsolete-sept-8/|url-status=live}}

The first generation Apple TV can be modified into a makeshift Intel Mac 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 a USB hub is installed, due to it only having one USB port.{{Cite web |date=2022-01-16 |title=Installing Mac OS X Leopard on the Apple TV (1st generation) |url=https://tinkerdifferent.com/threads/installing-mac-os-x-leopard-on-the-apple-tv-1st-generation.733/ |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=TinkerDifferent |language=en-US}}

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 one HDMI interface, one USB port, one 10/100 base T Ethernet port, and a Component 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.{{Cite web |title=Apple TV (Original/1st Gen) Specs (Apple TV, MA711LL/A*, AppleTV1,1, A1218, 2123): EveryMac.com |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/apple-tv/specs/apple-tv-itv-specs.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=everymac.com}}{{Cite web |date=2009-09-24 |title=Apple TV 1st Generation Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Apple+TV+1st+Generation+Teardown/439 |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=iFixit |language=en}}

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Apple released the second-generation Apple TV in September 2010. Based on the ARM-based Apple A4 chip

instead of an Intel x86 processor, it runs a variant of iOS.{{Cite news |title= From Apple, a Step Into Social Media for Music |work=The New York Times |first= Miguel |last= Helft |date= September 1, 2010 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/technology/02apple.html |access-date= September 8, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100902034655/http://www.nytimes.com//2010//09//02//technology//02apple.html |archive-date= September 2, 2010 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all }}{{Cite news |title= Apple Goes 'Wild' Over New iPods |work=ABC News |first= Ki Mae |last= Heussner |date= September 1, 2010 |url= https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/apples-ipods-unveiled-ceo-steve-jobs/story?id=11534551 |access-date= September 8, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100904133427/http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/apples-ipods-unveiled-ceo-steve-jobs/story?id=11534551 |archive-date= September 4, 2010 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all }} 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 internal hard drive in the first-generation model. It supports output up to 720p via HDMI and does not support standard definition televisions.{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/SP598?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US |title=Apple TV (2nd generation) – Technical Specifications |date=24 Feb 2017 |access-date=14 September 2019 |archive-date=September 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925234228/https://support.apple.com/kb/SP598?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url= https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Apple-TV-2nd-Generation-Teardown/3625/2 |title= Apple TV 2nd Generation Teardown — Page 2 |date= September 29, 2010 |publisher= iFixit |access-date= March 28, 2012 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= March 22, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120322234109/http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Apple-TV-2nd-Generation-Teardown/3625/2 |url-status= live }}

In conjunction with its release, Apple renamed AirTunes to AirPlay, with support for streaming video from iPhones, iPads, and Macs to Apple TV.{{Cite web |title=Apple TV review (2010) |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-09-29-apple-tv-review-2010.html |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=Engadget |date=September 29, 2010 |language=en-US |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811193910/https://www.engadget.com/2010-09-29-apple-tv-review-2010.html |url-status=live }}

At a March 2012 Apple special event, Apple announced the third-generation Apple TV. Externally identical to its predecessor, it includes an A5 chip with one core deactivated and supports 1080p video output.{{cite web |title=Apple TV (3rd generation) - Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/112429 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website= |publisher=Apple}}{{cite web|title=Update – 32-nm Apple A5 in the Apple TV 3 – and an iPad 2!|url=http://www.chipworks.com/en/technical-competitive-analysis/resources/blog/apple-a5-from-the-apple-tv-3-surprise-surprise/|date=April 11, 2012|publisher=Chipworks|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024092806/http://www.chipworks.com/en/technical-competitive-analysis/resources/blog/apple-a5-from-the-apple-tv-3-surprise-surprise/|archive-date=October 24, 2013|access-date=September 15, 2013}} It also allows remote access to HomeKit devices.{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Zac |date=2016-09-16 |title=HomeKit automation no longer works with third-gen Apple TV after iOS 10 (Updated: Apple clarifies) |url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/16/homekit-ios-10-remote-access-automation-apple-tv-2fa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317162413/https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/16/homekit-ios-10-remote-access-automation-apple-tv-2fa/ |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US}}

Apple quietly released a "rev A" of the hardware in March 2013.{{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Jordan |date=March 15, 2013 |title=Implications of updated Apple TV: Lower cost, new A5 Chip, ramping numbers |url=https://9to5mac.com/2013/03/15/implications-of-updated-apple-tv-lower-cost-new-a5-chip-ramping-numbers/ |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=9to5Mac}}{{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Jordan |date=September 23, 2014 |title=2013 Apple TV revision gets its first exclusive feature: iOS 8's Peer-to-Peer AirPlay |url=https://9to5mac.com/2014/09/23/peer-to-peer-airplay-apple-tv-ios-8/ |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=9to5Mac}} It uses a single-core variant of the A5 chip and draws less power than the original third-generation model. Despite Apple's promise before the revision's launch that "the component changes{{Nbsp}}... don't affect product features",{{Cite news |date=January 29, 2013 |title=New Apple TV 3,2 to be half centimeter smaller, A5X processor, updated wireless |url=https://9to5mac.com/2013/01/29/new-apple-tv-32-to-be-half-centimeter-smaller-can-now-fit-in-your-mouth/ |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=9to5Mac}}{{Cite web |last=Ingraham |first=Nathan |date=2013-01-30 |title=New Apple TV revealed by FCC won't be smaller, will only contain minor component change |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/1/30/3932938/new-apple-tv-wont-be-smaller-minor-component-changes |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=The Verge |language=en}} in September 2014, Apple TV Software 7.0 introduced peer-to-peer AirPlay exclusively for the rev A model.

The third-generation Apple TV was discontinued in October 2016.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Chance |date=October 5, 2016 |title=Apple discontinues third-gen Apple TV, removes it from online store |url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/10/04/apple-tv-third-gen-discontinued/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009205233/https://9to5mac.com/2016/10/04/apple-tv-third-gen-discontinued/ |archive-date=October 9, 2016 |access-date=October 8, 2016 |website=9to5Mac |df=mdy-all}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Chance |date=May 13, 2019 |title=iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3 now available with new TV app |url=https://9to5mac.com/2019/05/13/ios-12-3-features-tvos-13-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513214224/https://9to5mac.com/2019/05/13/ios-12-3-features-tvos-13-more/ |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |access-date=May 13, 2019 |website=9to5Mac}}

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On September 9, 2015, Apple announced the fourth-generation Apple TV at an Apple special event. The fourth-generation model uses a new operating system, tvOS, with an app store, allowing downloads of third-party apps for video, audio, games and other content. It uses a 64-bit Apple A8 chip, and adds support for Dolby 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 HDMI CEC and IR, and an accelerometer (IMU).{{cite web |last1=Gil |first1=Lory |date=3 July 2019 |title=Siri Remote for Apple TV: The ultimate guide |url=https://www.imore.com/siri-remote |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203162002/https://www.imore.com/siri-remote |archive-date=December 3, 2019 |access-date=3 December 2019 |website=iMore |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Nilay |date=2015-10-29 |title=Apple TV review |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/28/9630952/new-apple-tv-4-review |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020020605/https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/28/9630952/new-apple-tv-4-review |url-status=live }}

Upon release, the third-party apps were available from a limited range of providers, with new APIs 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.{{Cite web|title=Apple TV game developers are required to support the Siri remote|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/09/16/apple-tv-siri-remote-required-for-games/|website=Engadget|date=September 16, 2015 |access-date=September 16, 2015|df=mdy-all|archive-date=September 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917094110/http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/16/apple-tv-siri-remote-required-for-games/|url-status=live}}[https://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/06/14/tvos-10-games-no-siri-remote/ Apple TV games are no longer required to support Siri Remote] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214164035/https://www.idownloadblog.com/2016/06/14/tvos-10-games-no-siri-remote/ |date=December 14, 2018 }}. iDOwnloadBlog. June 14, 2016.{{Cite web|title=Apple Drops Requirement for tvOS Games to Use Siri Remote as Controller|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/14/apple-drops-siri-remote-game-controller-demand/|access-date=2021-04-22|website=MacRumors|date=June 14, 2016 |language=en|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422234527/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/14/apple-drops-siri-remote-game-controller-demand/|url-status=live}}

The fourth-generation Apple TV started shipping in October 2015. Several unexpected problems, such as incompatibility with iTunes Remote app for iOS and watchOS,{{cite web|url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/15/10/30/new-apple-tv-incompatible-with-apples-own-remote-app-for-ios-and-watchos|title=New Apple TV incompatible with Apple's own Remote app for iOS and watchOS|first=Mikey|last=Campbell|date=October 30, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2016|df=mdy-all|archive-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116100658/http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/10/30/new-apple-tv-incompatible-with-apples-own-remote-app-for-ios-and-watchos|url-status=live}} were fixed by Apple in tvOS 9.1 on December 8, 2015.{{Cite news|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2015/12/08/apple-tv-remote-support-new-apple-tv/|title=Apple Remote App for iOS Now Works With New Apple TV Following tvOS 9.1 Update|access-date=2018-10-15|language=en|df=mdy-all|archive-date=October 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015114447/https://www.macrumors.com/2015/12/08/apple-tv-remote-support-new-apple-tv/|url-status=live}}

On September 13, 2016, Apple released tvOS 10, bringing an updated remote app, single-sign on, and light-on-dark color scheme. tvOS 10 also introduced HomeKit support and allows it to function as a home hub, supporting controlling appliances remotely, granting guest access, and setting up automations.{{Cite web |title=Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207057 |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=Apple Support |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317162412/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207057 |url-status=live }}

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 the Apple TV HD in March 2019.[https://9to5mac.com/2019/03/25/apple-tv-hd-rebrand/ Apple rebrands 2015 Apple TV as 'Apple TV HD' as it introduces Apple TV+ streaming service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325201350/https://9to5mac.com/2019/03/25/apple-tv-hd-rebrand/|date=March 25, 2019}}. 9to5Mac. March 25, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Axon |first=Samuel |date=2022-10-19 |title=RIP Apple TV HD: Apple went all-in on 4K yesterday |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/10/rip-apple-tv-hd-apple-went-all-in-on-4k-yesterday/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020020605/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/10/rip-apple-tv-hd-apple-went-all-in-on-4k-yesterday/ |url-status=live }} 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.

File:Apple TV 4K (logo).svg

At an Apple special event on September 12, 2017, Apple announced the Apple TV 4K, which supports 2160p output, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and includes a faster Apple A10X chip supporting HEVC hardware decoding. Support for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Digital Plus was added in tvOS 12.[https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/6/4/17413250/apple-tv-update-tvos-dolby-atmos-support-spectrum-wwdc-2018 The Apple TV is finally getting Dolby Atmos support] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604195630/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/6/4/17413250/apple-tv-update-tvos-dolby-atmos-support-spectrum-wwdc-2018 |date=June 4, 2018 }}. The Verge.{{Cite news|url=https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/17/tvos-12-features/|title=tvOS 12 now available for Apple TV 4 and Apple TV 4K, brings Dolby Atmos audio, screensaver updates, more|date=2018-09-17|work=9to5Mac|access-date=2018-09-18|language=en-US|df=mdy-all|archive-date=October 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026054251/https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/17/tvos-12-features/|url-status=live}} Following the announcement of the new models, the 64 GB version of the Apple TV HD was discontinued.[https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017/09/apple-tv-4k-brings-home-the-magic-of-cinema-with-4k-and-hdr/ Apple TV 4K brings home the magic of cinema with 4K and HDR] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301230351/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017/09/apple-tv-4k-brings-home-the-magic-of-cinema-with-4k-and-hdr/ |date=March 1, 2018 }}. Apple. September 12, 2017. Changes to the 4th-generation case 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.

On April 20, 2021, Apple announced an updated 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.{{Cite web|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=2021-05-21|title=The new Apple TV 4K lets you play any TV audio through a HomePod|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/21/22447590/apple-tv-4k-homepod-hdmi-arc-audio-support|access-date=2021-06-14|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614161438/https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/21/22447590/apple-tv-4k-homepod-hdmi-arc-audio-support|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|last=Cipriani|first=Jason|title=New Apple TV trick: Use your iPhone to optimize your picture and make movies look better|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/new-apple-tv-4k-trick-use-your-iphone-to-optimize-your-picture-and-make-movies-look-better/|access-date=2021-04-24|website=CNET|language=en|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424134836/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/new-apple-tv-4k-trick-use-your-iphone-to-optimize-your-picture-and-make-movies-look-better/|url-status=live}} AirPlay supports high frame rate HDR playback, allowing videos shot on the iPhone 12 Pro in Dolby Vision 4K 60fps to be mirrored in full resolution. Following the announcement, the previous Apple TV 4K with an A10X chip was discontinued.{{Cite web|last=Espósito|first=Filipe|date=2021-04-20|title=Apple announces sixth-generation Apple TV with A12 chip and new Remote|url=https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/20/apple-announces-sixth-generation-apple-tv-with-a12-chip-and-new-remote/|access-date=2021-04-20|website=9to5Mac|language=en-US|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420172626/https://9to5mac.com/2021/04/20/apple-announces-sixth-generation-apple-tv-with-a12-chip-and-new-remote/|url-status=live}} tvOS 17 added FaceTime and support for Continuity Camera with a paired iPhone or iPad.{{Cite web |title=FaceTime is coming to Apple TV |url=https://www.engadget.com/facetime-is-coming-to-apple-tv-182616297.html |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=Engadget |date=June 5, 2023 |language=en-US}}

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.{{Cite web|title=New Siri Remote Lacks Accelerometer and Gyroscope for Gaming on Apple TV|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/22/new-siri-remote-lacks-accelerometer-gyroscope/|access-date=2021-04-22|website=MacRumors|date=April 22, 2021 |language=en|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422224835/https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/22/new-siri-remote-lacks-accelerometer-gyroscope/|url-status=live}} The remote is compatible with previous generation tvOS-based Apple TVs and ships with an updated SKU of the Apple TV HD.{{Cite web|last=Seifert|first=Dan|date=2021-04-20|title=A more powerful processor and a new remote|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/20/22386298/apple-tv-4k-a12-bionic-price-features-release-date|access-date=2021-04-21|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421005519/https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/20/22386298/apple-tv-4k-a12-bionic-price-features-release-date|url-status=live}}

On October 18, 2022, Apple announced an updated 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+, 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.{{cite web | url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/111839 | title=Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) - Tech Specs }} 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 a Thread radio. The included Siri Remote charges via USB-C instead of Lightning.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Mitchell |date=2022-10-18 |title=The new Apple TV 4K has a remote with USB-C and a lower starting price |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/18/23410805/apple-tv-4k-2022-usb-c-remote-hdr-10-plus |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-date=October 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018173413/https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/18/23410805/apple-tv-4k-2022-usb-c-remote-hdr-10-plus |url-status=live }}

Apple TV allows consumers to use an HDTV with any Apple TV or a UHDTV 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 that Apple had provisioned to work with Apple TV. These have now been discontinued{{Cite web |url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/10/04/apple-tv-third-gen-discontinued/ |title=Apple discontinues third-gen Apple TV, removes it from online store |work=9to5Mac |date=October 5, 2016 |access-date=October 8, 2016 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=October 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006141631/https://9to5mac.com/2016/10/04/apple-tv-third-gen-discontinued/ |url-status=live }} in favor of the fourth generation Apple TV, with an OS based on iOS 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.{{Cite web|title=Apple TV Review 2019: Power and Quality with a price|url=https://networkencyclopedia.com/product-review/apple-tv-review-2019-power-quality-with-a-price/|access-date=2020-11-06|website=Network Encyclopedia|language=en-US|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810044300/https://networkencyclopedia.com/product-review/apple-tv-review-2019-power-quality-with-a-price/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Apple TV 4K Review|url=https://cordcutting.com/devices/apple/apple-tv-4k/|access-date=2019-09-12|website=CordCutting|language=en|archive-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619101535/https://cordcutting.com/devices/apple/apple-tv-4k/|url-status=live}}

File:Nasaappscreenshot.png app for Apple TV]]

Features of Apple TV include:

;Video streaming

:*Users of Apple TV can rent or buy movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store, or stream video from a variety of services found in the tvOS App Store.

:*Users can stream live and on-demand content from apps that support login through a cable provider by way of one universal app also called Apple TV. 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.

;Music and Podcasts streaming

:*Users can access their music and podcasts libraries that they purchased in iTunes through iCloud through the Music and Podcasts apps, respectively. In addition, users can also subscribe to music streaming services and access content that way.

;Photos

:*The built in Photos app syncs user photos from iCloud Photo Library and displays them on TV. In addition, users can download third-party apps like Adobe Lightroom{{Cite web |url=http://blogs.adobe.com/lightroomjournal/2016/07/lightroom-for-apple-tv.html |title=Announcing Lightroom for Apple TV |website=blogs.adobe.com |access-date=October 8, 2016 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=October 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010033118/http://blogs.adobe.com/lightroomjournal/2016/07/lightroom-for-apple-tv.html |url-status=live }} to view, edit and share them.{{cite web |title=How to sync Apple iPhone photos to iPad, Mac, Apple TV |date=May 15, 2017 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/15/how-to-sync-apple-iphone-photos-to-ipad-mac-apple-tv.html |publisher=CNBC |access-date=12 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044507/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/15/how-to-sync-apple-iphone-photos-to-ipad-mac-apple-tv.html |url-status=live }}

;Apps and games

:*With the fourth generation Apple TV and later, users can download apps and games from the tvOS App Store. This app store is similar to the one found on the Apple iPhone and iPad.

:*Apps can now be ported from iOS easily by developers since tvOS and iOS share a common codebase and kernel.

:*:Examples include the Papa John's{{Cite web |url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/08/30/papa-johns-apple-tv-pizza-delivery/ |title=Papa John's now lets you order pizza straight from your Apple TV |work=9to5Mac |date=August 30, 2016 |access-date=October 8, 2016 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=October 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009205027/https://9to5mac.com/2016/08/30/papa-johns-apple-tv-pizza-delivery/ |url-status=live }} and Grubhub apps, which allows for users to order food right from Apple TV, and Zillow, which allows users to search for homes right on their TV.{{cite web |title=Apple TV Can Help You Find a New Home |url=https://www.lifewire.com/apple-tv-can-help-you-find-a-new-home-4092157 |website=Lifewire |access-date=13 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813043840/https://www.lifewire.com/apple-tv-can-help-you-find-a-new-home-4092157 |url-status=live }} A NASA app for Apple TV includes live streaming of NASA TV content, including International Space Station missions.{{cite web |title=NASA app for Apple TV adds live streaming from ISS, on-demand video, 15k photos & more |url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/06/22/nasa-app-apple-tv-4th-gen/ |website=9to5Mac |date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=13 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813080022/https://9to5mac.com/2016/06/22/nasa-app-apple-tv-4th-gen/ |url-status=live }}

:*Games use the Accelerometer and Gyroscope along with the touchpad found on the Siri Remote for control. External Bluetooth game controllers can also be paired.

:*:Examples include Asphalt 8, which can be played using the Siri Remote.

;Casting and mirroring

:*With AirPlay, users can stream or mirror content wirelessly from an iOS device or Mac. AirPlay can be accessed by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (swipe down from top right on newer models) in Control Center on iOS or in the Menu Bar on a Mac. Its functions include:{{Cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204289 |title=How to AirPlay content from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch |website=support.apple.com |access-date=October 8, 2016 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=October 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020082123/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204289 |url-status=live }}

:**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, which uses Bluetooth to connect if the Apple TV and the iOS Device/Mac are not on the same Wi-Fi network.

;Siri

:*Siri is built into the fourth generation and later Apple TV. It enables voice dictation in text fields, including usernames and passwords.

:*Universal search is available for a wide number of apps in the United States, but the feature is limited to iTunes and Netflix in Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In Australia, universal search supports movies and TV shows in iTunes, Netflix, and Stan.{{cite web |title=How to find something you'll like on Netflix, Stan and Presto |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-something-youll-like-on-netflix-stan-and-presto-2016-1 |website=Business Insider Australia |date=January 11, 2016 |access-date=13 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044105/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/how-to-find-something-youll-like-on-netflix-stan-and-presto-2016-1 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205321|title=About Search on your Apple TV (4th generation) – Apple Support|website=support.apple.com|access-date=August 13, 2016|df=mdy-all|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816180016/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205321|url-status=live}} Apple has been expanding the feature to encompass additional channels worldwide.{{Cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/21/apple-tv-universal-search-9-new-channels/|title=Apple TV Universal Search Gains Support for 9 New Channels Including Food Network and HGTV|last=Clover|first=Juli|work=MacRumors|date=June 21, 2016 |access-date=August 13, 2016|df=mdy-all|archive-date=August 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815015957/http://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/21/apple-tv-universal-search-9-new-channels/|url-status=live}}

:*A Live Tune-In feature that allows the viewer to ask Siri to tune to live streams.

;HomeKit

:*The third-generation{{Cite news|url=https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207057|title=Automate and remotely access your HomeKit accessories|work=Apple Support|access-date=2018-01-19|language=en-GB|df=mdy-all|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104155955/https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207057|url-status=live}} Apple TV and later can also be used as a home hub to control HomeKit devices, such as locks, thermostats, or garage doors either locally or over the Internet. HomeKit Automation, such as automatic implementation of scenes, multiple user support, and using Siri to control devices, and remote access for shared users or HomeKit-enabled cameras is only possible with a fourth generation Apple TV or later.

;General

:*HDMI CEC to control other devices in a user's home theater setup.{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205225|title=Control your TV or receiver with your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote – Apple Support|website=support.apple.com|access-date=August 13, 2016|df=mdy-all|archive-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615053003/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205225|url-status=live}}

:*App Switcher, which enables users to switch apps.

:*Aerial Screensaver, which 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/tips/comments/aerial-screensavers-on-the-new-apple-tv|title=Aerial Screensavers on the new Apple TV|date=November 25, 2015|publisher=iLounge.com|access-date=August 13, 2016|df=mdy-all|archive-date=August 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811103852/http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/tips/comments/aerial-screensavers-on-the-new-apple-tv|url-status=live}}

• With the fourth-generation Apple TV (Apple TV HD) and tvOS, Apple announced the App Store, which allows any developer to make apps, using the APIs available specifically tailored towards the TV.{{cite web |url=https://9to5mac.com/2015/10/03/tim-cook-apple-tv-universal-search/ |title=Tim Cook: Apple will offer an Apple TV API to open up universal search beyond initial launch partners |last=Mayo |first=Benjamin |date=October 3, 2015 |work=9to5Mac |access-date=September 26, 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926131002/https://9to5mac.com/2015/10/03/tim-cook-apple-tv-universal-search/ |url-status=live }} Also, since tvOS is based on iOS, any developer can port over apps from iOS and with a few modifications, as Apple stated on stage, and can make them available for all tvOS users with the App Store. The App Store is not available to previous Apple TVs and is a feature of the fourth generation Apple TV onward.

Since tvOS and watchOS are based on iOS, they have inherited many of the accessibility features of iOS and macOS{{cite web|url=https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/tvos/|title=Accessibility on tvOS|publisher=Apple Inc.|access-date=September 26, 2018|df=mdy-all|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926130815/https://developer.apple.com/accessibility/tvos/|url-status=live}} and are compatible with Apple's entire product line including the Apple Watch as a remote controller for the Apple TV. tvOS includes the Apple technologies of VoiceOver, Zoom, and Siri to help the blind and those with low vision. Pairing a Wireless 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 the Apple Wireless Keyboard or the Apple Magic Keyboard.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}

Apple TV with and without tvOS supports closed 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 and fonts that are more conducive to their hearing and/or visual impairment.{{cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202772|title=Turn on closed captions and subtitles on your Apple TV|publisher=Apple Inc.|access-date=September 26, 2018|df=mdy-all|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926130728/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202772|url-status=live}} Apple's Remote app on iOS devices allows control of the Apple TV from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/what-to-do-if-you-lose-your-apple-tv-remote/|title=What to do if you lose your Apple TV remote|last=Elliott|first=Matt|date=March 2, 2017|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=September 26, 2018|df=mdy-all|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926131028/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/what-to-do-if-you-lose-your-apple-tv-remote/|url-status=live}}

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".{{cite web |title=What's wrong with Apple TV |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1140859/appletv.html |website=MacWorld |access-date=13 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813075023/https://www.macworld.com/article/1140859/appletv.html |url-status=live }} 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 technique à 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/79958-hands-on-with-apple-tv-20 |title=Hands On with Apple TV 2.0 |first=Jim |last=Lynch |date=February 15, 2008 |publisher=ExtremeTech |access-date=February 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303012053/http://www.extremetech.com/computing/79958-hands-on-with-apple-tv-20 |url-status=live }}

Apple TV allows users on a computer running iTunes to sync or stream photos, music and videos.{{cite web|url= http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2214 |title=Apple TV Fast Start: The New User's Guide for Apple TV |date=November 26, 2008 |publisher=Apple |access-date=June 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081228054815/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2214 |archive-date=December 28, 2008 |df=mdy-all }} A user can connect a computer on a local network to maintain a central home media library of digitized CD, DVD or HD content,{{cite web|url=http://myhdtvchoice.com/2008/03/01/my-apple-tv-take-2-review-ripping-dvds-creating-a-media-library-and-hd-downloads|title=My Apple TV Take Two Review: Ripping DVDs, Creating a Media Library, and HD Downloads|publisher=Myhdtvchoice.com|date=March 1, 2008|access-date=March 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223111232/http://myhdtvchoice.com/2008/03/01/my-apple-tv-take-2-review-ripping-dvds-creating-a-media-library-and-hd-downloads|archive-date=February 23, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} provide direct connectivity to photo organization software such as iPhoto,{{cite web|url=http://tunegardener.com/2008/02/17/my-take-on-apple-tv-take-two|title=My Take on Apple TV, Take Two|publisher=Tunegardener.com|date=February 17, 2008|access-date=March 13, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831134920/http://tunegardener.com/2008/02/17/my-take-on-apple-tv-take-two/|archive-date=August 31, 2011|url-status=dead}} limit home video access to a local network only,{{cite web |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Liberate Yourself with Streaming and Apple TV |url=https://blog.kitcast.tv/apple-tv-streaming-services/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 26, 2023 |work=Kitcast Blog |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126141107/https://blog.kitcast.tv/apple-tv-streaming-services/ }} play Internet radio,{{cite web|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/135380/2008/09/addradiotoappletv.html|title=Adding streaming radio to Apple TV|first=Christopher|last=Breen|author-link=Chris Breen (editor)|work=MacWorld|date=September 4, 2008|access-date=March 13, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-date=June 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614184731/http://www.macworld.com/article/135380/2008/09/addradiotoappletv.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/apple-tv-offers-limited-internet-radio-support/|title=Apple TV offers limited internet radio support|first=Mat|last=Lu|date=April 30, 2008|website=Engadget|access-date=August 21, 2019|df=mdy-all|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107222458/https://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/apple-tv-offers-limited-internet-radio-support/|url-status=live}} or preload content on Apple TV to be used later as a non-networked video player. For users who wish to connect the Apple TV to a computer, synchronization and streaming modes are supported. Apple TV in synchronization mode works 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 own storage. Apple TV need not remain connected to the network after syncing.{{cite web|url=http://www.putques.com/sync-your-apple-tv-with-itune/ |title=iTunes for Windows 8.0 Help: Syncing your Apple TV with iTunes |publisher=Apple |access-date=April 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302215237/http://www.putques.com/sync-your-apple-tv-with-itune/ |archive-date=March 2, 2014 |df= mdy-all}} Photos can be synced from iPhoto, Aperture, or from a folder on a Mac, or Adobe Photoshop Album, Adobe Photoshop, or from a hard disk folder in Windows.{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2265 |title=Apple TV: Syncing Photos via iTunes |publisher=Apple |access-date=March 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226055718/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2265 |archive-date=February 26, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

Apple TV can also function as a peer-to-peer digital media player, streaming content from iTunes libraries and playing the content over the network.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/hardware/reviews/2007/03/appletv.ars|title=Apple TV: an in-depth review|first=Jacqui|last=Cheng|author2=Ecker, Clint|date=March 27, 2007|work=ArsTechnica|access-date=April 2, 2007|df=mdy-all|archive-date=January 31, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131233925/http://arstechnica.com/hardware/reviews/2007/03/appletv.ars|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/03/27/apple.tv/index.html|title=Review: Apple TV best for iTunes addicts|first=John P.|last=Falcone|date=March 27, 2007|publisher=CNN|access-date=April 3, 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070410041724/http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/03/27/apple.tv/index.html|archive-date=April 10, 2007 |url-status= live|df=mdy-all}} 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 as Plex, Kodi, VLC media player, Emby and MrMC.

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 and Plex):

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Attempts to sync unsupported content to Apple TV will draw an error message from iTunes.{{cite web|url= http://www.rogueamoeba.com/utm/posts/Article/appleTV-2007-03-22-21-30|title=AppleTV Surprises And Impressions |first=Paul |last=Kafasis |date=March 22, 2007|work=Software's Under the Microscope|publisher=Rogue Amoeba|access-date=April 3, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070327185156/http://www.rogueamoeba.com/utm/posts/Article/appleTV-2007-03-22-21-30|archive-date=March 27, 2007 |url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The first- and second-generation Apple TV video output can be set to either 1080i or 1080p; 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).{{cite web |url= https://www.macworld.com/2007/03/reviews/appletvrev/index.php|title=Apple TV|first=Christopher|last=Breen|author-link=Chris Breen (editor) |date=March 30, 2007|work=MacWorld|access-date=April 22, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070429223915/http://www.macworld.com/2007/03/reviews/appletvrev/index.php|archive-date=April 29, 2007 |url-status= live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/05/ap-disses-apple-tv|title=AP disses Apple TV |first=Erica |last=Sadun |date=April 5, 2007|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|access-date=April 10, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070420015728/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/05/ap-disses-apple-tv|archive-date=April 20, 2007|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2007/03/apple_tv_is_it_.html |title= Apple TV: Is it a "must-see" show |first=Paul |last=Reynolds |date=March 21, 2007 |publisher=Consumer Reports |access-date=April 22, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071013174937/http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2007/03/apple_tv_is_it_.html |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |df=mdy-all}} 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 offers AVC 1080p movies and video podcasts on iTunes.{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/appletv|title=apple.com – Apple TV|date=January 15, 2013|publisher=Apple|access-date=January 15, 2013|df=mdy-all|archive-date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116042001/http://www.apple.com/appletv/|url-status=live}} In comparison, Blu-ray films are 1080p H.264 or VC-1 video encoded at rates of up to 40 Mbit/s.{{cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-what-fake-hd-video-looks-like/ |title=Here's what fake HD video looks like |first=George |last=Ou |publisher=ZDNet |date=January 18, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2016 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=March 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301043833/http://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-what-fake-hd-video-looks-like/ |url-status=live }} Apple TV's audio chip supports 7.1 surround sound,{{cite web|url= https://www.macworld.com/2007/03/firstlooks/atv_hacks/index.php|title=Hacking Apple TV|first=Dan|last=Frakes|date=March 28, 2007|work=MacWorld|access-date=April 23, 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070427205615/http://www.macworld.com/2007/03/firstlooks/atv_hacks/index.php|archive-date=April 27, 2007 |url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} and some high definition rentals from iTunes are offered with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/appletv/rentals.html |title=Apple TV – HD Movie Rentals |publisher=Apple |access-date=January 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204021901/http://www.apple.com/appletv/rentals.html |archive-date=February 4, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} There is an Apple TV export option in QuickTime, which allows content in some formats that the device does not support to be easily re-encoded.{{cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/quicktime-gains-720p-apple-tv-high-definition-export-mode/9658 |title=QuickTime gains 720P Apple TV high-definition export mode|first=Jeremy|last=Horwitz|date=March 18, 2007|publisher=iLounge.com |access-date=April 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329050446/http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/quicktime-gains-720p-apple-tv-high-definition-export-mode/9658|archive-date=March 29, 2007|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Applications that use QuickTime to export media can use this; e.g., iMovie's Share menu,{{cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iMovie/8.0/en/10349.html |title=iMovie 8.0 Help: Watching your movies on Apple TV |publisher=Apple |access-date=March 12, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613185810/http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iMovie%2F8.0%2Fen%2F10349.html |archive-date=June 13, 2011 |df=mdy-all }} iTunes' advanced menu,{{cite web|url= https://www.macworld.com/article/138674/2009/02/dvdripfaq.html|title=DVD ripping FAQ|first=Christopher|last=Breen|work=MacWorld |date= February 5, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090311001406/http://www.macworld.com/article/138674/2009/02/dvdripfaq.html|archive-date=March 11, 2009 |url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} and some third-party content conversion tools.Macworld has a guide for using the tools to convert media to Apple TV-compatible formats: {{cite web|url= https://www.macworld.com/2007/04/secrets/atv_videoconvert/index.php?lsrc=mwrss |title= Convert video for Apple TV |first=Jonathan |last=Seff |date=April 4, 2007|work=MacWorld|access-date=April 20, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070416092912/http://www.macworld.com/2007/04/secrets/atv_videoconvert/index.php?lsrc=mwrss|archive-date=April 16, 2007|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

Apple TV streams video through an HDMI cable (Type A) connected to the TV's HDMI port. Audio is supported through the optical or HDMI ports. The device also has a Micro-USB port, which is reserved for service and diagnostics. The device connects through Ethernet or Wi-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.{{cite web|title=Apple TV technical specifications|url=https://www.apple.com/appletv/specs/|access-date=June 4, 2014|df=mdy-all|archive-date=June 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603140301/http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite news|title=Apple Tries to Bridge Computer Desk, Living Room|first=Rob|last=Pegoraro|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/28/AR2007032802156.html|date=March 29, 2007|access-date=June 18, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-date=July 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725155810/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/28/AR2007032802156.html|url-status=live}} This is not the case with the later models, which do not have a hard drive for storing media.

The first-generation Apple TV had component video and RCA connector audio ports, both removed in the 2nd generation. The device does not have RCA/composite video or F/RF connectors,{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html|title=Apple TV – Tech Specs|publisher=Apple|access-date=April 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407181857/http://www.apple.com/appletv/specs.html|archive-date=April 7, 2007|df=mdy-all}} but can be tricked into outputting color via composite.{{cite web|url=https://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/10/12/get-color-output-from-apple-tvs-composite-video-output/|title=Get color output from Apple TV's composite video output|date=October 12, 2007|website=Apple TV Hacks|access-date=August 3, 2020|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810042400/https://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/10/12/get-color-output-from-apple-tvs-composite-video-output/|url-status=live}} Starting with the Apple TV HD, Apple removed the optical audio port. Apple also enhanced the HDMI port by adding support for HDMI. The 4th generation also removed the USB hardware port in favor of the reversible USB-C port and the 5th generation removed USB entirely.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}

{{Main|AirPlay}}

AirPlay allows iOS devices or an AirPort-enabled computer with the iTunes music player to send a stream of music to multiple (three to six, in typical conditions) stereos connected to an AirPort Express (the audio-only antecedent of Apple TV) or Apple TV.{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3291|title=Apple TV: Using AirPlay|publisher=Apple|date=November 20, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-date=December 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224161150/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3291|url-status=live}} The AirPort Express' streaming media capabilities use Apple's Remote Audio Output Protocol (RAOP), a proprietary variant of RTSP/RTP. Using WDS-bridging,{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2044|title=Apple WDS Setup|publisher=Support.apple.com|date=February 11, 2011|access-date=March 28, 2012|df=mdy-all|archive-date=November 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101102161404/http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2044|url-status=live}} 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{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/itunes/remote |title=iTunes Remote |publisher=Apple |date=September 13, 2011 |access-date=March 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329190808/http://www.apple.com/itunes/remote/ |archive-date=March 29, 2012 |df=mdy-all }} (see "Remote control" section below). A compatible Mac running OS X Mountain Lion or later can wirelessly mirror its screen to an Apple TV through AirPlay Mirroring{{cite web |title=Mountain Lion Review: OS X Needs a New Vision |url=https://gizmodo.com/5928783/mountain-lion-review-os-x-needs-a-new-vision |website=Gizmodo |date=July 25, 2012 |access-date=13 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826143244/http://gizmodo.com/5928783/mountain-lion-review-os-x-needs-a-new-vision |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/macosx/mountain-lion/features.html#airplay|title=OS X Mountain Lion – Inspired by iPad. Made for the Mac.|work=Apple|publisher=Apple Inc.|access-date=February 22, 2012|df=mdy-all|archive-date=March 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322155649/http://www.apple.com/macosx/mountain-lion/features.html#airplay|url-status=live}} while one running OS X Mavericks or later can also extend its display with AirPlay Display.

Apple TV can be controlled by many infrared remote controls{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3296 |title=About Remote Learning on Apple TV |publisher=Apple |date=November 20, 2008 |access-date=March 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406072548/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3296 |archive-date=April 6, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} or paired with the included Apple Remote to prevent interference from other remotes.{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1555|title=Pairing and Unpairing the Apple Remote with Apple TV|publisher=Apple|access-date=April 21, 2007|df=mdy-all|archive-date=September 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914121256/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1555|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.macworld.com/article/51113/2006/05/multimediamini.html|title=My multimedia Mac mini|first=Christopher|last=Breen|author-link=Chris Breen (editor)|work=MacWorld|date=May 31, 2006|access-date=April 21, 2007|df=mdy-all|archive-date=December 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223175928/http://www.macworld.com/article/51113/2006/05/multimediamini.html|url-status=live}} Either kind of remote can control playback volume, but for music only.{{cite web|url=http://db.tidbits.com/article/9875?rss|title=Apple TV 2.3 Adds AirTunes, Volume Control|first=Jeff|last=Carlson|publisher=TidBITS|date=November 21, 2008|access-date=November 21, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-date=June 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608025216/http://db.tidbits.com/article/9875?rss|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/154421/apple_tv_23_now_with_more_remotes_and_remote_music.html|title=Apple TV 2.3: Now With More Remotes, and Remote Music|first=Scott|last=McNulty|date=November 24, 2008|work=PC World|access-date=March 12, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-date=July 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701162527/http://www.pcworld.com/article/154421/apple_tv_23_now_with_more_remotes_and_remote_music.html|url-status=live}} The Apple Wireless Keyboard is supported on the second-generation Apple TV and later using the built-in Bluetooth.{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5633|title=Apple TV: Using the Apple Wireless Keyboard|publisher=Apple|date=April 26, 2013|access-date=September 14, 2013|df=mdy-all|archive-date=July 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707153927/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5633|url-status=live}} 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. On July 10, 2008, Apple released ITunes Remote, a free iOS application that allows the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad to control the iTunes library on the Apple TV via Wi-Fi.The Apple Remote Application can also be used to control your PC's iTunes library, Wi-Fi connected speaker system and more.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/apples-remote-control-application-for-itunes-and-apple-tv|title=Apple's Remote: turns your iPhone into a WiFi remote control |first=Thomas |last=Ricker |work=Engadget|date=July 10, 2008|access-date=July 14, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080714041642/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/apples-remote-control-application-for-itunes-and-apple-tv |archive-date=July 14, 2008|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/10/apple-tv-2-1-update-goes-live-adds-mobileme-support |title=Apple TV 2.1 update goes live, adds MobileMe support|first=Cory|last=Bohon|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|date=July 10, 2008|access-date=July 14, 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080714054244/http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/10/apple-tv-2-1-update-goes-live-adds-mobileme-support |archive-date= July 14, 2008|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The Apple Watch also has a remote app to control Apple TV.{{cite web |url=https://help.apple.com/watch/#/apd619078d99 |title=Control Apple TV |publisher=Help.apple.com |access-date=July 10, 2015 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=July 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085741/http://help.apple.com/watch/#/apd619078d99 |url-status=live }} The Remote App was updated on September 13, 2016,{{cite web |title=Everything new in tvOS 10: Smarter Siri, dark mode, HomeKit, more |url=https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/13/tvos-10-whats-new-apple-tv/ |website=9to5Mac |date=September 13, 2016 |access-date=13 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813043535/https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/13/tvos-10-whats-new-apple-tv/ |url-status=live }} 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.File:Siri Remote second generation.jpg is included with the second generation 4K Apple TV and later, as well as being sold by itself.]]

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).{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/hk/en/tv/specs|title=Apple TV -Tech Specs – Apple (HK)|publisher=Apple|access-date=November 4, 2015|df=mdy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101202315/http://www.apple.com/hk/en/tv/specs/|archive-date=November 1, 2015|url-status=dead}} It is a completely redesigned remote that features 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. 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 activate Siri. 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.{{cite web |title=9 Siri commands to use with your Apple TV remote |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/siri-commands-to-use-with-apple-tv-remote/ |website=CNET |access-date=12 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813043523/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/siri-commands-to-use-with-apple-tv-remote/ |url-status=live }} 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,{{cite web |title=Everything You Can Say to Siri on the New Apple TV |url=https://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/everything-you-can-say-to-siri-on-the-new-apple-tv-1759487086 |website=Gizmodo |date=February 24, 2016 |access-date=12 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230135043/http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/everything-you-can-say-to-siri-on-the-new-apple-tv-1759487086 |url-status=live }} 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.

{{For|the media player application|Apple TV app}}

The original Apple TV ran a modified build of Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger.{{cite web | url=http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/apple-tv/apple-tv-faq/apple-tv-operating-system-mac-os-x-applications-running-windows-ipod-games.html | title=What operating system do the Apple TV models use? Do they run Mac OS X? Do they run iOS? | publisher=EveryMac | date=April 12, 2013 | access-date=September 16, 2013 | df=mdy-all | archive-date=September 13, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913114943/http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/apple-tv/apple-tv-faq/apple-tv-operating-system-mac-os-x-applications-running-windows-ipod-games.html | url-status=live }}

Apple TV software 1.0 presented the user with an interface similar to that of Front 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.{{cite web |title=From hobby to hero: The history of Apple TV |url=https://www.cultofmac.com/387297/hobby-hero-history-apple-tv/ |website=Cult of Mac |date=September 3, 2015 |publisher=Cult of Mac |access-date=12 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044356/https://www.cultofmac.com/387297/hobby-hero-history-apple-tv/ |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite web|date=February 12, 2008|title=Gallery: Apple TV Take 2 software update|url=http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/02/12/apple.tv.gallery|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122085953/http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/02/12/apple.tv.gallery/|archive-date=November 22, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2009|publisher=MacNN|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|date=September 2, 2008|title=How to update Apple TV software|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1600|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220210422/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1600|archive-date=December 20, 2008|access-date=March 12, 2009|publisher=Apple|df=mdy-all}}

In October 2009, Apple released a minor upgrade for the Apple TV called "Apple TV Software 3.0".{{cite web |title=Picking the Ultimate Home Entertainment Box: Apple TV 3.0, why it's triple the meh |url=https://www.pcauthority.com.au/news/picking-the-ultimate-home-entertainment-box-apple-tv-30-why-its-triple-the-meh-160216 |website=PC Authority Australia |access-date=12 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044202/https://www.pcauthority.com.au/news/picking-the-ultimate-home-entertainment-box-apple-tv-30-why-its-triple-the-meh-160216 |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |url-status=dead }} This update replaced the interface in version 2.0 with a new interface that 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).{{cite web |title=Hands On with Apple TV 3.0 |url=https://www.pcmag.com/feature/245546/hands-on-with-apple-tv-3-0 |website=PC Mag |access-date=12 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111145414/https://www.pcmag.com/feature/245546/hands-on-with-apple-tv-3-0 |url-status=live }} This update also added features such as content filtering, iTunes Extras,{{cite web |title=Apple Introduces Apple TV 3.0 Software With Redesigned User Interface |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2009/10/29Apple-Introduces-Apple-TV-3-0-Software-With-Redesigned-User-Interface/ |website=Apple Newsroom |publisher=Apple |access-date=January 3, 2019 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110537/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2009/10/29Apple-Introduces-Apple-TV-3-0-Software-With-Redesigned-User-Interface/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web |title=12 Things You Need To Know About Apple TV 3.0 |url=https://gizmodo.com/5393023/12-things-you-need-to-know-about-apple-tv-30 |website=Gizmodo |date=October 29, 2009 |access-date=12 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809195826/http://gizmodo.com/5393023/12-things-you-need-to-know-about-apple-tv-30 |url-status=live }}

{{See also|tvOS#Version history}}

File:Apple TV 5.2.jpg used in the third generation Apple TV series featured a rounded rectangle tile interface.]]

The 2nd{{cite web |title= Is it the end of the line for the second-generation Apple TV? |url= https://www.imore.com/it-end-line-second-generation-apple-tv |website= iMore |date= September 25, 2014 |access-date= 3 January 2019 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= January 3, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110541/https://www.imore.com/it-end-line-second-generation-apple-tv |url-status= live }} and 3rd{{cite web |title= Apple TV (3rd Generation, Early 2013) Specs (3rd Gen, MD199LL/A) |url= https://everymac.com/systems/apple/apple-tv/specs/apple-tv-3rd-generation-early-2013-specs.html |website= Every Mac |access-date= 3 January 2019 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= January 3, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110535/https://everymac.com/systems/apple/apple-tv/specs/apple-tv-3rd-generation-early-2013-specs.html |url-status= live }} generation Apple TVs run a version of iOS, 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),{{cite web |title= Apple cutting off payment source changes for older versions of iOS |url= https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/06/28/apple-cutting-off-payment-source-changes-for-older-versions-of-ios-macos-apple-tv |website= AppleInsider |date= June 28, 2018 |access-date= 3 January 2019 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= January 3, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110403/https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/06/28/apple-cutting-off-payment-source-changes-for-older-versions-of-ios-macos-apple-tv |url-status= live }} 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,{{cite web |title= Apple TV 1080P Review (2012) |url= https://www.gottabemobile.com/apple-tv-1080p-review-2012/ |website= Gotta Be Mobile |date= March 16, 2012 |access-date= 3 January 2019 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= January 3, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110526/https://www.gottabemobile.com/apple-tv-1080p-review-2012/ |url-status= live }} 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.{{cite web |title= 2013 Apple TV revision gets its first exclusive feature: iOS 8's Peer-to |url= https://9to5mac.com/2014/09/23/peer-to-peer-airplay-apple-tv-ios-8/ |website= 9to5Mac |date= September 23, 2014 |access-date= 12 August 2018 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= August 13, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044518/https://9to5mac.com/2014/09/23/peer-to-peer-airplay-apple-tv-ios-8/ |url-status= live }} 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. It does support Amazon Video, however, which was automatically added to those Apple TVs running 7.2.2 on December 6, 2017.{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Chance |date=2017-12-06 |title=Amazon Prime Video app rolling out to Apple TV App Store |url=https://9to5mac.com/2017/12/06/amazon-prime-video-app-available-apple-tv/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104092520/https://9to5mac.com/2017/12/06/amazon-prime-video-app-available-apple-tv/ |archive-date=January 4, 2018 |access-date=2017-12-06 |work=9to5Mac |language=en-US |df=mdy-all}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT210121|title=About the security content of Apple TV Software 7.3|website=Apple Support|date=May 13, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-05-28|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528030035/https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT210121|url-status=live}} On September 24, 2019, Apple TV Software 7.4 (iOS 8.4.3) was released to the public.{{cite web|url=https://developer.apple.com/news/releases/?id=09242019a|title=Apple TV Software 7.4 (12H876) – Releases – Apple Developer|website=developer.apple.com|date=2019-09-24|access-date=2019-09-24|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726074321/https://developer.apple.com/news/releases/?id=09242019a|url-status=live}} On March 24, 2020, Apple TV Software 7.5 (iOS 8.4.4) was released to the public.{{cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2020/03/24/tvos-13-4-and-tv-software-7-5-updates-for-apple-tv-now-available/|title=tvOS 13.4 and TV Software 7.5 updates for Apple TV now available|author=Filipe Espósito|date=March 24, 2020|quote=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+.|access-date=March 24, 2020|archive-date=March 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324183905/https://9to5mac.com/2020/03/24/tvos-13-4-and-tv-software-7-5-updates-for-apple-tv-now-available/|url-status=live}}

{{See also|tvOS}}

The Apple TV HD and later run an operating system called tvOS,{{cite web |title=These are the most popular apps on Apple's new App Store |url=http://fortune.com/2015/11/02/new-apple-app-store/ |website=Fortune |access-date=13 August 2018 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044305/http://fortune.com/2015/11/02/new-apple-app-store/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/09/apple-unveils-huge-apple-tv-upgrade-with-app-store-siri-more|title=Apple unveils 64 GB Apple TV for $199, 32 GB model for $149|website=Ars Technica|first=Andrew|last=Cunningham|location=San Francisco, California|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=September 9, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150909224319/http://arstechnica.com/apple/2015/09/apple-unveils-huge-apple-tv-upgrade-with-app-store-siri-more |archive-date=September 9, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The new software also features support for Siri voice control. The tvOS software development kit (SDK) for developing tvOS apps is included in Xcode 7.1 and later.{{cite web|url=https://developer.apple.com/tvos|title=tvOS for Developers|publisher=Apple Inc.|access-date=September 10, 2015|df=mdy-all|archive-date=September 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909192616/https://developer.apple.com/tvos/|url-status=live}} A new development feature, App Thinning,{{cite web |title= Apple TV is a Radical Rethinking of Your Relationship with the Hardware and Games You Own |url= https://www.polygon.com/features/2015/10/26/9604068/apple-tv-app-size-limit-technology-slicing-tags-200-mb |website= Polygon |date= October 26, 2015 |access-date= 13 August 2018 |df= mdy-all |archive-date= August 13, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180813045113/https://www.polygon.com/features/2015/10/26/9604068/apple-tv-app-size-limit-technology-slicing-tags-200-mb |url-status= live }} 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 the NAND 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.

{{sticky header}}

{{Timeline of iOS devices}}

Apple TV contains neither a TV tuner nor a personal video recorder. 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/18/elgato-releases-eyetv-2-4-update|title=Elgato releases EyeTV 2.4 update|first=Erica|last=Sadun|date=April 18, 2007|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|access-date=April 20, 2007|df=mdy-all|archive-date=May 2, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502205746/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/04/18/elgato-releases-eyetv-2-4-update/|url-status=live}} Apple TV HD and newer can be linked with Wi-Fi-based tuners such as HDHomeRun.{{Cite web|title=apple_tv [HDHomeRun]|url=https://info.hdhomerun.com/info/apple_tv|access-date=2020-07-20|website=info.hdhomerun.com|archive-date=July 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720222854/https://info.hdhomerun.com/info/apple_tv|url-status=live}}

The Front Row interface lacks some iTunes functionality, including rating items, checking the account balance, adding funds to the account, synchronizing from more than one computer,{{cite web|url= http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/29/apple-tv-what-you-cant-do|title=Apple TV: What you can't do|first=David|last=Chartier|date=March 29, 2007 |publisher= The Unofficial Apple Weblog|access-date=April 4, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070502012513/http://www.tuaw.com/2007/03/29/apple-tv-what-you-cant-do|archive-date=May 2, 2007|url-status=live|df= mdy-all}} full Internet radio support,{{cite web|url=http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/02/05/how-apple-tv-can-score-at-the-big-30|title=How Apple TV can score at the big 3.0|first=Daniel Eran|last=Dilger|date=February 5, 2009|publisher=RoughlyDrafted Magazine|access-date=March 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209141624/http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/02/05/how-apple-tv-can-score-at-the-big-30|archive-date=February 9, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} and games.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/03/07/apple-tv-might-have-games-eventually|title=Apple TV might have games, eventually|first=Justin|last=Berka|date=March 7, 2007|publisher=Ars Technica|access-date=July 21, 2007|df=mdy-all|archive-date=September 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930075808/http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/03/07/apple-tv-might-have-games-eventually|url-status=live}}

The Movies search box only searches the iTunes Store, not local hard drives and networks.{{cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/what-to-expect-from-apple-tv-20-photos-and-details|title=What to Expect From Apple TV 2.0: Photos and Details|first=Jeremy|last=Horwitz|date=January 30, 2008|publisher=iLounge|access-date=July 8, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-date=June 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627230649/http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/what-to-expect-from-apple-tv-20-photos-and-details/|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1498 |title=How to rent a movie from the iTunes Store on Apple TV |date=December 1, 2008 |publisher=Apple |access-date=March 12, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090227161531/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1498 |archive-date=February 27, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1415|title=iTunes Store movie rental usage rights in the United States|publisher=Apple|date=December 17, 2008|access-date=March 17, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-date=April 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404144012/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1415|url-status=live}} Movies purchased on Apple TV can be moved to a video-enabled iPod or iPhone via iTunes.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/itunes-and-apple-tv-rentals-and-purchases-what-you-can-and-can/4 |title=iTunes and Apple TV rentals and purchases: what you can (and can't) do |first=Ryan |last=Block |date=January 16, 2008 |work=Engadget |access-date=March 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080524061423/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/itunes-and-apple-tv-rentals-and-purchases-what-you-can-and-can/4 |archive-date=May 24, 2008 |df=mdy-all}}

Apple TV prior to 4th generation (Apple TV HD) did not support the HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI CEC) protocol.

On the Apple TV (2nd generation), digital output audio is up-sampled to 48 kHz, including lossless CD rips at 44.1 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'.{{cite web |url=http://www.avhub.com.au/editors-blog/sound-image/all-about-the-numbers-396105 |title=All about the numbers... |publisher=AVHub.com.au |date=February 23, 2011 |df=mdy-all |access-date=February 19, 2016 |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302002826/http://www.avhub.com.au/editors-blog/sound-image/all-about-the-numbers-396105 |url-status=live }}

Within the first week of presales in January 2007, Apple TV was the top pre-selling item at the Apple Store.{{cite web|url=https://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/01/17/briefly_apple_tv_tops_best_seller_list_at_apple_store.html|title=Apple TV tops best seller list at Apple Store|date=January 17, 2007|publisher=AppleInsider|access-date=July 18, 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070629123222/http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/01/17/briefly_apple_tv_tops_best_seller_list_at_apple_store.html|archive-date=June 29, 2007|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://applerecon.wordpress.com/2007/01/24/apple-tv-blowing-away-expectations|title=Apple TV Blowing Away Expectations|author=|date=January 24, 2007|publisher=Apple Recon|access-date=September 3, 2007|df=mdy-all|archive-date=July 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718085249/http://applerecon.wordpress.com/2007/01/24/apple-tv-blowing-away-expectations/|url-status=live}} Analysts began calling it a "DVD killer"{{cite web|url=http://www.redherring.com/Home/21384 |title=Apple TV: DVD Killer? |first=Scott |last=Martin |date=February 20, 2007 |publisher=redherring.com |access-date=July 18, 2007 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202061205/http://redherring.com/Home/21384 |archive-date=February 2, 2010 |df=mdy-all}} that could enable multiple services. Analysts also predicted that Apple could sell up to 1.5 million units in the first year.{{cite web|url=http://www.wealthdaily.com/articles/apple+tv-itunes-cable+tv/926|title=Apple's Next Evolution|first=Steve|last=Christ|date=March 22, 2007|work=Wealth Daily|access-date=March 18, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106181004/http://www.wealthdaily.com/articles/apple+tv-itunes-cable+tv/926|archive-date=January 6, 2009|url-status=dead}} Besides the Apple Store, Best Buy was one of the first retailers to carry the device;{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-6169447-7.html|title=Best Buy finagles Apple TV exclusive|first=Erica|last=Ogg|date=March 21, 2007|publisher=CNET|access-date=July 18, 2007|df=mdy-all|archive-date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616210601/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-6169447-7.html|url-status=live}} Target and Costco{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2007/04/apple-tv-shows-up-at-target-and-costco.ars|title=Apple TV shows up at Target and...Costco?|first=Jacqui|last=Cheng|date=April 30, 2007|publisher=Ars Technica |access-date=June 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604004621/http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2007/04/apple-tv-shows-up-at-target-and-costco.ars|archive-date=June 4, 2009|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://alwayson.goingon.com/permalink/post/14156 |title=Apple TV Sales Will Stall at 1 Million |first=Andy |last=Plesser |date=May 24, 2007 |publisher=AlwaysOn |access-date=July 18, 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071013154449/http://alwayson.goingon.com/permalink/post/14156 |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} 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",{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/analysts-now-see-apple-tv/story.aspx?guid=%7B85872984-D593-455E-A994-7E706216B603%7D |title=Apple boosts analysts' hopes for Apple TV|first=Rex|last=Crum|date=May 31, 2007|work=MarketWatch|publisher=CBS |access-date= July 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703074522/http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/analysts-now-see-apple-tv/story.aspx?guid=%7B85872984-D593-455E-A994-7E706216B603%7D |archive-date=July 3, 2007|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/05/30/steve-jobs-live-from-d-2007|title=Steve Jobs live from D 2007|first=Ryan|last=Block|date=May 30, 2007|work=Engadget|access-date=June 18, 2009|df=mdy-all|archive-date=February 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227051144/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/30/steve-jobs-live-from-d-2007|url-status=live}}

In the fourth quarter of 2008, sales were triple that of the fourth quarter of 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/01/21/apple-tv-sales-up-threefold-will-see-continued-investment|title=Apple TV sales up threefold, will see continued investment|first=Prince|last=McLean|date=January 21, 2009|work=RoughlyDrafted Magazine|access-date=March 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201012512/http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/01/21/apple-tv-sales-up-threefold-will-see-continued-investment|archive-date=February 1, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

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. 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/is-apple-planning-a-dvr-and-web-enabled-tv-set--559416 |title=Is Apple planning a DVR and web-enabled TV set?|date=March 2, 2009|publisher=TechRadar.com|access-date=March 18, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090306090917/http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/is-apple-planning-a-dvr-and-web-enabled-tv-set--559416 |archive-date=March 6, 2009|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

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.{{cite web|author=Apple Stock Watch|url=https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_tv_sales_hit_250000_in_q4/|title=Apple TV Sales Hit 250,000 in Q4|publisher=MacObserver|access-date=March 28, 2012|df=mdy-all|archive-date=March 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318033427/http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_tv_sales_hit_250000_in_q4/|url-status=live}}{{unreliable source?|date=August 2019}} In the second fiscal quarter of 2011, it had topped 2 million in total sales, with 820,000 sold in that quarter alone.[https://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/04/19/total_shipments_of_new_apple_tv_top_2_million_820k_sold_last_quarter_report.html Total shipments of new Apple TV top 2 million, 820K sold last quarter – report. April 19, 2011.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726074357/https://appleinsider.com/articles/11/04/19/total_shipments_of_new_apple_tv_top_2_million_820k_sold_last_quarter_report.html |date=July 26, 2020 }} Apple TV Second Generation holds 32 Percent of Internet Connected TV Markets, AppleInsider.

On January 24, 2012, Apple announced they had sold 1.4 million units in the first fiscal quarter of 2012,{{cite web |url=http://www.maximejohnson.com/techno/2012/01/apple-q1-2012-un-autre-trimestre-record-pour-apple |title=Apple Q1 2012: le trimestre de tous les records |date=January 24, 2012 |publisher=Maximejohnson.com |language=fr |access-date=March 28, 2012 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510204145/http://www.maximejohnson.com/techno/2012/01/apple-q1-2012-un-autre-trimestre-record-pour-apple/ |url-status=live }} and 2.8 million units in all of fiscal year 2011.{{cite news |url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/321818-apple-s-ceo-discusses-q1-2012-results-earnings-call-transcript |title=Apple's CEO Discusses Q1 2012 Results – Earnings Call Transcript |work=Seeking Alpha |access-date=April 5, 2013 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309012159/http://seekingalpha.com/article/321818-apple-s-ceo-discusses-q1-2012-results-earnings-call-transcript |url-status=live }} (4.2 million units through January 1, 2012).

Tim Cook announced at the All Things Digital conference in May 2012 that Apple had sold 2.7 million of the 3rd generation model in 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.technobuffalo.com/companies/apple/apple-tv-has-sold-2-7-million-units-this-year-says-tim-cook|title=Apple TV has Sold 2.7 Million Units This Year, Says Tim Cook|access-date=April 5, 2013|df=mdy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119130444/http://www.technobuffalo.com/companies/apple/apple-tv-has-sold-2-7-million-units-this-year-says-tim-cook/|archive-date=November 19, 2012|url-status=dead}}

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).{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/10/25/apple-q4-2012-earnings-35-97-billion-in-revenue-8-67-eps/ |title=Apple Q4 2012 earnings: $36 billion in revenue, $8.2 billion net profit |work=Engadget |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=April 5, 2013 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=March 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317235203/http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/25/apple-q4-2012-earnings-35-97-billion-in-revenue-8-67-eps/ |url-status=live }}

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).{{cite web |url=http://liveblog.macobserver.com/ |title=Apple Earnings Report Q1 – 2013 on January 23rd, 2013 |access-date=April 5, 2013 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=January 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122141307/http://liveblog.macobserver.com/ |url-status=live }}{{unreliable source?|date=August 2019}}

These reports lead to a cumulative volume of the 3rd generation device of 6 million units, as of January 1, 2013.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}

On February 28, 2014, at Apple's shareholders meeting, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that in 2013 Apple TV brought in 1 billion dollars of revenue for Apple.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-apple-tv-idUKBREA1R1O420140228|title=Apple CEO promises new products, says Apple TV no longer a 'hobby'|date=February 28, 2014|agency=Reuters UK|df=mdy-all|access-date=March 1, 2014|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302182142/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/02/28/us-apple-tv-idUKBREA1R1O420140228|url-status=dead}}

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.{{cite web |url=http://www.rapidtvnews.com/2014120336299/apple-tv-fades-away-in-streaming-video-player-market.html |title=Apple TV fades away in streaming video player market |publisher=Rapid TV News |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=December 3, 2014 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=March 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301151701/http://www.rapidtvnews.com/2014120336299/apple-tv-fades-away-in-streaming-video-player-market.html |url-status=live }}

Tim Cook announced at the Apple Special Event on March 9, 2015, that Apple had sold a total of 25 million Apple TVs up to that point.{{cite news | url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/9/8164357/apple-watch-event-700-million-iphones-sold | title=Apple has sold 700 million iPhones, 25 million Apple TVs | first=Nathan | last=Ingraham | work=The Verge | date=March 9, 2015}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.macrumors.com/2016/01/26/apple-watch-apple-tv-record-sales/ |title=Apple Watch and Apple TV See Record Quarterly Sales|work=MacRumors |date=January 26, 2016 |first=Juli |last=Clover |df=mdy-all|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=July 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707222527/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/01/26/apple-watch-apple-tv-record-sales/|url-status=live}} In June 2019 it was estimated that there are 53 million units of all generations in use worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://loupventures.com/apple-tv-moves-forward-inside-third-party-displays/ |title=Apple TV Moves Forward Inside Third-Party Displays|website=Loup Ventures |first=Gene|last=Munster|date=7 June 2019|access-date=June 13, 2019|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726080842/https://loupventures.com/apple-tv-moves-forward-inside-third-party-displays/|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Apple analyst John Gruber stated the Apple TV sells at a low profit margin or a loss, saying units are effectively sold at cost.{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Chance|date=2019-02-02|title=Gruber: Apple loses money on HomePod hardware, Apple TV 4K sold at cost|url=https://9to5mac.com/2019/02/02/apple-tv-homepod-margins/|access-date=2021-07-09|website=9to5Mac|language=en-US|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190845/https://9to5mac.com/2019/02/02/apple-tv-homepod-margins/|url-status=live}}

• Comparison of digital media players
• Mac Mini, which originally featured the Front Row application, a similar remote 10-foot user interface as the Apple TV

{{Reflist|30em}}

Footnotes

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