Apple TV 4K (2022) Review: A Minor Upgrade, But Still The Best Around

The Apple TV has long been the best (and only) way to get the full Apple experience on your TV. While the likes of Roku and Google have licensed their operating systems to third parties, Apple has only allowed others to use HomeKit and AirPlay tech—not the full Apple tvOS experience. The end result? A high-performing, well-designed TV software experience that you have to pay a premium for, but is still worth investing in for those in Apple’s ecosystem.

Apple TV 4K and remote on a TV stand.

Christian de Looper / Forbes

The 2022 Apple TV 4K, at first glance, is a very minor update. The box and remote keep the same overall design, with most of the same features. But there are a number of improvements to the device that make it an even better choice than before, and while most need not upgrade from the last generation, others should consider this as the best streaming box out there right now.

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2022 Apple TV 4K Wi‑Fi + Ethernet

Apple TV 4K 2022: Technical Specifications

Price: $129 – $149 | Dimensions: 3.66 x 3.66 x 1.2 inches | Processor: Apple A15 Bionic | Ports: HDMI 2.1 (Wi-Fi model), HDMI 2.1 + Gigabit Ethernet (Wi-Fi + Ethernet model) | Storage: 64 – 128GB | HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision

Apple TV 4K 2022 Design: The little black box that could

As mentioned, the design of the 2022 Apple TV 4K is largely the same compared to the last generation—but there are a few minor improvements.

First the box itself. It’s still a small, black box with a square footprint. On the back, however, things are slightly different. There are actually two 2022 Apple TV 4K models. The first, which is cheaper, has only a power and HDMI port on the back. The second adds an Ethernet port, which ensures that it keeps a better connection. There are other differences, which we’ll get into more later.

The remote is mostly the same too, but there is one pretty big update. The Apple TV remote now has a USB-C port for charging, instead of a Lightning port. Apple continues to bring USB-C to all of its devices except the iPhone.

I like the design of the box and the remote, but the box could use an update. The remote got a big redesign last year, and I love the new remote, so I’m glad it’s mostly the same this year.

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2022 Apple TV 4K Wi‑Fi

Apple TV 4K 2022 Performance: Speedy as ever

Under the hood, there are some other big improvements. First, the processor. Apple has given the new Apple TV the A15 Bionic chip, which helps ensure that it runs smoothly. Frankly, I never experienced performance issues with the previous-generation Apple TV 4K, but hopefully this at least means that the new one will perform better for longer.

It’s important to note that there are storage differences between the two models. Most won’t need much storage, but while you get 64GB on the Wi-Fi-only model, you’ll get 128GB on the more expensive Ethernet model.

Apple TV 4K remote on a wooden table.

Christian de Looper / Forbes

Perhaps even more important are the smart home features. The Wi-Fi-only model, unfortunately, does not support Thread, which is the next-generation smart home connectivity standard that creates a mesh network in your home for better smart home connectivity. The more expensive model, on the other hand, does support Thread, so it can serve as a Thread edge router and fortify your home’s smart home network.

If you don’t care about smart home devices or don’t plan on buying any in the near future, this won’t matter. And even if you do, you’ll still be able to use HomeKit devices with your Apple TV.

Apple TV 4K 2022 Software: Slick and easy

This is not a software review, so I’m not going to dive deep into Apple’s tvOS operating system, but I will offer some quick notes. I generally like tvOS, thanks to its clean look and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Back of an Apple TV 4K with a HDMI and Ethernet port.

Christian de Looper / Forbes

The main interface, however, is maybe aging a little. Others have invested deeply into things like recommendations, and the result is a content-first home screen rather than an app-first home screen. To be fair, the content-first experience is basically the Apple TV app, and I can’t help but expect Apple to make the TV app the home screen at some point in the near future. But until then, I still like tvOS and find it very easy to use.

Apple TV 4K 2022 Verdict: Newbies should buy

The 2022 Apple TV 4K is a minor, but important update to the Apple TV product line. There’s no major redesign, and if you have a last-generation model, or even the one before that, you don’t need to update. But if you have anything older, it’s well-worth upgrading for the better remote with USB-C, the better performance, and the future-proofing Thread support.

I do generally recommend going for the more expensive model if you are going to upgrade, especially considering the fact that it’s not really that much more expensive anyway. Streaming devices generally stay in the living room for years, and if you think there’s any chance that you’ll invest in smart home devices down the line, Thread support will be helpful.