Full Details on Every Generation of the Apple TV
Most models of the Apple TV look confusingly similar: they’re pocket-sized devices that resemble extra-large, square hockey pucks. Sure, the Apple TV 4K is about twice as tall as the third-generation model, but that’s a pretty subtle difference.
The relatively similar outsides actually conceal a lot of difference. The things that separate the 2nd and 5th generation Apple TV models, for instance, are huge. The newest model — the Apple TV 4K, which is the 5th generation — has a number of obvious differences and is a revolutionary improvement over earlier Apple TV models. On the other hand, a quick glance at the chart below may cause the 2nd and 3rd generation models to appear identical.
This chart helps you understand how the models are different by comparing the features, benefits, and specifications of each Apple TV generation. The easy-to-read and compare chart is designed to help you understand how the Apple TV has evolved over the years and to make the right purchase.
Apple TV Comparison Chart
3rd Gen. Apple TV 4k
2nd Gen. Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K
4th Gen. Apple TV
3rd Gen. Apple TV
2nd Gen. Apple TV
1st Gen. Apple TV
Release Year
2022
2021
2017
2015
2013
2010
2007
Processor
Apple A15 Bionic
Apple A12 Bionic
Apple A10X Fusion
Apple A8
Apple A5
Apple A4
1 GHz Intel Crofton Pentium M
Storage
64GB
128GB
32GB
64GB
32GB 64GB
32GB 64GB
8GB
8GB
40GB
160GB
App Store
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Games
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Siri
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Universal Voice Search
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Maximum Video Resolution
2160p
2160p
2160p
1080p
1080p
720p
720p
Dolby 5.1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Dolby 7.1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
HDR10
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Interfaces
HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, IR Receiver
HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, IR Receiver
HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, IR Receiver
HDMI, Ethernet, IR Receiver
HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio, IR Receiver
HDMI, Ethernet, Optical Audio, IR Receiver
HDMI, Component A/V, Optical Audio, Analog Audio, Ethernet, IR Receiver
Networking
Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi
10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi
10/100 Base-T Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
USB
No
No
No
USB-C
Micro-USB
Micro-USB
USB 2.0
HomeKit Hub
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Remote Control
Siri Remote 3
Siri Remote 2
Siri Remote (touchpad & mic); black
Siri Remote (touchpad & mic); black
Apple Remote; aluminum
Apple Remote; aluminum
Apple Remote; white
Weight
7.3 oz (Wi-Fi); 7.5 oz (Wi-Fi + Ethernet)
15 oz
15 oz
15 oz
9.2 oz
9.2 oz
2.4 lbs
Size (inches)
3.66 x 3.66 x 1.2
3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4
3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4
3.9 x 3.9 x 1.3
3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9
3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9
7.7 x 7.7 x 1.1
Which Apple TV Model Should You Buy?
For almost all people, the answer is the Apple TV 4K. You can usually find the past two generations available for sale, but if you can afford it, you should spring for the newest one with the most storage. Doing so ensures that you get the most updated features, and it may be compatible with your other devices for longer.
The current generation of Apple TV 4K comes in both Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi/Ethernet options. Functionally, they’re the same, but Ethernet can provide a more stable connection if your internet service isn’t reliable. If your Apple TV isn’t going to be near your router, however, and you don’t want to run a long cable, Wi-Fi will be the better option.
Both 1st generation models, the 2nd generation, and 3rd generation Apple TV are no longer available from Apple, but you may still find them used. While they were good models when they debuted, we no longer recommend them, as they don’t support the most recent technologies.
What to Buy When You Buy an Apple TV
Comparing Apple TV to Other Streaming Options
The Apple TV isn’t the only device that plugs into your TV and lets you stream video, play games, and more. In addition to comparing Apple TV models, you should also compare the Apple TV with Google Chromecast and Roku.
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