Apple TV is a line of digital media players developed and manufactured by Apple Inc. Similarly to competing devices, they are capable of playing media content streamed from online services (including Apple TV, Apple Music, iTunes Store, and other third-party platforms), compatible devices over a local network (including protocols such as AirPlay), and stored on the device's internal storage. Since 2015, Apple TV devices run tvOS, an operating system derived from iOS that uses a 10-foot user interface optimized for televisions. They can also serve as a home hub for the Apple Home smart home platform.
The first generation Apple TV was introduced in 2007; it was primarily designed to download and play content from iTunes Store, synchronized from a Macintosh or PC, while a software update in 2008 added support for accessing content directly from Internet services such as iTunes Store and MobileMe, without the need for it to be synchronized from a computer. The second-generation Apple TV was released in 2010, which switched from Intel processors to Apple A-series chips, and introduced a new operating system derived from iOS. With the release of the fourth-generation model in 2015, the system software was renamed tvOS, and began to support third-party software via an app store, and integration with Siri.
Background
Prior to the launch of Apple TV, Apple had released several TV-based devices. In 1993, Apple released the Macintosh TV in an effort to enter the home entertainment industry. The device had a 14-inch CRT screen and a TV tuner card. It was not a commercial success, with only 10,000 sold before its discontinuation in 1994. 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. Apple's final major attempt before the Apple TV was the Apple Pippin in 1995, which was a combination home game console and networked computer, which sold around 42,000 units.
Models First generation (2007)
At a September 2006 special event, Apple announced the first generation Apple TV. Apple originally announced the device as iTV to fit into their "i"-based product naming convention, but later renamed it Apple TV due to a trademark dispute with British television network ITV. Preorders began in January 2007, and the device shipped that March.
The first generation Apple TV includes a Pentium M processor that runs a variant of Mac OS X Tiger, and originally shipped with a 40 GB hard drive. It supports output up to 720p via HDMI, and supported some standard definition televisions via component video. It also has a USB port and a 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet port. At launch, Apple TV required a Mac or Windows-based PC running iTunes on the same network to sync or stream content to it.
A model with a 160 GB hard drive was released in May 2007. The 40 GB version was discontinued in September 2009.
The first generation Apple TV could be modified into a makeshift Intel Mac Mini using a USB boot disk image available online; installation to the built-in hard drive was possible by flashing the image to the drive.
Software Apple TV Software 1.0 had an interface similar to that of Front Row in Mac OS X. It had seven rows for Movies, TV Shows, Music, Podcasts, Photos, Settings, and Sources.
In February 2008, it became a stand-alone device through the "Take 2" version 2.0 software update, which removed the requirement of iTunes syncing from a separate computer, and allowed media from services such as iTunes Store, MobileMe, and Flickr to be accessed directly from Apple TV. In July 2008, Apple released the software 2.1 update, which added external recognition of iOS devices as remote control devices.
In October 2009, Apple released a minor upgrade called "Apple TV Software 3.0". This update included an updated interface with seven horizontal columns across the top of the screen for the different categories of content (Movies, TV Shows, Music, Podcasts, Photos, Internet, and Settings). This update also added features such as content filtering, iTunes Extras, new fonts, and a new Internet radio app. The Genius playlist option allowed for easier playlist creation.
Second generation (2010)
Apple released the second generation Apple TV in September 2010. It includes an ARM-based Apple A4 chip and runs a variant of iOS. It is housed in a black plastic enclosure and is one-quarter the size of its predecessor. The device has 8 GB of flash storage for buffering, replacing the internal hard drive in the first generation model. It supports output up to 720p via HDMI and does not support standard definition televisions. Its software was updated to begin featuring streaming services, beginning with Netflix. In conjunction with its release, Apple renamed AirTunes to AirPlay, with support for streaming video from iOS devices and Macs to Apple TV.
Third generation (2012) At a March 2012 special event, Apple announced third generation Apple TV. Externally identical to its predecessor, it includes an A5 chip with one core deactivated and supports 1080p video output. It allows remote access to HomeKit devices.
Along with the release of the third generation model, Apple released Apple TV Software 5 (based on iOS 5.1), which revised the home screen to resemble the icon grid of iOS. The update was also released to the second generation model. The user interface design had reportedly been rejected by Apple's then-CEO Steve Jobs five years earlier.
Apple quietly released an updated "rev A1469" model in March 2013. It uses a single-core variant of the A5 chip and draws less power than the original model. Despite Apple's promise before the revision's launch that "the component changes... don't affect product features", in September 2014, Apple TV Software 7.0 introduced peer-to-peer AirPlay exclusively for the rev A model. Software 7.0 also introduced a new flat design aesthetic similar to iOS 7 and OS X Yosemite.
The third generation model was discontinued in October 2016. In December 2017, Apple added support for Amazon Prime Video. The Apple TV app, bundled with Apple TV Software 7.3, was released in May 2019.
HD (originally fourth generation, 2015)
On September 9, 2015, Apple announced the fourth generation Apple TV, and began shipping it in October 2015. It includes a 64-bit Apple A8 chip and adds Siri, support for Dolby Digital Plus audio, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and support for audio output via Bluetooth. The HDMI 1.4 port supports HDMI CEC. The Apple TV system software was concurrently renamed tvOS, and added support for App Store to allow the development and distribution of third-party apps and games.
The model includes the Siri Remote, which replaced the arrow button on previous Apple TV remotes with a touchpad that uses swipe-to-select gestures. It has a dedicated Siri button, a built-in microphone, volume control over HDMI-CEC and IR, and an accelerometer (IMU). Apps and games on the tvOS App Store were initially required to be fully functional with the Siri Remote, but the requirement was later relaxed for games.
On September 13, 2016, Apple released tvOS 10 with support for single-sign on, a light-on-dark color scheme, and introduced HomeKit, which allows it to function as a home hub to control appliances remotely, grant guest access, and set up automations.
After the Apple TV 4K was released in 2017, Apple continued to sell the 32 GB model as an entry-level option, and rebranded it as the Apple TV HD in March 2019.Apple rebrands 2015 Apple TV as 'Apple TV HD' as it introduces Apple TV+ streaming service . 9to5Mac. March 25, 2019. On October 18, 2022, following the release of the third generation 4K model, the Apple TV HD was discontinued. The Apple TV HD is the longest supported Apple device ever, supporting eleven major versions of tvOS from versions 9 through 26.
4K (first generation, 2017)
On September 12, 2017, Apple announced the Apple TV 4K, with support for 2160p output, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Gigabit Ethernet, and a faster Apple A10X chip supporting HEVC hardware decoding. Support for Dolby Atmos with Dolby Digital Plus was added in tvOS 12.The Apple TV is finally getting Dolby Atmos support . The Verge. Changes to the enclosure include the addition of vents on the base, the removal of the USB-C port, and the addition of a tactile white ring around the Menu button on the included Siri Remote. The first generation Apple TV 4K was discontinued in 2021, following the announcement of the second generation model.
4K (second generation, 2021) On April 20, 2021, Apple announced the second generation Apple TV 4K with the A12 Bionic chip, support for high frame rate HDR, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 6. Its HDMI port supports ARC and eARC, which allows other sources plugged into the television to output audio through Apple TV, including to AirPlay speakers like HomePod. Like the HomePod Mini, it has a Thread radio. It can pair with the ambient light sensor on iPhones with Face ID to optimize its color output, a feature that was also extended to older Apple TVs with tvOS 14.5. AirPlay supports high frame rate HDR playback, allowing videos shot on the iPhone 12 Pro in Dolby Vision 4K 60 FPS to be mirrored in full resolution. The A12 chip adds support for VP9 profile 2 decoding of 4K HDR10 video up to 60 FPS on YouTube. tvOS 17 added FaceTime and support for Continuity Camera with a paired iPhone or iPad.
The model also comes with a thicker, redesigned Siri Remote with a circular touchpad with navigational buttons, as well as power and mute buttons. The remote does not include an accelerometer and gyroscope, which were present in the previous Siri Remote, making it incompatible with some games. The remote is compatible with older tvOS-based Apple TVs and shipped with an updated SKU of the Apple TV HD.
4K (third generation, 2022)
On October 18, 2022, Apple announced an Apple TV 4K with the A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core CPU (one high efficiency core disabled) and 5-core GPU, support for HDR10+, Metal 4, reduced weight and dimensions (due to the removal of the fan), and without the "TV" text on the top of the unit, retaining the Apple logo. It supports HDMI 2.1 QMS that allows a change of refresh rate without a blank screen interruption. tvOS 18.2 added support for variable widescreen aspect ratios for projectors. It comes in two configurations, a Wi-Fi-only model with 64 GB of storage, and a more expensive 128 GB model that adds Ethernet and a Thread radio. The included Siri Remote charges via USB-C.
On June 25, 2026, the U.S. prices of the 64 GB and 128 GB models were increased to $199 and $249, respectively, a 54% and 67% increase of over the initial $129 and $149 prices, due to higher component prices caused by the global RAM and SSD shortage.
Features
Video streaming Apple TV can be used to rent and buy movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store. Since the fourth generation model, Apple TV can download apps and games from the tvOS App Store. Users can stream live and on-demand content from apps that support login through a cable provider by way of its TV app. The single-sign on feature in tvOS 10.1 and later allows users to log in to all of these apps at once, bypassing the need to authenticate each individually. Beginning with the fourth generation model, it can be linked with Wi-Fi-based TV tuners such as HDHomeRun.
Music and podcast streaming Since the second generation model, users can access their music and podcasts libraries that they purchased in iTunes through iCloud using the Music and Podcasts apps. Users can also subscribe to music streaming services and access content.
Photos Since the second generation model, the integrated Photos app can sync photos from iCloud Photo Library and display them on a television. Since the fourth generation model, users can download third-party apps to view, edit and share photos.
Casting and mirroring