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We know the NIC was probably $0.15

Just a shameless cash grab... Apple knows anyone with a proper home theater wants this thing on ethernet, so they gate it behind the 128GB upgrade, which almost nobody even needs.
I need Ethernet. I also need 32GB. Not 128GB. So yes, agree 100%.
 
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We know the NIC was probably $0.15

Just a shameless cash grab... Apple knows anyone with a proper home theater wants this thing on ethernet, so they gate it behind the 128GB upgrade, which almost nobody even needs.

As ikir noted up-thread, the folks most-likely to actually connect their AppleTV to an Ethernet port rather than using WiFi are more advanced users like ourselves who might very well be able to take advantage of the extra storage.

That being said, I use Ethernet and don't need the storage, so if I was in the market for a new ATV, I'd most-likely just buy the base model and switch back to WiFi (which is something I will likely need to do anyway with my 2021 model once I move as my setup will move out of my bedroom in the living room and I don't want to run cables all over).
 
I don’t see why anybody would buy this over a $40 Roku.

Roku- which is quite great by the way- can't leap the wall(ed garden). Anyone with much behind that wall can only use AppleTV.

Else, I don't see why anybody would buy Mac over PC... or iPhone over Android... or iPad over Amazon tablets... etc. For some, the unique value benefits justify the choice... or an Apple logo/halo. For others, the cheaper option(s) can do what they want to do with any of those devices just as well.

I happen to have both Roku and AppleTV and am certainly no fanboy. Objectively, both are great. I favor AppleTV mostly because of walled garden stuff. But if they all conked today, I could readily embrace Roku as a terrific #2.
 
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Apple's just-announced next-generation Apple TV 4K comes in 64GB and 128GB storage options, but only the larger capacity model comes with an Ethernet port and Thread support.
None of my ATV deployments use Ethernet. If they had made that a wireless Ethernet bridge that would be useful, but it’s not a real problem except will impact people that hardwire their setups. I use a recent net gear router so loose not much speed compared to Ethernet for my house. Forced to spend $20, I am sure this lack of Ethernet NIC will generate negative comments.
 
Its a bit of a sidegrade… if u have the 2021 model then u already have dolbyvision and thread. Always been hoping for more in this arena; wish theyd design a router hub style device with the apple tv integrated and enhanced home security (Solves several things at the same time).
 
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We need an additional ATV for the gym TV, the slow built in apps on the tv itself combined with having to Airplay Fitness+ without the status rings is becoming annoying so will probably get the new one for the lounge and relegate the one I have to the Gym
 
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