As far as I know, just HDR10+
Edit: precious Gen supports HDR10, so it’s only the “+” that is gained.
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Apple TV 4K Buyer's Guide: Comparing the Generations
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Edit: precious Gen supports HDR10, so it’s only the “+” that is gained.
The Apple TV may not be the most obvious Apple device to consider upgrading – but with a series of minor upgrades in recent years, when should you consider buying a new one?
In terms of its set-top box offerings, Apple now only sells the Apple TV 4K (third-generation). The company launched its first modern Apple TV that runs tvOS, the Apple TV HD, in 2015. Since then, it has launched three new versions, each adding several new features and improvements over its predecessor, with some models offering more significant upgrades than others.
With a lower, $129 starting price and only one model year to choose from, new Apple TV buyers no longer face the same conundrum as in recent years when Apple offered multiple Apple TVs from different generations. Even so, first-time Apple TV customers may be able to obtain an older model second-hand or from a third-party retailer, so it will be important to weigh up exactly what was added with each new model.
See the detailed breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with each Apple TV model compared to its direct predecessor:
Apple TV HD (2015)
Apple TV 4K (First-Generation, 2017)
- Apple A8 chip (1.5 GHz, 2-core)
- 2GB memory
- "tv" logo
- Height of 1.4 inches
- Weight of 425 grams
- Support for up to 1080p resolution
- Support for SDR
- Support for audio output with 7.1 surround sound channels
- HDMI 1.4 port
- 10/100 Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi 5
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 32GB or 64GB of storage
- First-generation Siri Remote included
Apple TV 4K (Second-Generation, 2021)
- A10X Fusion chip (2.38 GHz, 6-core)
- 3GB memory, 50 percent more
- Active cooling with internal fan
- Support for up to 2160p (4K) resolution
- Support for SDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision
- Support for audio output with 7.1.4 surround sound channels with Dolby Atmos
- HDMI 2.0a port
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- First-generation Siri Remote (white ring around Menu button) included
Apple TV 4K (Third-Generation, 2022)
- A12 Bionic chip (2.49 GHz, 6-core)
- Support for high-framerate HDR content up to 60 fps
- ARC and eARC support
- HDMI 2.1 port
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Thread support
- Second-generation Siri Remote (Lightning charging port) included, featuring complete redesign with circular clickpad
- A15 Bionic chip (3.23 GHz, 6-core), 50 percent faster CPU performance and 30 percent faster GPU performance
- 4GB memory, 33 percent more
- Passive cooling with fanless design
- "" logo replaces "tv" logo
- Height of 1.2 inches
- Weight of 208/214 grams, 50 percent reduction
- Support for HDR10+
- Gigabit Ethernet port available with 128GB model only
- Thread support available with 128GB model only
- 64GB or 128GB storage
- Second-generation Siri Remote (USB-C charging port) included
Unlike many other Apple devices, the Apple TV offers a lot of specific technical features that not all users can take advantage of due to reliance on the specifications of other connected hardware like TVs and speakers. As such, this should be the main criteria you use to determine if you need to upgrade to a new Apple TV.
In other words, if you do not see features like high-framerate content, improved HDMI port specifications, more advanced HDR formats, and Thread support as worthwhile upgrades, it is unlikely that it will be worth buying a new model. Keen home cinema enthusiasts, audiophiles, and gamers that can use features like Dolby Atmos support, Gigabit Ethernet, and ARC and eARC support stand to benefit more from upgrading.
If you do not have a 4K HDR TV, it is probably that not much will be gained by upgrading to the latest model, but it may still be worth it if you can take advantage of better performance and more storage. If you have the first-generation Apple TV 4K, it will only be worth upgrading if you want features like high framerate HDR, Thread support, and more power for gaming.
Unless you specifically want HDR10+ support or 128GB of storage, there is little reason to upgrade from the second-generation Apple TV 4K to the third-generation Apple TV 4K.
It is important to note that the latest version of the Siri Remote, the second-generation model with a USB-C charging port, is available from Apple separately for $59. It works with all of the above Apple TV models, so the Siri Remote should not be a major factor in deciding to upgrade.
Article Link: Apple TV 4K 2022: A Buyer's Guide for Upgraders
ATV 4K first-gen 2017 already had BT 5.0.
The Apple TV may not be the most obvious Apple device to consider upgrading – but with a series of minor upgrades in recent years, when should you consider buying a new one?
In terms of its set-top box offerings, Apple now only sells the Apple TV 4K (third-generation). The company launched its first modern Apple TV that runs tvOS, the Apple TV HD, in 2015. Since then, it has launched three new versions, each adding several new features and improvements over its predecessor, with some models offering more significant upgrades than others.
With a lower, $129 starting price and only one model year to choose from, new Apple TV buyers no longer face the same conundrum as in recent years when Apple offered multiple Apple TVs from different generations. Even so, first-time Apple TV customers may be able to obtain an older model second-hand or from a third-party retailer, so it will be important to weigh up exactly what was added with each new model.
See the detailed breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with each Apple TV model compared to its direct predecessor:
Apple TV HD (2015)
Apple TV 4K (First-Generation, 2017)
- Apple A8 chip (1.5 GHz, 2-core)
- 2GB memory
- "tv" logo
- Height of 1.4 inches
- Weight of 425 grams
- Support for up to 1080p resolution
- Support for SDR
- Support for audio output with 7.1 surround sound channels
- HDMI 1.4 port
- 10/100 Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi 5
- Bluetooth 4.0
- 32GB or 64GB of storage
- First-generation Siri Remote included
Apple TV 4K (Second-Generation, 2021)
- A10X Fusion chip (2.38 GHz, 6-core)
- 3GB memory, 50 percent more
- Active cooling with internal fan
- Support for up to 2160p (4K) resolution
- Support for SDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision
- Support for audio output with 7.1.4 surround sound channels with Dolby Atmos
- HDMI 2.0a port
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- First-generation Siri Remote (white ring around Menu button) included
Apple TV 4K (Third-Generation, 2022)
- A12 Bionic chip (2.49 GHz, 6-core)
- Support for high-framerate HDR content up to 60 fps
- ARC and eARC support
- HDMI 2.1 port
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Thread support
- Second-generation Siri Remote (Lightning charging port) included, featuring complete redesign with circular clickpad
- A15 Bionic chip (3.23 GHz, 6-core), 50 percent faster CPU performance and 30 percent faster GPU performance
- 4GB memory, 33 percent more
- Passive cooling with fanless design
- "" logo replaces "tv" logo
- Height of 1.2 inches
- Weight of 208/214 grams, 50 percent reduction
- Support for HDR10+
- Gigabit Ethernet port available with 128GB model only
- Thread support available with 128GB model only
- 64GB or 128GB storage
- Second-generation Siri Remote (USB-C charging port) included
Unlike many other Apple devices, the Apple TV offers a lot of specific technical features that not all users can take advantage of due to reliance on the specifications of other connected hardware like TVs and speakers. As such, this should be the main criteria you use to determine if you need to upgrade to a new Apple TV.
In other words, if you do not see features like high-framerate content, improved HDMI port specifications, more advanced HDR formats, and Thread support as worthwhile upgrades, it is unlikely that it will be worth buying a new model. Keen home cinema enthusiasts, audiophiles, and gamers that can use features like Dolby Atmos support, Gigabit Ethernet, and ARC and eARC support stand to benefit more from upgrading.
If you do not have a 4K HDR TV, it is probably that not much will be gained by upgrading to the latest model, but it may still be worth it if you can take advantage of better performance and more storage. If you have the first-generation Apple TV 4K, it will only be worth upgrading if you want features like high framerate HDR, Thread support, and more power for gaming.
Unless you specifically want HDR10+ support or 128GB of storage, there is little reason to upgrade from the second-generation Apple TV 4K to the third-generation Apple TV 4K.
It is important to note that the latest version of the Siri Remote, the second-generation model with a USB-C charging port, is available from Apple separately for $59. It works with all of the above Apple TV models, so the Siri Remote should not be a major factor in deciding to upgrade.
Article Link: Apple TV 4K 2022: A Buyer's Guide for Upgraders
They have an apple app that will get you Apple TV+ content. But not the same thing. With AppleTV hardware, the Apple app is a pretty good tool allowing you to find content from various providers. Instead of going to each app to look for something they offer to watch individually, you can use the Apple app to search across all of them. It's not perfect, but does a pretty good job of it.
You are on to something here. Speakers, though, can last forever - not just 2-3 iterations. Heck - the Apple TV updates are shocking - annual update on the Apple TV? Shoot. I've had my setup since the early 2000's and they still sound great! SoundBars - if that's really all you can do - get the best you can. But they have limitations. Getting a mediocre AVR and ok speakers in a 5.1 or more configuration will always beat what a SoundBar can do. If you were referring to AVR's lasting 2-3 times - that I agree with 100%. Went from a Marantz SR7002 to a SR7015 and WOW what a difference in sound decoding and features. Guess I'll have to keep up with it more.....
Sonos is expensive as &#^$%. I know - have two 1's and two 5's - first gen. Sucks they updated software that only works with newer systems. They do work really well though.
For upgrading Apple TV - if you have the TV and good sound system, it's worth upgrading from the 1st Gen 4K and earlier to the newer 4K. I just bought the 2nd gen 4K due to a crazy price Amazon had it for. I'm not upgrading.
Came here to say this. The 2021 AppleTV has a gigabit ethernet port, odd that they removed it in the 2022 64gb version.
The counter-argument here is that you can still get Ethernet, thread, and 128 GB for less than the previous Gen entry price.
However, I wish they had included Ethernet and thread in $129 model because 64GB is plenty. But it’s still overall cheaper.
"Less is more"
Shrink-a-nomics. Everyone is doing it; removing items/features for an "upgraded model".The homepod minis work most excellent with ATV 4k, 2021 model. paired as a stereo set and I am quite happy. I simply speak to my homepod mini and it does everything else. turns on the tv, selects what i want to play, i can pause/play with voice and adjust volume with voice. PLus everything else the mini does,
I don't have any 4K Tvs but I have 2 HD Apple Tvs that I should be putting out to pasture. One of them I got only a few weeks after it launched in 2015 so it's really getting long in the tooth now. I'm also going to replace the TV in my bedroom and will likely get a 4K set. I think I will wait for the black friday sales.
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"Ballast" for a storage box. Stored along with generations of other technological "wonders".
Probably by design, but I find using my phone or watch a better experience than the siri remote, just using the control center built in to the phone. Convenient to tap pause on the wrist, and go forward or back 30 seconds when needed, no fumble for remote.
My only gripe is that I don't have eArc support on my 1080p TV, meaning I need to use the apple remote to control volume on my Sonos speakers.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
If you opened a "Museum of Apple Technological Wonders", this crowd would likely pilgrimage to visit it, pay any price to get in (you could even raise prices on the fly if you like), worship the exhibits and leave you a millionaire..."Ballast" for a storage box. Stored along with generations of other technological "wonders".
...until the Apple lawyers show up and sue you into oblivion for daring to use the Apple name and product designs (that they are yours, purchased- free & clear- makes no difference).
Then Apple would open their own version of the same, charge several times more than you and make a fresh billion from the pilgrimages now to the new holy land.
I am curious why the 2021 ATV 4K could not support HDR10+ .... and I'm also wondering if there is any chance this is actually a software feature of tvOS 16 that would indeed be available on the older model once upgraded. Sometimes they market their "new" features this way. My current TV has Dolby Vision not 10+ so I can't test it, but I'm just curious.
I read that it was going to be a software feature but both of mine (2017 and 2021)are updated to the latest OS as of last night and HDR10+ is not available for my Samsung QLED so who knows....I have a new model arriving next week so we'll see about that one. I'm not too concerned though as I don't find the difference between HDR10 and HDR10+ to be that significant.
Haha, I did the same, but in reverse. After I upgraded to the Apple TV 4K, I realized I finally needed to replace my aging Panasonic Plasma with an LG 65” CX OLED 😄
That is an inspirational idea! However, the Apple Lawyers would be required to navigate to the museum's Director's office through the Museum's annual Halloween 🎃"Apple Dongle Maze Corridor" to serve their legal complaint which must be presented on a 3.5 floppy disk using MFS format.If you opened a "Museum of Apple Technological Wonders", this crowd would likely pilgrimage to visit it, pay any price to get in (you could even raise prices on the fly if you like), worship the exhibits and leave you a millionaire...
...until the Apple lawyers show up and sue you into oblivion for daring to use the Apple name and product designs (that they are yours, purchased- free & clear- makes no difference).
Then Apple would open their own version of the same, charge several times more than you and make a fresh billion from the pilgrimages now to the new holy land.
They'd never make it through the terrifying "Apple Dongle Maze Corridor".😈
This. It’s pretty much become Apple’s product lifecycle now. iPhone 14, Apple Watch Series 8, most iPads… none of them really appeal to year-over-year upgraders. It’s debatable if the iPhone 14 Pro even crosses thah threshold.
It’s not a bad thing as it shows that Apple’s products are becoming mature and mainstream. I don’t feel the need to upgrade my TV every year (or even every five), so why should the Apple TV be any different?
I’m sure they work fine for that, but they don’t work with anything else. I can’t use them for OTA TV, my PlayStation or XBox etc.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I have the Apple TV HD (bought in 2015) and a 4K TV which was purchased a year later so I probably fall into the “why did you wait so long to upgrade” category. I’m definitely upgrading this year, just hoping for another small BF discount from Amazon or Best Buy before I do since I think I also have to buy a USB-C cable (not included?). The powerful A15/4GB of RAM combo and upgraded Siri Remote should take care of my needs for another seven years.
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Good question - I upgrade each interaction so my family members get my old ones but this time I’m debating if I will or not. Apple Missed a good opportunity to add a speaker to the remote for find my.
I have issues with the Philips Hue Sync Box and the ATV 4K gen2 cutting out. A little bird told me that there were issues with the HDMI 2.1 spec on the gen2 Apple TV that could be the cause of some of those issues since not all the chips in the device are 2.1 compatible and some are only HDMI 2.0 spec. I don't know if it will fix anything, but I like to be on the latest and greatest anyway, so I thought I would give it a shot.
Also on a side note, if you have a newer Samsung TV that supports HDR10+, the new ATV gen3 would be an upgrade for you at least with some content. I think Amazon Prime is the only streaming service that currently has HDR10+ content though.
Fake news. The ATV slows the stream to sync perfectly with wireless HomePods. Same with wireless AirPods.
PORTS, PORTS, AND MORE PORTS!!! HELL YEAH!
Miss those days when Apple actually included ports on their devices...it seems that as soon as the iPhone came out and became a cash cow, Apple has slowly been decreasing the number of ports on their legacy products, from the Mac, to the Apple TV, and onwards...
I think they were referring to only devices that support the App Store.