Should I buy an Apple TV now? Help me decide.

[Barbs]

Just replaced an ancient TV with a beautiful 65” LG G5. I have such a strong itch to add in an Apple TV (never owned one before). But I know Apple has the new Apple TV boxes all ready to go, just waiting on the Siri AI issues. I want to wait for the new box, but also don’t want to go months waiting. I’ve been looking on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace for a used 2022 3rd gen unit, but so far no luck.

Any idea how the resale value is on these Apple TV’s? As I would plan to resale this box and upgrade to the new unit as soon as it’s available. I’m willing to lose $20-$40 to have the box for a handful of months until the new boxes are sold. If I could score the 128gb unit for $120 now, do you think I could resell it when the new boxes come out for $80-$100?

Thanks!

 

[Apple_Robert]

Resell value is not good with the Apple TV. If the only reason Apple is waiting to release the new tv is due to Siri software update, that tells you the new tv will be a minor spec bump compared to what is currently sold. Streaming with the Apple TV doesn't require the latest and greatest hardware because the hardware already offered doesn't come close to getting taxed.

 

[orbital~debris]

The answer is: definitely buy one!

As for timing: it depends. If you need one now, and can shuffle the one you buy now to a secondary TV later in the year when the refreshed Apple TV is likely to launch (or pass it on to family or friend / donate it to a good cause), then I'd say buy one now. It's a solid, refined product which makes TV watching more pleasing.

Saying this as someone using tv 4K (2nd generation) with a 65" LG OLED G1. It produces a wonderful picture, particularly from Apple TV content.

 

[Icehawk]

The current one is a solid machine. Even the original 4k is still solid. I'm holding out for a good deal or the new one. We'll see which happens first. There is a "feels bad man" around buying a 4(?) year old model, but again, it still is far more capable than what a streaming box needs to be.

 

[BMox81]

Buy now, enjoy now.

Really all there is to it.

 

[jbachandouris]

I have an old one (HD not 4k) sitting in a box.
My current one is the 4k and it's barely used as my Sony TV supports Apple TV app.

 

[Paddle1]

Just replaced an ancient TV with a beautiful 65” LG G5. I have such a strong itch to add in an Apple TV (never owned one before). But I know Apple has the new Apple TV boxes all ready to go, just waiting on the Siri AI issues. I want to wait for the new box, but also don’t want to go months waiting. I’ve been looking on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace for a used 2022 3rd gen unit, but so far no luck.

I don't see AI Siri being ready within the next couple months with iOS 27 beta testing likely only starting in the summer.

The current Apple TV is good and either way the difference in actual usage between any Apple TV 4K model is pretty minor so far. Plus they're still supporting the 2015 Apple TV with software updates, so you may not even care to upgrade to a new one.

 

[nickdalzell1]

I bought a used 4K ($29!) and got it connected to my 1979 Mitsubishi 20" CRT TV. Easily hidden away and I got smart TV benefits with my preferred love of vintage. They're reliable, they 'just work' and I can pair any remote I want to it (including a period-accurate IR remote). Can't do that with Roku (plus Roku just stops working a few years later to force you to upgrade). The only concern I have is that Apple seems to have abandoned Apple TV as a platform so who knows how long it will continue working in the future. Hasn't been a new model released in a year or two.

Neat part is that since I'm using mine with CRTs, I can set the resolution as low as it will go and not notice any video quality difference, and it uses 1/8th the bandwidth of my internet connection which isn't all that great in the rural area I live in. Also most shows I prefer watching never got an HD much less a 4K release, so having a modern TV wouldn't do much unless I want to see a smeary pixelated mess or worse, it doing that during fast-action scenes due to compression. Also a modern TV wouldn't really look correct with my Atari 2600 console.

 

[waw74]

New Apple TV Waiting for Siri: Here's What's Coming When It Launches

We're long overdue for an Apple TV update, and there have been rumors about an imminent refresh since late last year. It's now sounding like we're not going to get a new version for several months because of Siri delays. If you're holding out for a new model, here's a recap on what to expect...

www.macrumors.com

If you're holding out for a new model, here's a recap on what to expect when it eventually comes out so you can decide whether to continue to wait, or buy now.

 

[wilderkun]

There’s not a whole lot to hold out for. If you’re convinced you need a new one buy a used one off eBay or Amazon and use until the new one comes out. The cost isn’t going to be high either way

 

[throAU]

Just replaced an ancient TV with a beautiful 65” LG G5. I have such a strong itch to add in an Apple TV (never owned one before). But I know Apple has the new Apple TV boxes all ready to go, just waiting on the Siri AI issues. I want to wait for the new box, but also don’t want to go months waiting. I’ve been looking on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace for a used 2022 3rd gen unit, but so far no luck.

Any idea how the resale value is on these Apple TV’s? As I would plan to resale this box and upgrade to the new unit as soon as it’s available. I’m willing to lose $20-$40 to have the box for a handful of months until the new boxes are sold. If I could score the 128gb unit for $120 now, do you think I could resell it when the new boxes come out for $80-$100?

Thanks!

Check if the tv has an appletv app.

Some devices do now. Ps5 does for example. Think there’s an android app.

If it does there’s little point in getting the device. Certainly not right now when the current device is so old and near end of sale.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Check if the tv has an appletv app.

Some devices do now. Ps5 does for example. Think there’s an android app.

If it does there’s little point in getting the device. Certainly not right now when the current device is so old and near end of sale.

Completely disagree, the Apple TV app is not necessarily the reason one would want one of the boxes.
Just like how the phone app isn’t the reason that someone might want an iPhone.

 

[throAU]

Completely disagree, the Apple TV app is not necessarily the reason one would want one of the boxes.
Just like how the phone app isn’t the reason that someone might want an iPhone.

Name some other reasons, and if it is "streaming from my device" - be aware that most TVs for the past 5 years can do that natively from an apple device.

I'm not saying never buy an AppleTV - just that right now it is end of cycle, and you can probably get a taste of what's available by literally just installing an app. For free. And then if you like it, maybe buy the new one when it comes out.

The usefulness of the actual AppleTV device itself vs. yet another (crappy) remote, HDMI input and additional power/etc. in your entertainment unit is probably not worth it for a lot of people, especially when the current model is virtually EOL.

 

[colodane]

I'd suggest doing the opposite. Pick up a used present-generation (or ever earlier) ATV to use with your new TV for awhile. You can no doubt find something for $50 or less.

That way you can see how both the ATV box and your new TV work. Who knows, you might even find that the native apps in the TV are all you need or want.

After that learning experience, if you are sure you want the newest ATV box buy it when it comes out and you have read the reviews.

 

[throAU]

That also works.

Whatever you do, would not recommend buying a brand new Apple TV today.

 

[Ctrlos]

Just replaced an ancient TV with a beautiful 65” LG G5. I have such a strong itch to add in an Apple TV (never owned one before). But I know Apple has the new Apple TV boxes all ready to go, just waiting on the Siri AI issues. I want to wait for the new box, but also don’t want to go months waiting. I’ve been looking on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace for a used 2022 3rd gen unit, but so far no luck.

Any idea how the resale value is on these Apple TV’s? As I would plan to resale this box and upgrade to the new unit as soon as it’s available. I’m willing to lose $20-$40 to have the box for a handful of months until the new boxes are sold. If I could score the 128gb unit for $120 now, do you think I could resell it when the new boxes come out for $80-$100?

Thanks!

Lower your expectations. You don’t need the 128gb 3rd gen when a 64gb 4k will do for now.

If you’re planning on using it for gaming, buy an Xbox Series S instead.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Name some other reasons, and if it is "streaming from my device" - be aware that most TVs for the past 5 years can do that natively from an apple device.

I'm not saying never buy an AppleTV - just that right now it is end of cycle, and you can probably get a taste of what's available by literally just installing an app. For free. And then if you like it, maybe buy the new one when it comes out.

The usefulness of the actual AppleTV device itself vs. yet another (crappy) remote, HDMI input and additional power/etc. in your entertainment unit is probably not worth it for a lot of people, especially when the current model is virtually EOL.

So many wrong things being said here.

you can probably get a taste of what's available by literally just installing an app. For free.

No, you cannot, because again, the Apple TV app and the Apple TV box are too completely different things.
The Apple TV app on all third-party platforms is literally, no exaggeration, just a portal to the Apple TV streaming service, nothing more. It is not equivalent to the Apple TV box at all, it’s just a way to watch Apple originals and nothing more. Please stop saying this, it’s simply not true.

Name some other reasons,

A top to bottom Apple designed user interface, from an Apple designed home screen, Apple designed built-in applications, lack of automatic trackers and advertising that you get with the majority of modern smart TVs. Access to all of Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple podcasts, Apple fitness, iCloud Photo Library, Apple Arcade in the entire AppStore platform, on top of the integrations with the TV app that you don’t get on any third-party devices. Again, none of this stuff is available on smart TVs, simply having the Apple TV app installed does not give you access to all of this.
Additionally, Apple Home and other smart home benefits, the ability to relay your home theater audio through HomePods if you so choose, access to any of your iTunes purchases or rentals from the last 20 years, the ability to use your phone, iPad, or Apple Watch as a TV remote without any third-party app needed, and the list just goes on and on and on. Once again, I have to reiterate, all downloading the Apple TV app to a smart TV does is give you access to Apple originals, nothing else. Not even your iTunes purchases. It is not the same as having the actual box.

the current model is virtually EOL.

This is complete in total nonsense, Apple is still fully supporting the Apple TV HD that was released in 2015. I have had my Apple TV HD for a decade, still gets used every day. Is literally running 26.4.
The latest Apple TV came out in October 2022, it is certainly not even close to EOL, that is just a straight up ridiculous statement. It’s using the same chip from an iPad mini 6 or an iPhone 14, let’s be serious.
Saying that it’s anywhere close to EOL is just straight up misinformation, there is no way around it.

 

[jeepw5]

Just buy a used one now and save your money for something else. There's really no need for Siri on an AppleTV.
AND... you just won't see any real differences between the new model and say a 2018 4K like the one I've been using for the last 8 years. The only thing that could possibly degrade your experience is a poor internet connection.

 

[cynics]

Tough call, personally I don't find them expensive enough to hold off if you really want one. I can't speak to your situation but I would just put todays version in another room IF I found the new one compelling enough to buy.

For me it's a must have. Not only does it enhance my Apple Home network but shows me caller ID for incoming phone calls, video stream when a camera detects motion (specifically a the motion of a person), AirPlay from my iPhone, has a pretty good calibration feature (calibrate the TV first), match frame rate and dynamic range toggles, supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision (profile 5 which is fine for streaming), probably the best app support of any set top box or smart tv, and a dozens of things I'm forgetting about....

 

[throAU]

So many wrong things being said here.


No, you cannot, because again, the Apple TV app and the Apple TV box are too completely different things.
The Apple TV app on all third-party platforms is literally, no exaggeration, just a portal to the Apple TV streaming service, nothing more. It is not equivalent to the Apple TV box at all, it’s just a way to watch Apple originals and nothing more. Please stop saying this, it’s simply not true.

I would argue that the appleTV content IS the product, and why apple have ported the "TV" app to every platform they own other than the watch.

These days, the AppleTV hardware itself is no different functionality wise really to a PS5 running the app, inbuilt TV software running the app, etc.

Sure there are some minor differences in look/feel but it does the same job.


I'll also say it here and now: the Apple TV UI is TOTAL GARBAGE and the least impressive part of the experience. It used to be much more intuitive. These days I hate it.

In summary:

• hardware: decent
• UI: trash
• airplay/streaming support: good
  • but you can cast to most TVs from IOS now anyway through apps like YouTube, etc.

The only other reason to buy the AppleTV hardware really is to potentially run AppleTV apps like maybe games and stuff on it - which is why I'd suggest to wait for the new box if you plan to buy hardware.

 

[McScooby]

Do it, take one for the team, I'll thank you later!😂👍

 

[Paddle1]

I would argue that the appleTV content IS the product, and why apple have ported the "TV" app to every platform they own other than the watch.

These days, the AppleTV hardware itself is no different functionality wise really to a PS5 running the app, inbuilt TV software running the app, etc.

Sure there are some minor differences in look/feel but it does the same job.


I'll also say it here and now: the Apple TV UI is TOTAL GARBAGE and the least impressive part of the experience. It used to be much more intuitive. These days I hate it.

In summary:

• hardware: decent
• UI: trash
• airplay/streaming support: good
  • but you can cast to most TVs from IOS now anyway through apps like YouTube, etc.

The only other reason to buy the AppleTV hardware really is to potentially run AppleTV apps like maybe games and stuff on it - which is why I'd suggest to wait for the new box if you plan to buy hardware.

It seems like you have no idea of what the capabilities of the Apple TV box actually are. I use my Apple TV 4K all the time and I'm not even subscribed to the TV+ service. (And yes, I have a QLED Samsung Smart TV and the Apple TV apps are far more robust than the built-in ones.)

 

[colodane]

I also have owned 3 versions of the Apple TV box. I Love it, but have never subscribed to "Apple TV" and don't intend to. I think this is fairly common. YouTube TV, NetFlix, Public TV, Amazon Prime and my photos, videos, purchased music and FaceTime are more than enough content!

 

[Momof2.1107]

My 1st gen 4K AppleTV is still holding on strong. I am waiting for a refresh to launch. In your situation, if you can find one used, I would buy that and see if you like it and hold onto that until the newest generation debuts.

 

[kiranmk2]

Just replaced an ancient TV with a beautiful 65” LG G5. I have such a strong itch to add in an Apple TV (never owned one before). But I know Apple has the new Apple TV boxes all ready to go, just waiting on the Siri AI issues. I want to wait for the new box, but also don’t want to go months waiting. I’ve been looking on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace for a used 2022 3rd gen unit, but so far no luck.

Any idea how the resale value is on these Apple TV’s? As I would plan to resale this box and upgrade to the new unit as soon as it’s available. I’m willing to lose $20-$40 to have the box for a handful of months until the new boxes are sold. If I could score the 128gb unit for $120 now, do you think I could resell it when the new boxes come out for $80-$100?

Thanks!

Your strategy is sound. A 2nd hand Apple TV 4K (2nd or 3rd gen) will be perfect for you now and a low price (much lower than even Apple refurbs). It sucks that you can't find one on FB marketplace or Craigslist, but I would encourage you to thinkabout 2nd hand shops or eBay with a trusted bulk reseller. In the UK we have a brand of trade-in/pawn shops called Cash Converters around the country who offer good resale prices and a guarantee and a range of eBay-based similar tech trade-in companies, so I'd be surprised if there wasn't a US equivalent. Here a new 3rd Gen model is £149 from Apple and a 2nd hand 2nd/3rd Gen box is around £80, so approaching half price.

If a new Apple TV comes out, I don't think your 2nd hand model would lose much value. Given the small difference in price between a 2nd hand 2nd gen and 3rd gen model in the UK I think you may lose maybe $20-30 of it's value max if you sell it after the new one launches (whenever that may be). I think specifically a 128 GB device may lose a bit more premium as most people looking to buy 2nd hand models are more driven by price than specs (similar to how the base models always sell the most). If you are considering the 128 GB model for the Thread radio or the network port, consider looking for a 2nd gen model, which has both of these features, even in the low end. As you've got an LG TV, you have no need for the HDR10+ support in the 3rd gen model.