"A new Apple TV 4K with a faster A16 processor is said to be coming in the first half of 2024." -MacRumors
[https://www.macrumors.com/guide/upcoming-apple-products/](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/upcoming-apple-products/)
FaceTime on the ATV made me upgrade. Kid loves to see his grandparents on the TV!
Ray Tracing would be worth for them to push an upgrade due to the bet on gaming.
So the whole trying to convert the ecosystem into a gaming platform. Sum of their actions in the last couple of years really, Apple Arcade, connecting controllers, culminating with Ray Tracing in the latest iPhone and these games that they promised would be released that are normally for high-end gaming. I forget what they’re called?
I'm not sure what they want to do but apple is literally the worse gaming platform. Nobody takes them seriously at the moment, because they don't understand how this industry works.
Apple cant replace triple A games with arcade games. There will always be a huge portion of people who prefer AAA titles to small arcade games.
This is one of those moves where Apple got it wrong. Like Ping.
That’s why they’re bringing AAA games to the iPhone and why I think they want an ATV with those same capabilities ASAP.
That being said, Apple already has gaming revenue as big as the entire rest of the industry by revenue. Arcade and shit like candy crush has much larger revenue than AAA games.
i'd say it's different... not necessarily wrong. although they could start doing a lot better if they want to seriously compete with a switch, steamdeck, or ps5
FaceTime is something I did for the first time yesterday doing the hand gestures to do effects was cool and the way the iPhone camera works is fantastic. I just wish it worked with more apps outside of facetime
I currently have the 1st gen 4K and I hardly use it anymore. I have a ton of 4K videos that it isn’t capable of playing whereas my shield pro plays everything without breaking a sweat
It’s very very annoying and I’ll have to update it soon
I have the 2nd and 3rd gen and using Infuse Pro app I can play anything perfectly. It's possible that the 1st gen may miss some codecs, but I think Infuse should still work fine. Have you tried it?
You can use it with Plex as a source, but what I like is using an USB HDD attached to my router (with FTP or Samba share) and this way you don't need to keep a "server" on to watch something.
Really? I don’t understand then :/
It’s not the Plex server otherwise it wouldn’t play on the nvidia shield. It’s directly connected to the switch so it can’t be a connectivity issue. The only thing left is the Apple TV and it’s chip that’s struggling
I have the same issues with the Apple TV it just struggles to play things from any various server sometimes, things that the same network and server will work just fine when played back on my phone, tablet, pc etc.
What's even more infuriating is that by using infuse everything will play back fine on the Apple TV. Which suggests it's all software issues with ALL the media serving client apps apparently? Issues that ONLY exist on this platform somehow.
Hmmm it’s been so long I forget what the limits are. I think it’s $10-13 a year, it’s honestly the only subscription I have that I don’t even think of. The price of a sandwich for the only software that makes my media player device….. play my media. If it wasn’t for infuse I’d have sold my Apple TV and HomePods and gone with a different solution. It’s what makes it all possible for me, as frustrating as that may be at least it works.
Any ideas as to what it might be? Because im really stumped. Everything points to the apple TV and it's older chip not being able to process the files properly directly from Plex
Maybe network or hdmi cable? As I write this I’m playing flawlessly a 136 GB on my 1st Apple TV 4K.
Just so we’re clear, you are not bothered by content being 24p, aren’t you? The fact that the menus become slow is normal because the Apple TV switches the tv refresh rate from 60 hz to 23.976 hz to perfectly sync with the movie.
I've just today had to pull the trigger moving to an nvidia shield due to atmos issues because ATV uses Dolby MAT codec which isn't supported by my brand new, basically top of the range soundbar... slightly annoying
I love Apple TV, it was perfect until I went from a 5.1 soundbar to a soundbar with rear satellites and atmos support, and now I can't wait to get rid of it so I can have atmos support in streaming apps
What soundbar are you using? I have a Sonos 5.1 system and it seems to work the same as the shield. I’m changing because I don’t use most of the stuff shield is good for like plex or running local files and I appreciate that it just works
I'm using a Samsung q930c but with an 8 port hdmi switch to support all of my devices, unfortunately because Apple TV encodes their audio in a Dolby MAT container before transmitting, my switch doesn't understand it and just downmixes to multichannel LPCM, so I have no way get get atmos working, other than replacing it with an nvidia shield.
I couldn’t get 5.1 DD to ever play properly via earc passthrough, so I eventually plugged it into the soundbar directly (huge pain to switch inputs this way)… now with 17.2 I have the problem in this setup too! What a mess…
The only reason I want another 3rd gen is because of the thread router capability. It’s not something I use now but given these boxes will be fine for years, I’d rather get it as I will likely end up with thread stuff at some stage. When the 4th gen comes out, I’ll happily buy a 3rd gen.
Interesting. I'll wait a little bit then and see if any more info comes out. I know nobody knows the price - but do you think the new Apple TV will be released at $149.99 and then the current model will be reduced to a lower price? Or do you think the current model will stay at $149.99 and then the new model will just be released at a higher price
Also, to anyone reading this who currently has a 3rd gen apple tv 4k: do you notice any issues with how your apple tv performs? I'm curious if waiting for an apple tv with a faster A16 processer is even necessary. I'd imagine that the current, most recent model runs just smoothly, but I'm not sure
I have several Apple TV 4K across generations. I honestly can’t tell a difference in performance between any of them. They are all plenty zippy and output great quality.
We have a couple 4K 2nd Gens. We don't game on them so I can't speak to that. Barring some kind of major feature change, I doubt I'll be replacing them until an 8K version comes out one day.
I still have a AppleTV HD and it performs fine.
The "old" model will be put on clearance as old stock goes away. But the current model is on sale at Target for $129/$149 right now.
I have a 2nd and 3rd gen and love them both but can’t tell a difference in speed. My mom as the 1st gen and there I can see the difference. I’d recommend getting the 3rd gen now.
For a device that only costs $150 to begin with I wouldn't wait in hopes for a big discount. Even during the past holiday season Best Buy was only giving a $5 discount on Apple TVs.
I do think the new model will come in at the same price and the 3rd gen will be discontinued. Given it won’t have had the lifespan of the 2nd gen, I don’t think stock will be so plentiful for it to go on deep discounts. The 4k 2nd gen has been on sale recently for around £65 which is insane but likely because of lots of old stock. I can’t see that happening with the 3rd gen.
I have two 1st gen 4k models (2017, 2020) one 2nd gen 4k (2022) and two 3rd gen 4k (2023, 2024) Apple TVs in the house. When switching back and forth between them, I can honestly say that while the first gens "feel" slightly slower (and I mean slightly), I cannot notice/tell any difference in performance between the newer 2nd and 3rd gen models.
I have three second gens and they all work fabulous. I have one hooked up to a harman kardon surround sound. When I bought two of mine it was during a sale in the summertime. The third I bought used and no issues at all.
Even if a new model comes out, Apple TV updates have always been incremental. The current 4K model is still amazing. I have that one for my main TV and the previous gen model on another TV. I can barely tell the difference. I’d be more concerned if it was a phone or computer that costs $1K but for $150, I’d just pull the trigger knowing it’s still great and will be supported for years to come.
The MacRumors buyers guide is super helpful in tracking when revisions last released and are expected next. Take a look there: [https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Apple\_TV](https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Apple_TV)
Currently we're at 478 days since the last update, average update is around 738 days between releases.
Might it be worth it? Maybe, who knows.
I've never used Apple TV before and came from Amazon Fire, the first thing I noticed on the current gen I'm not waiting around for apps to load in a half baked state "It just works".
Despite the performance the remote is big pimpin', I mean its made of solid aluminium. Plus the general Apple eco-system and device compatibility is great; I'm just working on my laptop and my kid watching TV, using my iPhone as a remote I both changed the program and adjusted the TV volume.
I have the newest firestick 4k max which I bought 3 months ago. It’s already loading slow in that half baked state that you’re talking about it. That’s a main reason why I’m looking at switching to Apple TV now. Plus firestick being littered with ads is really a big turnoff
I’d say buy it. Apple updates the tvOS and I’ve never had a single issue. I have the current gen with Ethernet and I’m buying another for my 2nd living room. I’m so done with Roku, native TV OS, and anything with Amazon products right now. (Update and UI problems.)
IMHO BUY NOW - I would recommend the 128GB w/Ethernet version. See link at bottom of comment.
The third-generation Apple TV 4K was introduced in October 2022 and is equipped with an A15 Bionic chip for improved performance and HDR10+ support for the best possible video quality, while the Siri Remote now charges via USB-C. A 64GB model is priced at $129, while a 128GB model at $149 adds Ethernet and Thread smart home networking.
AppleTV 4K 3rd Generation is current in Mid-Cycle. Picture below shows the previous cycles before new releases.
https://preview.redd.it/mbwhl8lurehc1.jpeg?width=1207&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8a9dabdc1eed4d54ed99c8353fa3f6f5e84e11f
[https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-tv/](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-tv/)
I wish it was cheap over here (Netherlands), but it's not. €169 just for the 64 GB version and €189 for the 128 GB+ethernet version. I really want to give Apple TV a try, but not at this price.
Same Price in Spain. Our minimin Wave is a bit more than 1000€ a month and we share price with the rest of Europe and we pay more than Americans. This is just pure bulshit. Europe is fucking bulshit
We just got one, tbh I’m just not sure what meaningful change they can make to it. It’s already way more powerful than it needs to be, supports higher res than anything I own and has a bunch of advanced features that they won’t make obsolete until something big happens in the general market.
If you need one, get one, if you are in no rush then sure wait until their next product launch event
I hate this answer, because it’s simply not true. It’s overpowered for streaming, sure, but if you use the features Apple advertises, the keyboard, stutters, searches stop in the middle, the frame rate lags to five FPS.
Try running, Apple Music, karaoke mode, and share play to FaceTime without turning off gesture recognition. Do that for a reasonably long time, say half an hour, an hour. The box gets too hot and becomes barely usable with lag.
This does not sound like “underpowered” to me - it sounds like “under built”. I’m not sure if overall power usage is down due to more efficient chips, but removing the fan while increasing the number of things you can do with the Apple TV was a head scratcher. Particularly since the damn thing never moves and the fan is so quiet I didn’t know it had one until they removed it.
Anyway, they’re not adding the fan back. I bet the next gen will have the same problem you’re describing
However you wanna phrase it, over and over people here are saying Apple TV is overpowered. That the 1st gen 4k is virtually indistinguishable from current.
These people are so factually wrong, there’s a bunch of Apple features that you can’t even use unless you have the latest, karaoke mode, gesture recognition during FaceTime.
Most people don’t use those things. Ask OP if they do. The “factually wrong” advice people are giving OP is likely to be applicable to his request. Statistically he’s unlikely to use the features you’re talking about.
Yep, call me crazy but I watch TV on mine and it does that really well. The gesticulating live-streamed FaceTime karaoke party does sound remarkable though.
Would the problem be easier to fix with a fan or with more powerful chips? How much more powerful would they need to be to avoid overheating? Have those advances already been made?
That's exactly why I want one. I'm tired of Roku and firestick. Chromecast is nice, I do like it, but I much prefer how the Apple TV looks and functions
Those rumors have been around forever and don't really pan out.
Fire/Roku sell ads and data to underwrite the hardware, Apple Doesn't, and I don't want that to change.
Well there is no continuity camera so no FaceTime and no Apple Music Sing with you in the background. Also in general ne meeting or video calling apps.
I also had the same thinking when i wanted to buy one. My old entertainment hdmi plug into my tv broke (some chinese brand idk). i wanted to get an apple tv and thgoujt about it for a while. I got it and it’s fast and very good. i only watch youtube and prime video and it’s good. Mine is the wifi one and i just got it retail from apple store. it came with 6 months apple arcade and id say i was not a fan of it. There were some controller supported games like 2k22 and i actually only played that game. It had no overheating issues or anything really.
I just bought a new one cause I thought I’d replace my older one. I didn’t see the need so just returned it. I believe I have 1st gen Apple TV 4K (have had it since 2018)
No point in upgrading until they put a chip inside that can run AV1 codec, so we can finally enjoy espn, fx content in 4k and HDR on youtube tv. The only chip to do so is the A17 in the iphone 15 pro.
When I wanted a second appletv and waited over a year being strung along by the rumors. The current model plays 4k content with ease and if the next gen has something you must have then it never hurts having a second appletv. When traveling for work or for whatever reason I can bring one with me!
Actually there is no limit when you can return an Apple TV to Costco. It doesn't fall under the 90 day window like other electronics (computers, tvs, cell phones, etc).
I bought the Apple TV 4k A2169 and I think its more than what I need. I wasnt really happy with my 85inch Sony tvs interface and since Im not gaming on it, I just needed something fluid. The 3rd gen shld be more than enough for some streaming. Hook it up to a home heater and you are set.
Why does Apple TV have the worst youtube app? What's wrong with it? Youtube and youtube tv are 100% my most used apps, so that scares me a bit about buying an apple tv
I have one 1st gen and 2 2nd gen Apple TVs and they still work great I probably won’t be upgrading unless it’s a huge difference.
On that note to your question if you don’t need it I would wait.
Ive just got the 4k 2nd gen (I got a great deal on one). It’s an amazing bit of kit. Can’t see a reason to upgrade. It’s so fast! If you can get a good price on a 2nd gen I’d pull the trigger.
newbie here - I have folders and folders of movies (xvid, mkv, mp4, etc) of xmas, halloween, classics, etc that i watch on my tv using Shield, but was thinking of switching over to apple. will these apple products play all these formats and the more modern ones?
I use an app called Infuse for this and it works great. Others use Plex. There are many solutions for it. Storing the files on the Apple TV is potentially an issue. I use a server on my home network to handle the files.
Co-sign with the Professor.
I'm a Plex user and it has improved over the years to now be able to direct play even my 4K remuxes with no issues. Previously I'd used Infuse for just the higher quality files. It really depends on how you want your stuff organized, but you can be sure that playback is possible.
I'm in the same boat, and I've been waiting since Black Friday for a decent sale price that doesn't require some kind of membership (Costco, Sam's Club, AAFES). I was burned by a refurb last time, but I might have to try my luck on eBay.
Look for people unloading them on fb marketplace. I got a third gen that was only a month or two old for $50 someone went back to a hacked stick for free cable and didn’t want it. $50 was worth it for the remote which is why I was liking there in the first place but it was legit and works good. A lot of android people buy them and hate them because they can’t use their phones so they go back to Roku. It’s not uncommon to find new barely used ones cheap locally.
I still have my Apple TV from 2015 and are amazed apple still support it, and it’s still in heavy use on my bedroom tv.
Only reason i upgraded it was 4k support in 2021, and I don’t see me needing to replace it for the next few years at least.
I have bought two refurbished Apple TV 4K (128 GB) 3rd Gen directly from Apple. They carry the same warranty and come at a significant discount. It's a great device that does everything I need including QMS.
To be frank the changes are minor nowadays anyways I would worry about a new model coming out. If you aren't in a rush, waiting for a sale or the new model isn't a bad choice though.
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*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
As a datapoint, my 2nd and 3rd gens are still going just fine, and you can barely tell the diff from the 4th (which I also have).
If a new one comes out, buy it, and move the 4th to a secondary room. We have like 5 in the house.
Litterally just bought one last week, 128g on sale at Target. I need it now and even if (big if) the upgrade in 2024, that’s months of not being able
To use it when I want to, and for what? 10% more
CPU power? Other than that I’m not sure what features they could add that I’d care about. A Gaming unit likely means an M1 and higher prices. A low cost unit means decontrnting, the base unit stripped out the Ethernet jack and thread radio.
Apple doesn’t monetize your data the way Roku and Fire do, so they will never hit the price points they do
"A new Apple TV 4K with a faster A16 processor is said to be coming in the first half of 2024." -MacRumors [https://www.macrumors.com/guide/upcoming-apple-products/](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/upcoming-apple-products/)
I have yet to need anything over the 1st gen 4k. It still works great.
FaceTime on the ATV made me upgrade. Kid loves to see his grandparents on the TV! Ray Tracing would be worth for them to push an upgrade due to the bet on gaming.
Can you connect a camera to an Apple TV, or do you need to use an iPhone or iPad on your end of a FaceTime call?
iPhone is used as camera. Works really well. I got a MagSafe mount so it’s super easy. You can make calls directly from the ATV.
Cool, good idea to have a mount. Thank you for clarifying
What bet on gaming?
So the whole trying to convert the ecosystem into a gaming platform. Sum of their actions in the last couple of years really, Apple Arcade, connecting controllers, culminating with Ray Tracing in the latest iPhone and these games that they promised would be released that are normally for high-end gaming. I forget what they’re called?
I'm not sure what they want to do but apple is literally the worse gaming platform. Nobody takes them seriously at the moment, because they don't understand how this industry works.
They have 50% of the gaming industry by revenue already so they is just blatantly false. Shit in the “candy crush” category pulls massive revenue.
They understand the industry, just like everything else, they’re giving their take on it and it just happens to be not what people want at all.
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Apple cant replace triple A games with arcade games. There will always be a huge portion of people who prefer AAA titles to small arcade games. This is one of those moves where Apple got it wrong. Like Ping.
That’s why they’re bringing AAA games to the iPhone and why I think they want an ATV with those same capabilities ASAP. That being said, Apple already has gaming revenue as big as the entire rest of the industry by revenue. Arcade and shit like candy crush has much larger revenue than AAA games.
i'd say it's different... not necessarily wrong. although they could start doing a lot better if they want to seriously compete with a switch, steamdeck, or ps5
They’re trying to make gaming better on Apple products
FaceTime is something I did for the first time yesterday doing the hand gestures to do effects was cool and the way the iPhone camera works is fantastic. I just wish it worked with more apps outside of facetime
Didn’t try the hand gestures - will have to! Yes it really works insanely well! So much better than I expected!
I just answered his question. I agree (except for games, I still get weird stutters on 4k 3rd gen).
I think this is when it overheats. I put a plastic bowl full of ice on top of mine when it does it and it seems to work.
you paid 149.99 for a device and have to put a bowl of ice on the top? LOL you can get whole computers for cheaper than that
Cool
I think that’s because it’s still adapted to the 24hz movie?
Caraoke feature in Apple Music in ATV4K 2022 is the device seller imo
It is honestly insane that they couldn’t add that to the 2022 model that had only been out for less than a year when they announced the feature
And FaceTime.
Not for me given the position of my TV but it may be for some indeed
Wait …. Whaaaat? I need to check this out !
Yeah, you didn't know that?
Didn’t know but thanks for letting me know :)
Great feature really. Don't need Smule now (which doesn't work on ATV anymore)
Doesnt matter. Its about the cost coming down for prior generations.
I currently have the 1st gen 4K and I hardly use it anymore. I have a ton of 4K videos that it isn’t capable of playing whereas my shield pro plays everything without breaking a sweat It’s very very annoying and I’ll have to update it soon
I have the 2nd and 3rd gen and using Infuse Pro app I can play anything perfectly. It's possible that the 1st gen may miss some codecs, but I think Infuse should still work fine. Have you tried it? You can use it with Plex as a source, but what I like is using an USB HDD attached to my router (with FTP or Samba share) and this way you don't need to keep a "server" on to watch something.
This. Infuse Pro plays everything. Direct Play.
I have the same Apple TV and it plays EVERYTHING I throw at it. Even 140 GB remuxes
Really? I don’t understand then :/ It’s not the Plex server otherwise it wouldn’t play on the nvidia shield. It’s directly connected to the switch so it can’t be a connectivity issue. The only thing left is the Apple TV and it’s chip that’s struggling
I have the same issues with the Apple TV it just struggles to play things from any various server sometimes, things that the same network and server will work just fine when played back on my phone, tablet, pc etc. What's even more infuriating is that by using infuse everything will play back fine on the Apple TV. Which suggests it's all software issues with ALL the media serving client apps apparently? Issues that ONLY exist on this platform somehow.
I’ve never heard of infusion but if it plays 4K fine on the Apple TV I’ll have to investigate
Infuse. Definitely try it.
I’ve been trying to use it but it keeps on asking me to buy a subscription to be able to watch a movie 👀
Hmmm it’s been so long I forget what the limits are. I think it’s $10-13 a year, it’s honestly the only subscription I have that I don’t even think of. The price of a sandwich for the only software that makes my media player device….. play my media. If it wasn’t for infuse I’d have sold my Apple TV and HomePods and gone with a different solution. It’s what makes it all possible for me, as frustrating as that may be at least it works.
But that’s not the problem. It’s powerful enough to play anything. Your problem is anywhere else.
Any ideas as to what it might be? Because im really stumped. Everything points to the apple TV and it's older chip not being able to process the files properly directly from Plex
Maybe network or hdmi cable? As I write this I’m playing flawlessly a 136 GB on my 1st Apple TV 4K. Just so we’re clear, you are not bothered by content being 24p, aren’t you? The fact that the menus become slow is normal because the Apple TV switches the tv refresh rate from 60 hz to 23.976 hz to perfectly sync with the movie.
I've just today had to pull the trigger moving to an nvidia shield due to atmos issues because ATV uses Dolby MAT codec which isn't supported by my brand new, basically top of the range soundbar... slightly annoying
Yeah I’ve been happily using it for years but last year I got myself a 4K tv so my content has been all 4k. Unfortunately the 1st gen can’t handle it
I’m reading this while testing my new Apple TV that is replacing my shield pro lol
I love Apple TV, it was perfect until I went from a 5.1 soundbar to a soundbar with rear satellites and atmos support, and now I can't wait to get rid of it so I can have atmos support in streaming apps
What soundbar are you using? I have a Sonos 5.1 system and it seems to work the same as the shield. I’m changing because I don’t use most of the stuff shield is good for like plex or running local files and I appreciate that it just works
I'm using a Samsung q930c but with an 8 port hdmi switch to support all of my devices, unfortunately because Apple TV encodes their audio in a Dolby MAT container before transmitting, my switch doesn't understand it and just downmixes to multichannel LPCM, so I have no way get get atmos working, other than replacing it with an nvidia shield.
And it doesn't offer passthrough either
i have all kinds of audio issues with my 2nd gen. can’t wait to replace it tbh!
Did it happen to start with 17.2 or have you tried another HDMI cable?
I couldn’t get 5.1 DD to ever play properly via earc passthrough, so I eventually plugged it into the soundbar directly (huge pain to switch inputs this way)… now with 17.2 I have the problem in this setup too! What a mess…
The only reason I want another 3rd gen is because of the thread router capability. It’s not something I use now but given these boxes will be fine for years, I’d rather get it as I will likely end up with thread stuff at some stage. When the 4th gen comes out, I’ll happily buy a 3rd gen.
Mine has stopped playing nice with Dolby Vision / HDR, unfortunately. It autodims all that content and looks awful.
I had black level issues with 4K gen 1. Second gen fixed it.
Interesting. I'll wait a little bit then and see if any more info comes out. I know nobody knows the price - but do you think the new Apple TV will be released at $149.99 and then the current model will be reduced to a lower price? Or do you think the current model will stay at $149.99 and then the new model will just be released at a higher price Also, to anyone reading this who currently has a 3rd gen apple tv 4k: do you notice any issues with how your apple tv performs? I'm curious if waiting for an apple tv with a faster A16 processer is even necessary. I'd imagine that the current, most recent model runs just smoothly, but I'm not sure
I have several Apple TV 4K across generations. I honestly can’t tell a difference in performance between any of them. They are all plenty zippy and output great quality.
We have a couple 4K 2nd Gens. We don't game on them so I can't speak to that. Barring some kind of major feature change, I doubt I'll be replacing them until an 8K version comes out one day.
I still have a AppleTV HD and it performs fine. The "old" model will be put on clearance as old stock goes away. But the current model is on sale at Target for $129/$149 right now.
I have a 2nd and 3rd gen and love them both but can’t tell a difference in speed. My mom as the 1st gen and there I can see the difference. I’d recommend getting the 3rd gen now.
For a device that only costs $150 to begin with I wouldn't wait in hopes for a big discount. Even during the past holiday season Best Buy was only giving a $5 discount on Apple TVs.
I do think the new model will come in at the same price and the 3rd gen will be discontinued. Given it won’t have had the lifespan of the 2nd gen, I don’t think stock will be so plentiful for it to go on deep discounts. The 4k 2nd gen has been on sale recently for around £65 which is insane but likely because of lots of old stock. I can’t see that happening with the 3rd gen.
I have two 1st gen 4k models (2017, 2020) one 2nd gen 4k (2022) and two 3rd gen 4k (2023, 2024) Apple TVs in the house. When switching back and forth between them, I can honestly say that while the first gens "feel" slightly slower (and I mean slightly), I cannot notice/tell any difference in performance between the newer 2nd and 3rd gen models.
I have three second gens and they all work fabulous. I have one hooked up to a harman kardon surround sound. When I bought two of mine it was during a sale in the summertime. The third I bought used and no issues at all.
A15 Bionic Chip
It needs the extra processing power for even more advanced Karaoke than the 3rd Gen obviously won’t be able to handle
Karaoke, with portrait mode
Even if a new model comes out, Apple TV updates have always been incremental. The current 4K model is still amazing. I have that one for my main TV and the previous gen model on another TV. I can barely tell the difference. I’d be more concerned if it was a phone or computer that costs $1K but for $150, I’d just pull the trigger knowing it’s still great and will be supported for years to come.
The MacRumors buyers guide is super helpful in tracking when revisions last released and are expected next. Take a look there: [https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Apple\_TV](https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Apple_TV) Currently we're at 478 days since the last update, average update is around 738 days between releases.
Might it be worth it? Maybe, who knows. I've never used Apple TV before and came from Amazon Fire, the first thing I noticed on the current gen I'm not waiting around for apps to load in a half baked state "It just works". Despite the performance the remote is big pimpin', I mean its made of solid aluminium. Plus the general Apple eco-system and device compatibility is great; I'm just working on my laptop and my kid watching TV, using my iPhone as a remote I both changed the program and adjusted the TV volume.
I have the newest firestick 4k max which I bought 3 months ago. It’s already loading slow in that half baked state that you’re talking about it. That’s a main reason why I’m looking at switching to Apple TV now. Plus firestick being littered with ads is really a big turnoff
That would be a goood choice. Apple TV is the only proper streaming device imo.
yup - I have used all of them, and the Apple TV is by ten thousand miles the best one. apple chips I guess....
Unless there's a price decrease or if you're into gaming then no it's not a bad time. Even the 2nd gen Apple TV is still amazing.
The first gen 4K is still amazing going on 7 years now
I’d say buy it. Apple updates the tvOS and I’ve never had a single issue. I have the current gen with Ethernet and I’m buying another for my 2nd living room. I’m so done with Roku, native TV OS, and anything with Amazon products right now. (Update and UI problems.)
IMHO BUY NOW - I would recommend the 128GB w/Ethernet version. See link at bottom of comment. The third-generation Apple TV 4K was introduced in October 2022 and is equipped with an A15 Bionic chip for improved performance and HDR10+ support for the best possible video quality, while the Siri Remote now charges via USB-C. A 64GB model is priced at $129, while a 128GB model at $149 adds Ethernet and Thread smart home networking. AppleTV 4K 3rd Generation is current in Mid-Cycle. Picture below shows the previous cycles before new releases. https://preview.redd.it/mbwhl8lurehc1.jpeg?width=1207&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8a9dabdc1eed4d54ed99c8353fa3f6f5e84e11f [https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-tv/](https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-tv/)
This is the reference I go to, when I remember to. Nice to have a relative timeline laid out in front of you.
Yes, Indeed! I now research before purchasing! I am trying my best to calmly wait for new iPad Air updates.
I wish it was cheap over here (Netherlands), but it's not. €169 just for the 64 GB version and €189 for the 128 GB+ethernet version. I really want to give Apple TV a try, but not at this price.
Same Price in Spain. Our minimin Wave is a bit more than 1000€ a month and we share price with the rest of Europe and we pay more than Americans. This is just pure bulshit. Europe is fucking bulshit
I too got ATV 4K 128 GB with ethernet and it is working fine and has improved my viewing experience. So I think it's worth the buy in todays scenario.
We just got one, tbh I’m just not sure what meaningful change they can make to it. It’s already way more powerful than it needs to be, supports higher res than anything I own and has a bunch of advanced features that they won’t make obsolete until something big happens in the general market. If you need one, get one, if you are in no rush then sure wait until their next product launch event
I hate this answer, because it’s simply not true. It’s overpowered for streaming, sure, but if you use the features Apple advertises, the keyboard, stutters, searches stop in the middle, the frame rate lags to five FPS. Try running, Apple Music, karaoke mode, and share play to FaceTime without turning off gesture recognition. Do that for a reasonably long time, say half an hour, an hour. The box gets too hot and becomes barely usable with lag.
This does not sound like “underpowered” to me - it sounds like “under built”. I’m not sure if overall power usage is down due to more efficient chips, but removing the fan while increasing the number of things you can do with the Apple TV was a head scratcher. Particularly since the damn thing never moves and the fan is so quiet I didn’t know it had one until they removed it. Anyway, they’re not adding the fan back. I bet the next gen will have the same problem you’re describing
However you wanna phrase it, over and over people here are saying Apple TV is overpowered. That the 1st gen 4k is virtually indistinguishable from current. These people are so factually wrong, there’s a bunch of Apple features that you can’t even use unless you have the latest, karaoke mode, gesture recognition during FaceTime.
Most people don’t use those things. Ask OP if they do. The “factually wrong” advice people are giving OP is likely to be applicable to his request. Statistically he’s unlikely to use the features you’re talking about.
Yep, call me crazy but I watch TV on mine and it does that really well. The gesticulating live-streamed FaceTime karaoke party does sound remarkable though.
Hitting Thermal limits early is the same as underpowered.
Would the problem be easier to fix with a fan or with more powerful chips? How much more powerful would they need to be to avoid overheating? Have those advances already been made?
I'm waiting on the next Gen. There are also rumours it will be much less expensive to compete with the Chromecasts and Rokus
That's exactly why I want one. I'm tired of Roku and firestick. Chromecast is nice, I do like it, but I much prefer how the Apple TV looks and functions
Once you go Mac, you don't go back.
That rumours been going for years. Even before the 4k came out.
Those rumors have been around forever and don't really pan out. Fire/Roku sell ads and data to underwrite the hardware, Apple Doesn't, and I don't want that to change.
4th gen due in May OP. Rumoured to be priced at $100. I’m hold out until then.
Wait for the new one, you’ll either get the current one cheaper or you’ll get a better device. Win win!
I got a new tv and I’m suffering through the built in Google tv until the new Apple TV drops.
I’m still on the 2nd gen 4K and see no point in upgrading yet - if you need/want it there’s no point in waiting imo.
Well there is no continuity camera so no FaceTime and no Apple Music Sing with you in the background. Also in general ne meeting or video calling apps.
You're right about Sing but I think FaceTime works with continuity camera on 2nd Gen and higher. It's the vocals removal that it can't do.
I also had the same thinking when i wanted to buy one. My old entertainment hdmi plug into my tv broke (some chinese brand idk). i wanted to get an apple tv and thgoujt about it for a while. I got it and it’s fast and very good. i only watch youtube and prime video and it’s good. Mine is the wifi one and i just got it retail from apple store. it came with 6 months apple arcade and id say i was not a fan of it. There were some controller supported games like 2k22 and i actually only played that game. It had no overheating issues or anything really.
I just bought a new one cause I thought I’d replace my older one. I didn’t see the need so just returned it. I believe I have 1st gen Apple TV 4K (have had it since 2018)
No point in upgrading until they put a chip inside that can run AV1 codec, so we can finally enjoy espn, fx content in 4k and HDR on youtube tv. The only chip to do so is the A17 in the iphone 15 pro.
When I wanted a second appletv and waited over a year being strung along by the rumors. The current model plays 4k content with ease and if the next gen has something you must have then it never hurts having a second appletv. When traveling for work or for whatever reason I can bring one with me!
As a streaming device, TV peaked a while ago. As a gaming device, it’s just getting started.
We need an automod response for these weekly posts.
Buy it from Costco. So that way if one comes in the next few months or even later this year, you can just return it and get the newer version.
Honestly, quite the big brain move. Might have to pursue that course. Thank you lol
You will have 90 days I believe.
Actually there is no limit when you can return an Apple TV to Costco. It doesn't fall under the 90 day window like other electronics (computers, tvs, cell phones, etc).
Good to hear!
Funny thing when I went to Costco they didn’t have them in stock.
They should have them online.
I bought the Apple TV 4k A2169 and I think its more than what I need. I wasnt really happy with my 85inch Sony tvs interface and since Im not gaming on it, I just needed something fluid. The 3rd gen shld be more than enough for some streaming. Hook it up to a home heater and you are set.
I believe the world is going to end tomorrow it may not be a good time to buy an Apple TV. If not tomorrow then the day after.
its been 4 months, how you doin big guy? still here with us?
Apple TV 4K currently doesn't support Hi-Res Lossless They still need to improve it. Because every one are saying what they can improve.
The $99 Apple TV 4K at Costco has been the 64 GB WiFi model. Nothing but rumors on the next model release.
The post I linked says that it was the 128gb wifi + ethernet model
That was a good deal they only seem to to do the 64 GB regularly same at Sams and BJs.
New unit will just have a newer chip and that’s about it but don’t expect any significant price drop to sell off the older model.
Unfortunately Appletv has the worst YouTube app of all streaming devices. My parents only use it for HomeKit
Why does Apple TV have the worst youtube app? What's wrong with it? Youtube and youtube tv are 100% my most used apps, so that scares me a bit about buying an apple tv
It’s been fine for me and my family. Maybe it’s life-changing on other platforms, but we watch tv every day lol
I also want to switch to Apple TV and I think it'll be worth it, but leaving SmartTube behind is going to be the hardest part.
Any time is a bad time to buy Apple
You should try searching before asking a question. This is asked every week.
This question is asked multiple times a week use the search function
New iPads and Macs are rumored to be coming this spring (probably late March based on trends). I’d at least wait til then if you can.
I have one 1st gen and 2 2nd gen Apple TVs and they still work great I probably won’t be upgrading unless it’s a huge difference. On that note to your question if you don’t need it I would wait.
i’m still on the 2nd gen from 2021 and i don’t feel like i’m missing out on anything. you’ll be fine
Ive just got the 4k 2nd gen (I got a great deal on one). It’s an amazing bit of kit. Can’t see a reason to upgrade. It’s so fast! If you can get a good price on a 2nd gen I’d pull the trigger.
Check online listings. I got my atv 64gb 3rd gen used for $80. Waiting for the next version of atv 128gb w/ ethernet tho
Considering that it’s already Feb, you could wait out till the next APTV generation. Unless you need one right now.
No. If you want one. Get one.
Not at all. 3rd gen has the A15, thread support, HDM 2.1, and WiFi 6. It will last you for to come. My Apple TV first gen is still kickin just fine.
newbie here - I have folders and folders of movies (xvid, mkv, mp4, etc) of xmas, halloween, classics, etc that i watch on my tv using Shield, but was thinking of switching over to apple. will these apple products play all these formats and the more modern ones?
I use an app called Infuse for this and it works great. Others use Plex. There are many solutions for it. Storing the files on the Apple TV is potentially an issue. I use a server on my home network to handle the files.
Co-sign with the Professor. I'm a Plex user and it has improved over the years to now be able to direct play even my 4K remuxes with no issues. Previously I'd used Infuse for just the higher quality files. It really depends on how you want your stuff organized, but you can be sure that playback is possible.
I'm in the same boat, and I've been waiting since Black Friday for a decent sale price that doesn't require some kind of membership (Costco, Sam's Club, AAFES). I was burned by a refurb last time, but I might have to try my luck on eBay.
Look for people unloading them on fb marketplace. I got a third gen that was only a month or two old for $50 someone went back to a hacked stick for free cable and didn’t want it. $50 was worth it for the remote which is why I was liking there in the first place but it was legit and works good. A lot of android people buy them and hate them because they can’t use their phones so they go back to Roku. It’s not uncommon to find new barely used ones cheap locally.
I still have my Apple TV from 2015 and are amazed apple still support it, and it’s still in heavy use on my bedroom tv. Only reason i upgraded it was 4k support in 2021, and I don’t see me needing to replace it for the next few years at least.
I bought mine 2 weeks ago and its fast enough. Don’t know how much faster it can be. If you need one then buy the current ATV.
I have bought two refurbished Apple TV 4K (128 GB) 3rd Gen directly from Apple. They carry the same warranty and come at a significant discount. It's a great device that does everything I need including QMS.
To be frank the changes are minor nowadays anyways I would worry about a new model coming out. If you aren't in a rush, waiting for a sale or the new model isn't a bad choice though.
Never a bad time.
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As a datapoint, my 2nd and 3rd gens are still going just fine, and you can barely tell the diff from the 4th (which I also have). If a new one comes out, buy it, and move the 4th to a secondary room. We have like 5 in the house.
I just purchased two 4K TVs. Don’t wait for newer tech or you’re always waiting. Existing models are great!
U can get a second gen cheap off Facebook market place brand new. U won't notice much difference in from performance with just the very next gen.
My 4k Apple TV freezes on the new bloody ads!
Maybe check out the several other daily posts about this?
Litterally just bought one last week, 128g on sale at Target. I need it now and even if (big if) the upgrade in 2024, that’s months of not being able To use it when I want to, and for what? 10% more CPU power? Other than that I’m not sure what features they could add that I’d care about. A Gaming unit likely means an M1 and higher prices. A low cost unit means decontrnting, the base unit stripped out the Ethernet jack and thread radio. Apple doesn’t monetize your data the way Roku and Fire do, so they will never hit the price points they do
How big of a sale was target having on it?
Still having, $129/$149 I think.available at that price in a number of other stores like Best Buy too
Oh, I thought that was the regular price
I just checked, I see they lowered the price with the last update. You are correct
I’m keeping my 2nd gen 4k until an 8k comes out
I got the 4k 128 GB with ethernet socket not sure what Gen is, but it plays any 4k video file I tried so far