Term of the Moment
Amazon Bracket
Redirected from: Apple Box TV
Definition: Apple TV
(1) A TV set from Apple that was only a rumor.
(2) For Windows users, see Apple TV app for Windows.
(3) For Apple's streaming service, see Apple TV+.
(4) A digital media hub from Apple that turns a TV into a smart TV. Introduced in 2007 and also called a "digital media player," Apple TV provides a source for a huge variety of entertainment (see below). Using Apple's AirPlay, the screen of any Apple mobile device can be sent to the TV via Apple TV. Photos and videos in iCloud can also be streamed to the TV. See AirPlay, smart TV and digital media hub.
Bluetooth for Local Devices
Apple TV uses Bluetooth for remote control, headphones, keyboards, game controllers, as well as AirPlay. See Bluetooth remote control.
Wi-Fi/Ethernet for the Local Network
Apple TV can send photos, music and videos stored in local computers to the TV via a wired or wireless connection. The content is made sharable from local computers via the iTunes application for the Mac and Windows or, starting with macOS Catalina, the separate TV, Podcasts and Music applications. See iTunes and Apple TV app for Windows.
Current Model
As of 2025, Apple TV is available in Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6 plus Gigabit Ethernet (wireless and wired). The video interface is HDMI 2.1 and Apple's A15 Bionic chip is the processor (see Apple A series). The Bluetooth remote control uses Siri for navigating the user interface, and all popular audio, video and image formats are supported.
Apple TV Home Screen
Rather Innocuous
Fourth-Generation Apple TV HD
Apple TV Siri Remotes
USB C Dropped in First 4K Model
(2) For Windows users, see Apple TV app for Windows.
(3) For Apple's streaming service, see Apple TV+.
(4) A digital media hub from Apple that turns a TV into a smart TV. Introduced in 2007 and also called a "digital media player," Apple TV provides a source for a huge variety of entertainment (see below). Using Apple's AirPlay, the screen of any Apple mobile device can be sent to the TV via Apple TV. Photos and videos in iCloud can also be streamed to the TV. See AirPlay, smart TV and digital media hub.
Bluetooth for Local Devices
Apple TV uses Bluetooth for remote control, headphones, keyboards, game controllers, as well as AirPlay. See Bluetooth remote control.
Wi-Fi/Ethernet for the Local Network
Apple TV can send photos, music and videos stored in local computers to the TV via a wired or wireless connection. The content is made sharable from local computers via the iTunes application for the Mac and Windows or, starting with macOS Catalina, the separate TV, Podcasts and Music applications. See iTunes and Apple TV app for Windows.
Current Model
As of 2025, Apple TV is available in Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6 plus Gigabit Ethernet (wireless and wired). The video interface is HDMI 2.1 and Apple's A15 Bionic chip is the processor (see Apple A series). The Bluetooth remote control uses Siri for navigating the user interface, and all popular audio, video and image formats are supported.
Apple TV provides the source for a huge amount of streaming content as well as games, workouts and education. The Continuity Camera enables iPhones and iPads to be used as a Webcam for video calls.
The 10-ounce box (arrow) on top of this CD changer is a second-generation Apple TV. With rumors that Apple was building a TV set, it seemed absurd the company would want to ship 30-pound TVs when this small media hub turns any TV into a smart TV.
Thicker than earlier models, the fourth-generation Apple TV HD (right) is still small. Siri was activated by pressing the remote's microphone button. The click wheel was replaced with a touchpad and later a clickpad (see next image).
When Siri was added in 2015, the mic button was under the Menu button (left). In 2021, the new remote (right) moved Siri to the upper right side and changed the touchpad to a clickpad, reminiscent of the first iPod. Mute and on/off were added.
In the HD fourth-generation Apple TV, USB Type C was added (arrow) to connect to a Mac for developer testing and screen recording. It was dropped in the subsequent 4K unit. Both of these examples have wired Ethernet (port on right).