Term of the Moment
bare metal
Definition: Apple hub
(1) For Apple media software, see iTunes, Apple TV app and Apple TV app for Windows.
(2) For Apple's streaming service, see Apple TV.
(3) A family of popular digital media hubs from Apple that turns any TV into a smart TV. Introduced in 2007 as "Apple TV," its name was changed in late 2025 to "Apple TV 4K," and Apple's streaming service was changed from Apple TV+ to Apple TV.
Bluetooth for Local Devices
The hub uses Bluetooth for remote control, headphones, keyboards, game controllers, as well as AirPlay. See Bluetooth remote control.
Wi-Fi/Ethernet for the Local Network
The Apple hub 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, separate TV, Podcasts and Music applications. See iTunes and Apple TV app for Windows.
Current Model
The Apple TV 4K hub is available in Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6 plus Gigabit Ethernet (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 Hub Home Screen
Rather Innocuous
Fourth-Generation Apple Hub
Apple Hub Siri Remotes
USB C Dropped in First 4K Model
(2) For Apple's streaming service, see Apple TV.
(3) A family of popular digital media hubs from Apple that turns any TV into a smart TV. Introduced in 2007 as "Apple TV," its name was changed in late 2025 to "Apple TV 4K," and Apple's streaming service was changed from Apple TV+ to Apple TV.
Bluetooth for Local Devices
The hub uses Bluetooth for remote control, headphones, keyboards, game controllers, as well as AirPlay. See Bluetooth remote control.
Wi-Fi/Ethernet for the Local Network
The Apple hub 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, separate TV, Podcasts and Music applications. See iTunes and Apple TV app for Windows.
Current Model
The Apple TV 4K hub is available in Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6 plus Gigabit Ethernet (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.
The Apple hub (Apple TV 4K) 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 hub. 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) was 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 model, 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).