Generations of Apple TV | A Complete Guide

Apple TV has been conquering the minds of users worldwide with its outstanding performance. It has the finest technology behind its development and an elegant design. Still, Apple TV is very simple and easy to access. Throughout the time after its release, Apple TV has undergone different updates. Each model of Apple TV falls under a generation. Each Apple TV generations are better than the previous ones with more attractive features. Let’s make ourselves familiar with the different Apple TV generations and their features.

Generations of Apple TV

The Apple TV models might look similar to one another with their compact size. However, they have different features and subtle size alterations as well.

First Generation

The very first model of Apple TV was released in 2007. It was initially announced to be name iTV which was later renamed Apple TV. It attracted the masses with its design and features.

Model Number	A1218
Apple TV Remote Control	Apple TV White Remote
Dimension	7.7 x 7.7 x 1.1 (inches)
Weight	2.4 lb
Processor	1 GHz Intel Crofton Pentium M
Storage	40GB/160GB
Supported Formats	AAC, H.264, MPEG-4
Picture Format	720p
Supported Interfaces	Analog Audio, Component A/V, Ethernet, HDMI, IR Receiver, and Optical Audio
USB Support	USB 2.0

Compared to the newer versions of Apple TV, the First Generation devices have a few limitations. It doesn’t have a built-in App Store or Siri support. You can find games and Netflix on these models. Also, they don’t support Dolby or HDR10. In addition, these devices have no Bluetooth support.

Second Generation

The second-generation Apple models were released in 2010. It has more features added to the existing first version. These devices have Bluetooth support, unlike their predecessor. Also, they have the support for the Netflix app.

Model Number	A1378
Apple TV Remote Control	Apple TV Aluminum Remote
Dimension	3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 (inches)
Weight	0.6 lb
Processor	Apple A4
Supported Formats	AAC, H.264 up to 720p, MPEG-4, MP3
Picture Format	720p
Supported Interfaces	Ethernet, HDMI, IP Receiver, and Optical Audio
USB Support	Micro-USB

At the same time, second-generation models don’t have a built-in App Store to install apps. Also, you can’t play games with this version. Unlike the recent Apple TV models, this older version doesn’t support HDR 10 and Dolby.

Third Generation

The third-generation Apple TV box is pretty much similar to the second generation but comes with a different processor. It was released in 2012 and it was the first to get a 1080p streaming quality to the platform.

Model Number	A1427 or A1469
Apple TV Remote Control	Apple TV Aluminum Remote
Dimension	3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 (inches)
Weight	0.6 lb
Processor	Apple A5
Supported Formats	AAC, H.264 up to 1080p, MPEG-4, MP3
Picture Format	1080p
Supported Interfaces	Ethernet, HDMI, IR Receiver, and Optical Audio
USB Support	Micro-USB

If you look at the limitations side, this version doesn’t have the App Store to access apps and games. Also, it doesn’t support Siri or the universal voice search feature. When it comes to the streaming quality, there is no support for HDR10 or Dolby in this version.

Fourth Generation

The fourth generation of Apple TV boxes comes with a built-in App Store. It lets the users install both apps and games on their devices. The App Store made Apple TV more desirable. In addition, it supports Dolby 5.1 and 7.1, giving you an incredible streaming experience. Also, it has built-in Siri support to make the device more simple and comfortable to use.

Model Number	A1625
Apple TV Remote Control	Apple TV Siri Remote
Dimension	3.9 x 3.9 x 1.3 (inches)
Weight	0.94 lb
Processor	1.4 GHz Apple A8 Processor
Storage	32 GB/64 GB
Supported Formats	AAC, H.264 up to 1080p, MPEG-4, MP3
Picture Format	1080p
Supported Interfaces	Ethernet, HDMI, IR Receiver
USB Support	USB-C

Unlike the previous version, the fourth-generation Apple TV doesn’t have much downside. If you like to stream videos in 4K, you might be disappointed because it doesn’t have the support.

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K is the new Apple TV that belongs to the 5th generation. It is the first version of Apple TV with 4K support. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR 10, making it one of the most desirable Apple TV models. In addition, it supports Bluetooth 5.0. Following are the features of the Apple TV 5th generation.

Model Number	A1842
Apple TV Remote Control	Apple TV Siri Remote
Dimension	3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 (inches)
Weight	0.94 lb
Color	Black
Processor	Apple A10 Fusion
Storage	32 GB/64 GB
Supported Formats	AAC, H.264 up to 1080p, MPEG-4, MP3, Dolby Vision
Picture Format	4K
Supported Interfaces	Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, IR Receiver
USB Support	No USB support

Apple TV 4K (Second Generation)

The second generation of Apple TV 4K is the newest addition to the series. It is an updated version of Apple TV 4K. It streams videos with great details with a high frame rate HDR. Also, it comes with a stylish second version of the Siri remote, which hypes up the appearance of the device.

Model Number	A2169
Apple TV Remote Control	Apple TV Siri Remote (Second Generation)
Dimension	3.9 x 3.9 x 1.4 (inches)
Weight	0.94 lb
Color	Black
Processor	A12 Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture
Storage	32 GB/64 GB
Supported Formats	Dolby Vision, HDR10, AAC, MPEG-4, .m4v, .mp4, and .mov, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, and Dolby Atmos
Picture Format	4K
Supported Interfaces	HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, IR receiver

What Generation of Apple TV Do I Have

If you are wondering how to tell what generation is your Apple TV, you have to follow these instructions.

1. Open the Apple TV Settings menu.

2. From the menu, select General.

3. Next, select the About option and get the device model number on your screen.

4. With the help of the model number, you can find the Apple TV model.

In the above section, we have compared the different Apple TV generations based on their features. Different versions of Apple TV come with new additions. If you are getting a new Apple TV, make sure you get one with a built-in App Store. Only then you can install apps on it.

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