Apple Does Not Manufacture or Sell TVs

Apple does not make television sets and does not sell them. The company manufactures computers, tablets, phones, smartwatches, and streaming devices, but not televisions themselves. If you are looking to buy a TV, you will need to purchase from a television manufacturer like Samsung, LG, Sony, or TCL.

What Apple does sell is the Apple TV, which is a small streaming device that connects to an existing television. This device lets you stream content from Apple and other services, but it is not a TV—it is a box that plugs into the HDMI port on the back of your TV. The confusion often comes from the name "Apple TV," which sounds like a television brand but is actually a media streaming device.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV is a streaming device, not a television set, and requires you to own or have access to a separate TV.
  • You can use Apple TV with any television that has an HDMI input port, regardless of the TV's brand or manufacturer.
  • Apple TV connects to your home internet and streams content from Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, and hundreds of other apps.
  • If you want a television that works seamlessly with Apple devices, you will need to buy a smart TV from another manufacturer that supports AirPlay.

What Apple TV Actually Is

Apple TV is a streaming media player—a small rectangular box about the size of a paperback book. You plug it into your television's HDMI port and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network. Once set up, it gives you access to streaming apps and lets you watch content on your existing TV.

Apple currently sells two models: the Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD. The 4K model supports higher resolution video and is more expensive, while the HD model is the budget option. Both connect to any TV made in the last 15 years that has an HDMI input. You do not need an Apple TV to watch streaming content—you can use a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or the smart TV apps built into most modern televisions—but Apple TV is designed to work especially well with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

How Apple TV Works With Your Existing Television

The Apple TV box sits next to or behind your television and acts as the brain of your streaming setup. You use the included remote or your iPhone to control what you watch. The device itself does not display anything—the television does. Think of it the same way you would think of a cable box or a DVD player: it is a separate piece of equipment that sends video to your TV.

When you turn on Apple TV, you see a menu on your television screen. From there you can open apps like Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, or any of the hundreds of other streaming services available. You can also use AirPlay to send video, photos, or music from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your TV through the Apple TV box. This is useful if you want to show family photos or mirror your phone's screen on the big display.

Smart TVs That Work With Apple Devices

If you want a television that integrates with Apple products without needing a separate box, you can buy a smart TV from another manufacturer that supports AirPlay. AirPlay is Apple's wireless technology that lets you send content from your Apple devices to compatible TVs. Samsung, LG, Sony, and other TV makers now build AirPlay support into many of their models.

These televisions have built-in apps and can receive AirPlay signals from your iPhone or Mac. However, they are not made by Apple—Apple straightforward licenses the AirPlay technology to other companies. If you buy one of these TVs, you still own a Samsung TV or an LG TV, not an Apple TV. The advantage is that you do not need a separate streaming box, but the disadvantage is that you are relying on the TV manufacturer to keep the software updated and to add new apps over time.

Why Apple Does Not Make Televisions

Apple has chosen to focus on streaming devices rather than manufacturing TVs. The television business is competitive and has lower profit margins than Apple's other products. By making the Apple TV box instead, Apple can offer a streaming solution without the cost and complexity of manufacturing large displays.

This strategy also lets Apple stay flexible. If a new streaming technology or standard emerges, Apple can update the Apple TV box with a software update or a new hardware model. If Apple made televisions, it would have to manage an entire manufacturing and supply chain for a product that becomes outdated more slowly than phones or computers do. The current approach—making a small, updatable device that works with any TV—has worked well for the company for over a decade.

Where to Buy a Television

If you need a television, you can buy one from electronics retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, or Amazon. You can also order directly from TV manufacturers' websites. Prices range from a few hundred dollars for a basic model to several thousand for high-end displays. When you shop, look for a TV with an HDMI port (all modern TVs have at least one) so you can connect an Apple TV box or another streaming device if you want to.

Many people buy a mid-range TV from a mainstream brand and then add an Apple TV box for streaming. This approach often costs less than buying a premium TV with built-in apps, and it gives you more control over which streaming services you use and how often you update your hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple TV with any television?

Yes. Apple TV works with any television that has an HDMI input port. This includes TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, and every other major manufacturer. The TV does not need to be a smart TV or have any special features—it just needs an HDMI port and a power outlet nearby for the Apple TV box.

Do I need Apple TV if my TV already has built-in apps?

No. If your television has a smart TV system like Roku, Google TV, or Samsung's Tizen, you can stream content directly from the TV without an Apple TV box. However, if you own an iPhone or Mac and want to use AirPlay or control your TV with Siri, an Apple TV box gives you a better experience with Apple devices.

Is Apple TV the same as Apple TV+?

No. Apple TV is the hardware device. Apple TV+ is a subscription service that streams shows and movies. You can watch Apple TV+ on an Apple TV box, but you can also watch it on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any other device with a web browser. They are two separate products.

What if I want a TV that says "Apple" on it?

Apple does not make televisions with its name on them. If you want a TV that works well with Apple devices, look for one that supports AirPlay, or buy any TV you like and add an Apple TV box to it. Both approaches will let you use Apple services and features on your television.