Apple TV comes in black, not white

Apple TV hardware is available only in black. The current models — the Apple TV 4K and the older Apple TV HD — both ship in a matte black finish. There is no official white version from Apple, and there never has been.

If you want a white device, you have two realistic options: buy a third-party case or skin, or look at older refurbished models from the original Apple TV generation (which did come in white). The case route is simpler and cheaper for most people.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD are manufactured only in black by Apple.
  • White protective cases and skins are sold separately by third-party makers and cost between $10 and $30.
  • The original Apple TV from 2007 came in white, but those models are obsolete and no longer supported by Apple.
  • Painting or wrapping your Apple TV yourself is possible but voids the warranty and risks damaging the device.

Current Apple TV models and their colors

Apple makes two current Apple TV models: the Apple TV 4K (released in 2022 and updated in 2024) and the Apple TV HD (the budget option). Both are black. The 4K model has a matte black aluminum body about the size of a thick paperback. The HD model is also black, slightly smaller, and made of plastic.

Apple has never released a white version of either model. The company's design philosophy for Apple TV has consistently favored black as the standard color, matching the aesthetic of most home theater setups where dark colors blend into entertainment centers.

Third-party cases and skins for white Apple TV

If you want your Apple TV to look white, a protective case is the most straightforward solution. Cases are sold on Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers for $10 to $30. Look for "Apple TV 4K case" or "Apple TV HD case" and filter by white or light colors. Most are silicone or rubber and slip over the device like a phone case.

Skins are another option — thin adhesive wraps that stick directly to the device. These cost $8 to $20 and come in white, matte finishes, or patterned designs. Skins are easier to explore than cases but harder to remove cleanly if you change your mind. Both cases and skins protect against dust and minor scratches while letting you customize the appearance.

Why Apple TV is black, not white

Apple's choice to make Apple TV black reflects practical and aesthetic decisions. Black devices are less visible in dark living rooms and blend into entertainment centers where most people place them. White devices show dust and fingerprints more easily, which matters for a box that sits in plain sight.

Apple has also used black as the standard color for most of its set-top boxes and streaming devices over the past 15 years. This consistency makes Apple TV recognizable and keeps manufacturing simpler — producing one color in volume costs less than managing multiple color options.

The original white Apple TV (2007) and why it's not worth buying

The very first Apple TV, released in 2007, came in white and was about the size of a Mac mini. If you search online, you might find used or refurbished models from that era. Do not buy one. That device is no longer supported by Apple, cannot run current apps, and will not work with modern streaming services.

Apple stopped updating the original Apple TV in 2011. It cannot read new software, does not support modern video codecs, and many services (Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+) have dropped support for it entirely. Even if you find one cheaply, it will frustrate you within weeks.

Painting or wrapping your Apple TV yourself

You might consider painting your Apple TV white or wrapping it in vinyl yourself. This is possible but not recommended. Spray paint or brush paint can clog the device's ventilation slots and trap heat, which shortens the lifespan of internal components. Paint also voids Apple's warranty.

Vinyl wrapping is safer than paint but still risky — if the wrap covers the ventilation ports or the infrared receiver on the front, the device will overheat or stop responding to the remote. If you do wrap it yourself, leave all vents and the front sensor completely uncovered, and test the remote when ready after.

Where to buy Apple TV in black

Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD are sold directly from Apple's website, from Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and most electronics retailers. Prices are the same everywhere — Apple controls the retail price. The 4K model costs $129 (64 GB) or $149 (128 GB). The HD model costs $99.

If you want a white case or skin to go with your black Apple TV, search for the specific model you own (4K or HD) and the word "white" or "case" on Amazon or Best Buy. Read the reviews to check that the case fits snugly and does not block the infrared receiver on the front.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I special-order Apple TV in white?

No. Apple does not offer custom colors or special orders for Apple TV. The only way to get a white device is to buy a case or skin separately.

Will a white case affect how my Apple TV works?

A good case should not affect performance. Make sure the case does not cover the infrared receiver (the small window on the front) or the ventilation slots on the back. Test your remote when ready after putting the case on to confirm it still responds.

Is the original white Apple TV worth buying used?

No. The 2007 Apple TV is obsolete, no longer receives updates, and does not support modern streaming services. Stick with the current black models.

What's the difference between a case and a skin?

A case is a thick protective shell that covers the entire device. A skin is a thin adhesive wrap. Cases offer more protection but are bulkier. Skins are thinner and look sleeker but offer less protection and are harder to remove without damaging the adhesive.