Apple has released five generations of the Apple TV box since 2007
Apple TV comes in five distinct hardware generations, each with different processors, ports, and capabilities. The first generation launched in 2007 as a small black box that connected to iTunes. The most recent generation, the Apple TV 4K (third generation), arrived in 2022 with a faster processor and support for higher frame rates. Between those bookends are three other models, each one a meaningful step forward in speed or features.
The generation you own matters because it determines what apps you can run, whether you can play newer video formats, and how fast the interface responds. Older models may not support the latest tvOS updates, which means you lose access to newer streaming services or features. If you're shopping for a used Apple TV or trying to figure out what you already have, knowing which generation you're looking at helps you understand what it can actually do.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV has five generations total: the original (2007), Apple TV (2010), Apple TV (3rd generation, 2012), Apple TV (4th generation, 2015), and Apple TV 4K (2017, 2021, 2022).
- The 4th generation and later models run tvOS and support modern apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+, while older models run a different operating system with limited app support.
- The Apple TV 4K (2022) is the current model and the only one Apple sells new; older generations are no longer manufactured but may still work if you own one.
- Each generation has a different processor, so newer models are noticeably faster at launching apps and navigating menus than older ones.
The original Apple TV and second generation (2007–2010)
The first Apple TV, released in 2007, was a small black box designed to stream content from your iTunes library to your television. It had a 40 GB hard drive and connected via USB to a computer to sync movies and TV shows. The second generation, released in 2010, was smaller and dropped the hard drive entirely—it streamed everything instead of storing it locally.
Both of these models are now obsolete. They run a proprietary operating system (not tvOS) and cannot read apps from an app store. If you still own one, it will not connect to modern streaming services like Netflix or Disney+. Apple stopped supporting these models years ago, and they are not worth troubleshooting if they fail.
The third generation Apple TV (2012)
The third generation Apple TV, released in 2012, was still a small black box but added a few new features. It supported 1080p video (the previous models topped out at 720p) and included an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection. It also introduced the first Apple TV remote with a clickpad instead of traditional buttons.
Like the first two generations, the third generation runs the older operating system and cannot read apps. It can stream from iTunes and a few built-in services, but it will not work with modern streaming apps. If you have one sitting in a closet, it is unlikely to be useful today unless you still use iTunes heavily.
The fourth generation Apple TV (2015)
The fourth generation Apple TV, released in 2015, was the first major redesign. It introduced tvOS, Apple's operating system for television, which meant it could read apps just like an iPhone or iPad. This generation came with 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, an A8 processor, and support for 4K video output (though it could not actually play 4K content). It also introduced Siri voice control built into the remote.
This was the model that made Apple TV a real streaming platform. Suddenly you could read Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and dozens of other apps directly to the device. The fourth generation is still reasonably fast for everyday use, though apps launch more slowly than on newer models. It can run most current apps, though some newer services may eventually drop support for it as they update their requirements.
The Apple TV 4K (2017 and 2021)
Apple released the first Apple TV 4K in 2017, which was the first Apple TV that could actually play 4K video content. It had a faster A10X processor than the fourth generation and 32 GB or 64 GB of storage options. The remote was redesigned with a glass touch surface and Siri integration.
In 2021, Apple released an updated Apple TV 4K with the A12 Bionic processor, which was faster and more efficient. This version also added support for high frame rate video (up to 60 fps in 4K), which matters if you watch sports or action content. Both the 2017 and 2021 models run the same tvOS and support the same apps, so the main difference is processing speed.
The current Apple TV 4K (2022)
The latest Apple TV 4K arrived in 2022 with the A15 Bionic processor, the same chip in the iPhone 13. It supports 4K video at up to 60 fps and includes Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds. The storage options are 64 GB or 128 GB. The remote was redesigned again with a physical clickpad and a power button that actually controls your TV's power (not just the Apple TV's).
This is the only model Apple currently manufactures and sells new. It is the fastest Apple TV ever made and supports all current apps and services. If you are buying a new Apple TV today, this is the one you will get.
How to identify which generation you own
The easiest way to find out which generation you have is to look at the back of the device. The model number is printed there—it will say something like "A1427" or "A2169". You can also go to Settings on the device itself, then About, and it will tell you the model name and tvOS version.
If you are shopping for a used Apple TV, ask the seller for the model number or look at the device photos carefully. The original models are small and black with a glossy top. The third generation looks similar but slightly different. The fourth generation is taller and more rectangular. The Apple TV 4K models are similar in shape to the fourth generation but have a slightly different design and come in black or silver.
What each generation can and cannot do
| Generation | Year Released | Can read Apps | Can Play 4K Video | Still Supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2007 | No | No | No |
| 2nd generation | 2010 | No | No | No |
| 3rd generation | 2012 | No | No | No |
| 4th generation | 2015 | Yes | No | Limited |
| Apple TV 4K (2017) | 2017 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apple TV 4K (2021) | 2021 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apple TV 4K (2022) | 2022 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The fourth generation and all Apple TV 4K models run tvOS and can read apps. The first three generations cannot. If you own a fourth generation or newer, you can use Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and most other modern streaming services. If you own a third generation or older, you are limited to iTunes streaming and a few built-in channels.
Only the Apple TV 4K models (2017 and later) can play 4K video. If you have a 4K television and want to watch 4K content, you need one of these three models. The fourth generation can output 4K resolution but cannot actually decode 4K video files, so it is not useful for 4K streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use an older Apple TV if I have one?
Yes, older models still work if they are powered on and connected to the internet. The first three generations can stream from iTunes and access a few built-in channels, but they cannot read modern apps. The fourth generation can read apps but is slower than newer models. If you rely on Netflix or other modern services, an older model will be frustrating.
Should I buy a used Apple TV 4K from 2017 or 2021 instead of the 2022 model?
The 2017 and 2021 models are still good devices and will work with all current apps. The main difference is speed—the 2022 model has a faster processor, so apps launch quicker and the interface feels snappier. If you find a used 2021 model at a significant discount, it is a reasonable choice. The 2017 model is noticeably slower and probably not worth buying used unless the price is very low.
Does the generation of Apple TV affect picture quality?
Only if you are watching 4K content. The fourth generation and earlier cannot play 4K video, so they will downscale it to 1080p. If you have a 4K television and want to watch 4K movies or shows, you need an Apple TV 4K (2017 or later). For 1080p content, all generations produce the same picture quality.
What happens when Apple stops supporting a generation?
The device will continue to work, but it will not receive tvOS updates. Apps may stop working as developers update them to require newer features. Eventually, streaming services may drop support for older models entirely. A fourth generation Apple TV will likely work for several more years, but the first three generations are already at the end of their useful life.
Can I upgrade the processor or storage on an older Apple TV?
No. Apple TV boxes are not user-serviceable. You cannot open them up to replace the processor or add storage. If you want a faster device or more storage, you have to buy a new model.