Check the Model Number in Settings
The fastest way to find your Apple TV generation is through the device itself. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, then select About. Look for the line that says Model. You will see a code like A1427, A1469, A2169, or similar — this is your model number, and it tells you exactly which generation you have.
Write down this model number or take a photo of it. You will use it to cross-reference against Apple's official list of models and their generations. The model number is the most reliable identifier because it does not change, even if the software updates.
Key Takeaways
- Your Apple TV model number appears in Settings > About > Model, and it is the most reliable way to identify your generation.
- Apple TV generations range from the original 2007 model through the current fourth-generation (2015 and later), with different model numbers for each.
- The physical appearance and remote design changed between generations, so you can also identify your device by looking at it.
- Knowing your generation matters because older models may not support newer apps, streaming services, or software updates.
Match Your Model Number to the Generation Chart
Once you have your model number, use this reference to find your generation:
| Generation | Model Numbers | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| First generation | A1218 | 2007 |
| Second generation | A1378 | 2010 |
| Third generation | A1427, A1469 | 2012 |
| Fourth generation | A1625, A1670, A1842, A2169, A2843 | 2015 and later |
The fourth generation is the most common model in use today. If your model number falls in that range, your device supports tvOS updates, modern apps, and the current Siri remote. Older generations may have limited app support and will not receive the latest software.
Identify Your Device by Its Physical Appearance
If you cannot access the Settings menu or prefer to look at the device itself, the generation is visible in the design. The first and second generations are black boxes with a glossy front panel and a white Apple logo. The third generation looks similar but is slightly smaller and has a matte finish on top.
The fourth generation, released in 2015 and all models since, is a flat black box about the size of a deck of cards. It has a touch-sensitive remote with a glass surface on top (or a newer Siri remote with buttons and a clickpad). If your Apple TV looks like a small flat rectangle, it is fourth generation or newer.
The remote is also a clue. Older remotes are silver aluminum with a circular click wheel. Fourth-generation remotes are either black with a glass touchpad or the newer Siri Remote with a white or black finish and physical buttons.
Check the Back of Your Device
Turn your Apple TV around and look at the back panel. You will see small text printed on the casing that includes the model number. It appears near the power input and other port information. This is the same model number that appears in Settings, so it serves as a backup way to identify your device if the menu system is not responding.
The back panel also shows the serial number, which is different from the model number. The serial number is unique to your device but does not tell you the generation — use the model number instead.
Why Your Generation Matters
Knowing your Apple TV generation affects what you can do with it. Fourth-generation models and newer support the full range of tvOS updates, which means you get the latest apps, security patches, and features. Older generations eventually stop receiving updates, which means they cannot run newer versions of apps like Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming services.
Third-generation and older Apple TVs may also lack support for newer video formats, higher resolution streaming, or advanced features like HomeKit integration. If you are considering buying a new app or service, checking your generation first tells you whether your device will support it.
What to Do If You Have an Older Generation
If your model number shows you have a first, second, or third-generation Apple TV, you have two options. You can continue using it for the apps and services it currently supports — many older devices still work fine for basic streaming. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a current fourth-generation model, which will receive updates for several more years and supports all modern streaming services.
Before upgrading, check which apps you use most often. Visit the App Store on your current device and see whether those apps are still available for your generation. If most of them have been removed or no longer update, an upgrade is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my older Apple TV to a newer generation?
No. The generation is determined by the hardware inside the device, not the software. You cannot upgrade a first or second-generation Apple TV to fourth-generation status. If you want a newer generation, you must purchase a new device.
Does the model number change when I update tvOS?
No. The model number stays the same throughout the life of the device, even as tvOS updates. Your model number identifies the hardware, which does not change with software updates.
Where exactly is the model number in Settings?
Go to Settings > About. Scroll down and look for the line labeled "Model". The code next to it (like A1625 or A2169) is your model number. If you do not see an About option, your device may be very old — check the back of the physical device instead.
Is the serial number the same as the model number?
No. The serial number is unique to your individual device and appears on the back panel or in Settings under a different label. The model number is shared by all Apple TVs of the same generation and is what you need to identify which generation you own.
What if my Apple TV is so old it does not have a Settings menu?
First-generation Apple TVs have a different menu system. Check the back of the device for the model number printed on the casing. You can also look up your device by its appearance — if it is a black box with a glossy front and a silver remote with a click wheel, it is first or second generation.