The Apple TV 4K streaming media field is possibly the most effective one you should purchase (particularly for these already within the Apple ecosystem), but it surely’s additionally probably the most costly. It’s sooner and extra responsive than almost all rivals, with glorious assist for HDR and encompass sound together with Dolby Imaginative and prescient and Dolby Atmos.
However at a beginning value of $179, it’s additionally two or 3 times as a lot as different 4K streaming containers. For those who do a variety of streaming, the higher expertise might be price it, however the very last thing you wish to do is purchase one proper earlier than a brand new mannequin comes out. Right here’s our advice about whether or not it is a good time to purchase the Apple TV 4K or not.
Editor’s word: Apple additionally sells the Apple TV HD, beginning at $149. Although it comes with the brand new Siri Distant, it’s a really outdated product (six years!) and we don’t advocate it for anybody.
Apple TV 4K: Pricing and specs
Final replace: Could 2021
Apple has been promoting streaming TV media containers since 2007—earlier than the iPhone even! The primary Apple TV 4K was launched in 2017, and a second-generation model landed very lately, in Could 2021.
The brand new Apple TV 4K has the identical value ($179 for 32GB, $199 for 64GB) and the identical design because the earlier mannequin. Nevertheless it upgrades the A10X processor for an A12, permitting it to play again 4K HDR video at as much as 60fps. It additionally helps ARC and eARC. Maybe probably the most important improve is the brand new Siri Distant, which went from being one of many worst Apple merchandise to a fairly good and useful method to management the Apple TV.
Apple TV 4K is available in each 32GB and 64GB variations, however most individuals could have no want for the 64GB mannequin. Most streaming apps don’t use a lot house, so we advocate most customers not spend additional for 64GB.
Apple TV 4K: Why you should purchase
Apple often waits a very long time between Apple TV {hardware} releases. The present mannequin went on sale in Could of 2021, so we don’t assume there can be one other till the spring of 2023, or maybe even later. It’s additionally ceaselessly discovered on sale (on the time of this writing, you should purchase it for $119 from both Greatest Purchase or Amazon within the US). It’s costlier than different high-end streaming media containers, but in addition the most effective, with nice options, high quality, and efficiency.
Apple TV 4K: Why it’s best to wait
There have been rumors of an up to date Apple TV gadget for a while now. Relying on who you consider, it may come within the final quarter of 2022 or within the first half of 2023. It’s probably not recognized how a lot better it is going to be than the present mannequin–the main focus seems to be on decreasing the manufacturing value greater than the rest. For those who in no hurry to purchase, it gained’t damage to attend.
Macworld recommends: BUY
The brand new Apple TV 4K was launched over a 12 months in the past, however we expect a brand new mannequin gained’t be obtainable till 2023. If you would like one thing to make use of this fall and winter, it’s best to go forward and purchase. It’s made all of the extra tempting by the truth that you possibly can usually discover it on sale for a major low cost. Whereas the Apple TV 4K is $179 from Apple, on the time of this writing you possibly can choose it up for $119 at Amazon.
