It's been more than three years, but we finally have a new Apple TV. The last time Apple updated its popular media streamer was back in 2012, and it has really started to show its age. Especially when you consider the broad app ecosystems and 4K streaming support offered by competing devices like the Amazon Fire TV and the Roku 4. Thanks to the new iOS-based tvOS 9, Apple has solved one of those problems; the new media streamer now offers plenty of apps. And a new Siri-powered remote makes navigation via voice a breeze. Still, it lacks 4K support, and with a price tag higher than any of our top picks (including the $99 Editors' Choice Amazon Fire TV), it feels like too little, too late.
Design
The new Apple TV has the same matte black plastic design and squarish shape of the previous model. It measures the same 3.9 inches across, but is nearly twice as thick at 1.4 inches. It's still a very tiny box you can stick almost anywhere underneath or behind your HDTV.
This version sees the return of local storage in the form of 32GB of solid state memory (or 64GB for the $199 model), to be used for apps and games. Unless you intend to download a lot of games, the 32GB model should suit you just fine. The reintroduction of local storage doesn't explain the thicker profile of the device. It's likely a combination of storage and increased processing power.
While the box is bigger, its back panel actually holds fewer ports than before. The HDMI video output, micro USB port, and Ethernet port are still there, along with the two-prong laptop-style power connector, but the optical audio output of the last model has been removed. This is relatively minor, since your HDTV likely has its own optical audio output if you want to run audio through a soundbar or speaker system. Still, it's an odd omission considering the larger frame.
The remote has been completely redesigned, and now looks and feels more like an iOS device than ever. It's a flat, slender bar, with curved edges and a Lightning connector on the bottom for topping up its rechargeable batteries. You could easily mistake it for a new iPod touch. The back is sturdy aluminum, and the front is approximately halved width-wise into glossy and matte black sections. The matte black portion holds the built-in touchpad for navigating on-screen menus, along with the Menu/Back and Home buttons. The touchpad is responsive and comfortable, and physically clicks rather than relying on surface taps, so you won't accidentally trigger it.
Microphone/Siri and Play/Pause buttons occupy the glossy section of the remote, along with a volume rocker. Two small microphone holes near the top, one each on the front and back sides, are for voice control. A small black rectangle on the front holds an infrared emitter as a backup control if the Bluetooth connection to the Apple TV doesn't work.
Design
The new Apple TV has the same matte black plastic design and squarish shape of the previous model. It measures the same 3.9 inches across, but is nearly twice as thick at 1.4 inches. It's still a very tiny box you can stick almost anywhere underneath or behind your HDTV.
This version sees the return of local storage in the form of 32GB of solid state memory (or 64GB for the $199 model), to be used for apps and games. Unless you intend to download a lot of games, the 32GB model should suit you just fine. The reintroduction of local storage doesn't explain the thicker profile of the device. It's likely a combination of storage and increased processing power.
While the box is bigger, its back panel actually holds fewer ports than before. The HDMI video output, micro USB port, and Ethernet port are still there, along with the two-prong laptop-style power connector, but the optical audio output of the last model has been removed. This is relatively minor, since your HDTV likely has its own optical audio output if you want to run audio through a soundbar or speaker system. Still, it's an odd omission considering the larger frame.
The remote has been completely redesigned, and now looks and feels more like an iOS device than ever. It's a flat, slender bar, with curved edges and a Lightning connector on the bottom for topping up its rechargeable batteries. You could easily mistake it for a new iPod touch. The back is sturdy aluminum, and the front is approximately halved width-wise into glossy and matte black sections. The matte black portion holds the built-in touchpad for navigating on-screen menus, along with the Menu/Back and Home buttons. The touchpad is responsive and comfortable, and physically clicks rather than relying on surface taps, so you won't accidentally trigger it.
Microphone/Siri and Play/Pause buttons occupy the glossy section of the remote, along with a volume rocker. Two small microphone holes near the top, one each on the front and back sides, are for voice control. A small black rectangle on the front holds an infrared emitter as a backup control if the Bluetooth connection to the Apple TV doesn't work.
