Apple TV 4k Set-Top Box 2023 Review

The look of the Apple TV 4k set-top box hasn’t changed much in eight years. But that doesn’t mean Apple hasn’t made improvements. For example, the hockey puck design has gotten a little meatier (from HD to 4K), and the Siri Remote has undergone significant changes. Simply put, the Apple TV 4K won’t disappoint (if you love Apple products).

It’s elegant, easy to use, and packed with the potential to support all your favorite apps. Apple has performed a nip here and a tuck there that may not be overwhelmingly exciting, but that has made the best just that little bit better.

Apple TV 4k Set-Top Box 2023 Review

It's more expensive than competitors and the technology isn't quite as fast or new, but when it comes to the Apple ecosystem, the Apple TV 4k Set-Top Box is the best the brand has to offer.

Editor's Rating:
4

Pros

• If you need the Apple ecosystem on your TV, this device is an affordable route.
• The Apple TV 4k set top box supports dolby video, atmos, and HDR.
• Via the device you can play games from the App store.
• Offers voice-control abilities.

Cons

• This option costs a bit more than competitors.
• The technology is getting outdated, with newer tech available from competitors.
• Requires other Apple devices to work best.

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Apple TV 4k Set Top Box Features

• 4K resolution with support for high frame rate HDR content. 
• Including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. 
• To get the complete experience, it must be paired with a 4K TV, and 4K content is also required.
• Siri Remote offers voice-control for better accessibility.
• A bonus is you get 3 months free of Apple TV+ when purchasing an Apple TV 4K!
• Apple TV 4K can now connect to other devices with FaceTime through Continuity Camera.

How Much is the Apple TV 4k? 

It is a bit on the expensive side, with prices as such:

• It is priced at $179 for the 32GB model ($199 For The 64GB option)
• However, if you look around on Amazon, you can find a 128GB model for $168!
• The 128GB option adds a gigabit Ethernet port and support for the Thread mesh networking protocol to connect even more smart home accessories. 
• The Siri Remote with USB-C is available separately for $55.

What’s New About the Siri Remote Control?

• We are adding a new design with a one-piece aluminum body. 
• There’s a click pad control wheel with five-way navigation, with the click pad also supporting touch gestures. The click pad’s outer ring supports a circular motion that lets you jog through TV and movie content.
• The Siri Remote is larger than the previous version and includes a dedicated power button that controls a TV’s power. 
• It also includes volume buttons, a mute button, an option for pausing and fast-forwarding, and a menu button.
• There’s a side button for activating Siri. 
• With the latest model, the remote now charges via USB-C instead of Lightning.

How to Connect a New Apple TV Remote?

There are several remotes that you can choose from if you’re interested in changing out the current remote that you have, or if you lost it. The basic aluminum remote has a simple design but there is so much more out there that you can explore.

For instance, there’s even a remote app to take away any physical remote, or a universal remote compatible with Apple TV which is super handy for those that want to compact all their devices into one handy remote. But getting back to the new Siri Remote, how do you go about replacing it the old one?

1. First, make sure your Apple TV is powered on and awake.
2. Then point your new Siri Remote at the front of the Apple TV box.
3. Keep the remote within 3 to 4 inches of the Apple TV the whole time.
4. Press and hold both the Menu and the + (the volume up) buttons for 2 seconds.

When the Apple TV is paired, you’ll see a message on the screen of your Apple TV that it’s connected. And your old remote is automatically unpaired.

CHECK OUT: Roku 4k Streaming Stick 2023 Review

What is the Setup for the Apple TV 4k? 

Apple TV 4K is a dream come true for people who live and breathe Apple products. Fortunately, Apple is user-friendly, if nothing else, so it’s easy to set up.

Plug in the set-top box with the power cord and connect to the TV with an HDMI cord that is not included with the setup.

When preparing for the setup, make sure you’re using an HDMI 2.0 or later cable, have a TV that supports 4K, HDR or both. If you have an Apple TV with an Ethernet port, you don’t have to connect to the Wi-Fi, you can just connect your Apple TV to your router with the Ethernet cable.

From there, your TV will prompt you through setup, and there’s only the touch-surface learning curve to hold you back. This is where you’ll sign in with your Apple ID and Wi-Fi if you’re choosing to use it. If you’re having trouble connecting, check out Apple’s support website for further instructions.

How is the Connectivity with the Apple TV 4k? 

The lack of an Ethernet port may be an issue for those who have flakey Wi-Fi in their home because one way to avoid connection dropouts while watching your favorite show is to plug it directly into the router via ethernet.

If you think you might need to do this, then the WIFI & Ethernet Apple TV will be the one for you.

Should You Purchase the Apple TV 4k? 

The 128GB Apple TV 4K streaming media box is the best value for money from this product line-up, especially if you are already in the Apple ecosystem, but it’s also one of the most expensive.

Yes, they are expensive, but the Apple TV 4k streaming box is still arguably the best portable streamer you can buy. However, most people don’t think of them or use them as portable devices, but the Apple TV is a great gadget to take on vacation or a work trip.

If you can get past the fact that it is expensive, it is an excellent purchase to add to your Apple family that is well worth it if you don’t already have an older model.

If you already have an Apple TV 4k from previous years, we wouldn’t suggest purchasing the new one unless you want to update if you have a lot older model of the Apple TV 4k.

Comparing the Generations

But with so many years of new products, how much has changed really? With each update that Apple releases for these Apple TVs, it seems as though the minor changes don’t add up.

This is a comparison of each product over the years to not only help you see what hopefully we can expect on the next release but show you what might be the best option for your home.

What’s Coming with the Apple TV 4K Set Top Box

The most recent Apple TV 4K was released November 2022. It was a thinner and lighter design with a larger, 128GB storage option and had the new Siri Remote. However, the next generation is rumored to be released soon, and there are some features and changes coming to the service.

First, the next Apple TV will have a faster processor than the current A15 Bionic chip. The rumors currently say that the new chip will be an A16 Bionic chip, however there is no confirmation yet. The rumor also says that price should be lower than the current model, which is a little surprising as most of Apple’s products tend to raise in price rather than drop.

Apple TV Compared to Others

Apple isn’t the only one that has a device that plugs into your TV and lets you stream video games, play games and more. If you’re stuck on figuring out what the main differences between other options, specifically Roku, the main difference is preference.

Apple TV has a smoother setup but really only benefits those that have Apple products as well. Apple TV also has a more accessible service due to the voice control and user-friendly features and settings. While Roku uses voice control, setting up can take a lot longer, especially due to having to log into several different channels. However, Roku works better with android devices, and is often on hundreds of smart TVs anyway.

Conclusion

Apple TV is an all-around great product that is must for those that want a compact service that features several benefits. From streaming games to movies to shows, Apple TV has it all, all while making sure that your system is up to date.

While the current Apple TV might seem a bit outdated compared to the other streaming options out there, it still holds its own after so many years, and with Apple always churning out new products, there’s bound to be another on the horizon. If you already have Apple products and want something that works well together, then the Apple TV is the best option, and is incredibly affordable compared to some.

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