Excellent summary - we currently have four Apple TVs, and I think we’ll probably pick up a a couple of new ones (with Ethernet) to replace a 2017 4k model and an original 2015 HD model, which has recently started to act up. Like you, I see no reason to upgrade the two 2021 models we purchased last year, which are still working great. But year-over-year upgrades are rarely worth it. Bummer they eliminated Ethernet and Thread support from the base model, but I’m grateful for the overall price cut.
These people are not Apple guys, or they wouldn't be having this conversation. There is no reason to OWN ANY APPLE DEVICES if you look at things that way. You can just buy the absolute CHEAPEST generic kit and it will work just the same. But it will feel like trash compared to Apple stuff. Look I get it, I didn't like to swallow that extra cost either. BUT I recognise that luxury costs money.
I’d love to see Apple take Arcade more seriously and add an M1 chip in the TV line up. With the new enhancements to Metal3 it’d be nice to see apple close the loop on gaming more tightly. Guessing I’m the odd one out here but it’d be cool to see.
Yeah I think you’d definitely be in the minority. It would make the Apple TV much more expensive when most people don’t care about arcade, and the Apple TV is already expensive relative to its competition. Would a Mac mini or iPad docked to the tv work for you?
I been using apple since the late 80’s , apple don’t show love for us gamers. Apple brought beats over bungie. Apple don’t have the balls to buy EA, apple is a joke about supporting gamers
I kind of see your point but I actually think the removal of ethernet and thread from the base model makes total sense. It allows them to drop the price to a point that potentially attracts a whole new market of people and specifically this is targeting your every day common man who wants to enjoy a good streaming setup but has no interest in fancy home automation or the performance of a hard wired connection. For most consumers honestly that stuff doesn't matter much, but the lower price will so its a smart move. For those of us who do care about those features the new high end model is only $20 more and is still cheaper than the equivalent previous generation models so it's a no brainer win all around in my opinion.
Will definitely get the top end one - still using the 2017 model and I’ve noticed some stuttering with newer 4k content lately which drives me nuts 😬! Proper eArc support is also welcome as Dolby Vision and Atmos content become more mainstream.
But no bitstream (truehd passthrouh) from players like Plex, it is a big no-no as nVidia Shield can do it for many many years, also no AV1 decoder which will be the future, so this makes apple tv fall to very plug & play users with like netflix only usage.
@@danex070 Today you can do everything with HDMi cable. Keep in mind that New now audio formats require higher data transfer more than toslink can transfer
@@danex070 What probably applies to Apple is probably that, they don't want to offer things that might encourage illegal file sharing of hollywood movies. Does Codi even exist for Apple TV? . Then the question is aren't there players for Apple TV that support DTS ?
@@Andersljungberg Today you COULD do everything with HDMI cable, but in reality its one of the biggest mess in the tech industrie, there are like 6 kind of HDR, 10 kind of sound format, CEC should work with everything, but in action there are many problems with it. Also HDMI has multiple versions and even the same version has multiple implementation of speed and technology. Like normal, arc, earc. Also earc its also TV specific what format they can passthrough or not. So as you are fine with youtube and netflix you gonna be fine with the built in applications, new TVs has decent speed, there is no need for a seperate media box. For higher category where you want to use your own sound system you will need a media box to drive that with a proper audio format and this is where AppleTV sucks. Many years before sure, TVs had trash performance and apple tv or an android box was a nice upgrade but now they are just useless for everyday use or they lach the technology for higher end use.
This makes sense if you have a Samsung TV that supports HDR10+ but not Dolby Vision. Otherwise this really looks like an iterative update. Some good thoughts in this video, nice job. 👍🏻
I’m hoping the new one supports High Res lossless audio. As it happens I’m still within my return window on a 2021 model I bought but haven’t set up yet so I’m returning it and ordered the new model. Not really an upgrade per se but I’m happy to spend the extra $30 to try the new model instead.
You forget to mention the 2022 model supports HDMI ARC. That's a big deal if you ever use your TV for non-Apple content and want to keep the sound routed through your homepods or soundbar.
I have 2 of the 2021 models which initially had a hard time with my Denon AVR and Netflix. Netflix resolved itself with firmware upgrades, so I'm hoping the hardware was updated beyond the A15 chip. I still have one 2017 version which I will replace with one of the 2021 versions. Mainly for more complete tread support. Someone gets a Christmas present because I keep all the boxes. The 2021 version had a real problem with pops and dropouts when using ATMOS.
What kind of issues did you have with your Denon? Every once in a while my tv will say there's no signal coming from the Apple TV on the hdmi I assigned it in my Denon AVR . Happens if I switch sources without turning the Apple TV off first. The issue doesn't happen with my other sources using the same HDMI port so I know its the Apple TV being weird. Hoping upgrading to these newer models will fix it.
I was really shocked when I saw no Thread on the base model with Matter just coming out. I obviously noticed the spec change but someone entering the smart home environment for the first time might not know what it is and see a video saying you need an Apple TV 4K or HomePod mini to use it which is now longer true as there is the exception
Yeah, I was surprised, too. They made it a point to say that iPads can not be used as a Matter hub, but can still be used as a base HomeKit hub and now they go and release an Apple TV without Thread. Go figure.
Sorry to hear they remove the Ethernet and thread from the base model. Often an AppleTV near your television will also be near cable modem and a wired Ethernet connection is often right there! Glad I got the one from last year and not the most recent.
You should replace the plumbing before buying a stuff like smart valve robot. And when it happens you should just go stop by yourself before you take out your phone, open the app and command the robot. It's crazy that it exist.
Thank you Shane for another great informative video. As a 2017 4K owner I will be upgrading. Ethernet of course. One thing to keep in mind is that since Apple updated to the A15 Bionic, then maybe, just maybe there is something coming with integration on the new Apple TV that will require the A15. Something like the as of yet unannounced Apple AR/VR headset?? Just my 2¢
Even after all the apple support posts and Reddit posts, the current Apple TV 4K is still plagued with Dolby Atmos playback issues with several sound bars. It be nice if they finally listened and fixed this issue with some under the hood updates in this new model.
I setup three original Apple TVs in our home in our guest Bedroom, Living Room and Master Bedroom several years ago and we love them. The Guest Bedroom is connected via WiFi and the other two are hardwired for the best performance. I sat out the 2021 update, but I pre-ordered two of the new Apple TV 128GB models with ethernet ports as soon as they appeared in the Apple Store. Looking forward to seeing if we notice any performance improvements over our older units.
My view is pretty similar to yours. Given the lower price it's hard to complain about the new top-end model, but I don't see why they even bothered with the lower-end model. Maybe they have customers who want/need *one* AppleTV which has matter support, but are also buying 3-4 other AppleTV's for the same house, and those people would want to save $20. But I'm really grasping at straws there.
Big miss on the U1 chip for sure. Thanks, but I’ll keep rocking my 2021 4K thread enabled Apple TV. 😊 Thanks for your honest and thorough review as always.
I‘m really excited about the new AppleTV 4K! I will definitely get the higher version as my very first AppleTV! The price is also great here in Europe! I want it mainly as being the heart of my Smarthome but are also curious about the viewer experience in general. Can’t understand why Apple also made that base version. Nobody would want to buy that!
It depends. My Spectrum ethernet and wi-fi download speeds are identical. There is no advantage in having the ethernet port. Most people will not use the hub thread feature on the more expensive model. The base model may be ideal for some users.
Great comparison Shane. However I think the thoughts are a little different. In fact you don’t have to compare Apple TV 4K base model with previous version of 4k model: previous lineup was built by HD model and 4k model. The first was the base one. So Apple replaced HD model with 4k base model and I think that respect the old model (that I still use in my living room ) it is a huge upgrade (ok they removed utp cable but for example the old HD had it but it supported an old utp protocol not more usable nowadays ): like the previous base model (HD) it hasn’t thread so I think its target is for the ones that don’t want to have an HomeKit hub (I am a great fan of HomeKit and I use it with HD and I was thinking to upgrade it just for the lack of thread support). So in this thought Apple has increased the base model price not lowered it as it did, unfortunately, with every device this year.
As I understand it, Apple have recently said that Thread will not be fully supported on the 2021 models- you will only be able to use HomeKit-compatible devices on those older models, as you need a bit of extra hardware that was added in the 2022 model
By now no 4k models where off market by now. If want can enable beta feature which gives you latest beta os and version of apps as well finished version when there ready.
Another good video out of the gate. Thanks Shane for recommending connecting the Apple TV 4K directly to Ethernet. I originally had the Ethernet cable connected to my smart tv, but I took it out and connected it to my Apple TV. What a difference!
Seems to me the lower end model is more like the old appleTV HD as that doesn’t have thread either. I don’t think they removed thread from the 4K, rather they added 4K support to the HD.
I think the title is wrong.. I think it should merely be Apple Announces new Apple TV's 2022 and here are my recommendations, instead of jumping into the negative zone of NOT.. It would be really nice if Apple were just consistent, as you noted makes no sense to remove Thread from the cheaper model, however unless this does require something specific in the hardware, perhaps Apple can add it back in a future TV OS update. If you already have a 2021 model, there is probably not a compelling reason to upgrade. Though its possible this is a pre-cursor to other products that may require the higher processor and memory features that the new models have.
@@ShaneCreates thanks, was not sure if there was some hardware requirement, does seem that to save a dime they leave out something like that... occasionally Apple shoots itself in the foot...
Doesn't make sense to upgrade from 2021 model 4k, i thought i didn't have thread support but now you have clarified it does so ease of mind for a couple of years now
Great synopsis. I think the underwhelming updates to iPad and Apple TV explain why there was no official launch event but rather some press release updates. Apple should understand that if they give their audience a decent reason to upgrade, we will do it. These provide no reason to upgrade from my vantage.
I think Apple here is probably just envisioning a longer upgrade cycle, as there’s rarely a need to upgrade these unless the upgrade brings you a feature or capability you want.
@Dr. Cole Sorry, but why should you upgrade every year? Or Apple give a reason to do so? These are "cheaper" models to gain new market share, that's it. We live in critical times where we should stop over-consuming products because there's a lack of microchips... Like what feature do you really need from a video streamer that would make you spend another 150$ for a new one (part from going from 1080p to 4k)? That's the price of a whole year's subscription to a video streaming service!
I have the 2017 edition, I am buying the new one and will sell the old one, so I think the upgrade cost will be small. The value on the second-hand market is pretty good.
Not really into Apple stuff and idk if this is a coincidence but in the thumbnail for this video the Apple TV box design kinda resembles a old school CRT with buttons on the side like how you would turn the volume or change the channel with your hand. Thought it was neat.
I bought two Apple TV 4K but I haven't been able to download any application for two months because both devices keep saying that I can't connect to the App Store (Apple can't help with that). I recommend other products like the NVIDIA Shield.
I’ve been putting off getting one because the price was a bit too high for me since I already have all these apps on my ps5 and smart tv but the price decrease makes it more appealing now and I can take full advantage of my AirPods while watching movies and tv.
I may buy one of the new ones for my mom at this price. She has an older Apple TV version right now that still has the older remote, so she tends to not use that TV. :)
6:20 I get your frustration with dropping Thread Shane, but you’re only looking at this Apple TV from a tech/smart home enthusiast’s perspective. From a business perspective, Apple slashed the prices to lower the barrier of entry into their ecosystem, and their cost from 128 to 64GB chips wasn’t enough of a cost savings to maintain their margin on the model that they know they’re going to sell the most units of. They know that significantly less people opt for the more expensive model of Apple TV, so they want to preserve the most margin for the big seller. Apple isn’t looking to get as many people into their smart home ecosystem as possible, but instead their ecosystem as a whole.
I just bought the Apple TV 4K with ethernet 2022 edition. I called Apple and asked the following question: what happens if I unplug the Apple TV out of the wall socket? Does my home hub stop working? Do I no longer have thread support? The technician at Apple had no idea. I asked the technician, "the Apple TV by default turns itself off after 15 minutes; does the thread support stop working at the same time"? She responded, no, the thread Support keeps working. But I'm not sure if she knows what she's talking about. Do you have any idea?
Yea you often need to get to a higher level tech support before they are much help when it comes to HomeKit. To answer: yes, if you unplug your Apple TV from the wall, your home hub will stop working. It needs to remain plugged in at all times. However, when it's off or sleeping (while still plugged in) it WILL still work and operate as your HomeKit hub, to include Thread support, automations, etc. Hope that helps.
Ok here thing only thing changed possible is chip and storage option and fact current remote use usb-c now otherwise that it. The current chip ain’t even latest M series it still uses A chip tech.
I agree with you on a lot. But I think the base model is just fine for those who already have a homepod (for threat support) and don‘t want to use LAN cabling at all in their household, maybe because of the layout of their rented flat
That is true. I just think that for an extra $20, it would be worth it... "just in case." Maybe it's just me, but I tend to move things around and change up my setup. This way, you got it if you need it or ever change your mind down the road.
@@ShaneCreates I’m planning to get the Ethernet model. I heard from apple sales guy that thread only works when connected through Ethernet. Is that true, please confirm so that I can get one. Thanks 🙏
Upgrade - no, but as a first time Apple TV buyer, im excited for the 128gb model! Also, the tvOS updates has been meh the past 2 years. I think they are making something big.
The one big (and frustrating, tbh) difference is that the new model supports RU-vid at 4k 60fps HDR while the older 2017 model doesn't. I'm not sure if they nerfed it, or just never offered the support for the app in the first place, but it feels like a false restriction to be honest, given that a much cheaper Amazon 4k Firestick can do it. That said, given how much I hate the touch section remote for my current ATV4k, I'm almost tempted to get the new one just for the better remote.
Never had an tv at all before already ordered one because of the price for my bedroom I’ll get the thread one for my living room later but that price made me pull the trigger
Well, I think that the cheaper device is marketed for those that aren’t home automation enthusiast and that way save little money. in my case I have 3 Apple TV at home only one is thread capable or 2021. The other ones are older, but since I have 2 home pods in different rooms, the whole house is covered. If I update the older ones I could get the cheaper one since I wont be using them as hubs. Just a thought
If you ser the video that is in Dolby vision needs then that could be an important question. But one question supports the new higher audio sampling rate higher 48 kHz Thus, those who are interested in Hi-res music on eg Apple music or music with spatial sound in headphones that Apple music supports
So here’s something I feel is odd (unless I am wrong, which is quite possible ;-}. I can turn off my Apple TV using Siri, but if I put it in my goodnight automation it doesn’t work. Is there a way to put it in there so it does turn off? Thanks in advance.
With WiFi 6 support on the Apple TV 4K(WiFi) and a couple Home Pod mini units with thread, you should be covered for all you HomeKit support needs! But, as a power user, I’d still go with the Ethernet version. 😊
I agree. It's more about those who may just be getting started with HomeKit. Those that may not have HomePods in every room. That's why I would like to see thread supported on both models.
Your correct but wrong at the same time. This isn’t a update for the same purpose as a cellphone cycle. This was a update for people with 3-5 year old Apple TVs. This was to lower the barrier to entry and continue the momentum as they close in on Hulu subscriber numbers.
I needed a 4K ATV for a new 4K TV and HomeHub as I start into a Smart Home, and I just ordered a 2021 model (32GB) from Amazon for $99. Still get Thread for future and my new TV doesn't have HDR10+ anyway. I didn't see enough advantage to spend $50 more for a 2022 with Thread support. My ATV HD will move to bedroom/travel.
Greetings from Montreal 🇨🇦, here a new suscriptor ! I built my own Apple ecosystem, but I never had an Apple TV before. Do I really need it if I have a smart tv at home ?
I got the higher end model with Ethernet, device is just a great as its predecessor. The biggest issue is the remote charging, going USB-C removing the lightning port is annoying, adding another expense to owning Apple products. They need to go back to including at least the charging cables with their products 😤
I wish on the apps such as Netflix and Disney+ we could download the shows/movies to the Apple TV like we can with our iPhones now that there is more storage.
Apple needs passthrough for audio to allow DTS and TRUE HD etc.. It's the only thing keeping it from being one of the best.. otherwise it's not a good device for those with highend home audio setups..
I appreciate the Wi-Fi 6. I don’t understand lack of thread like you said. At least the top got cheaper. I may grab one in Christmas to get rid of that last fire stick in the house!
Helpful video. I have an old Apple TV HD that works fine. My TV is an old Samsung from probably 2010. I’ve never previously given serious thought to upgrading the Apple TV on the assumption my current TV can’t make full use of the better 4K quality picture. However I’m now starting the build a smart home and adding cameras. Questions: Will the A15 chip make a difference in the functioning or reliability of my smart home? I don’t know if my Apple TV supports threading. Assuming not, since I’m adding cameras do you recommend upgrading to thread? Thanks!
Thanks for watching Bob. It depends on which Apple TV you currently have. The A15 could be a good upgrade from an older Apple TV (pre 2021). If you are getting into smart home, having a thread border router is something I would strongly consider, although Apple TV is not the only way to accomplish that. The HomePod minis also serve as thread border routers.
You left out very significant items. 7.1 should, instead of 5.1 limited. Atmos is likely to be something like 7.2.4 instead of teh doumbed down version. Video was supposed to be AV1, and you did not mention thank.
