Apple TV is a line of digital media players, with Apple TV 4K the latest. Despite the name, these are not actually televisions, but a set-top box that connects to a TV to stream digital content. The devices run tvOS.
It supports popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
There’s also deep integration with Apple services, including the Apple TV+ streaming service, Apple Music, Apple Arcade (gaming), Siri and iCloud Photos. And there are thousands of apps and games specifically designed for the Apple TV.
The latest Apple TV 4K is powered by an A12 Bionic chip and supports high frame rate HDR playback. A redesigned Siri Remote is also bundled with the box. Unlike the previous iteration of the remote, the new Siri Remote features a clickable wheel reminiscent of the iPod.
All hail the mighty Siri Remote. Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
You can set up your Apple TV’s Siri Remote to control the volume levels of a separate sound system. It might not work out of the box. But with a little poking around in Settings, you can set it up so you can use the convenient volume buttons built into the Siri Remote to control sound bars, etc.
That means you won’t need to keep two or three remotes lying around — you can make it all work from just one. It just takes a little setup.
Fix the remote, the Home Screen, and those pesky sports notifications. Image: Davidbspalding/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
There are three Apple TV settings I always tell people to change as soon as they set theirs up. While I heartily recommend the Apple TV over the clunky and ad-infested experience of Roku and other smart TVs, it’s not perfect. You’ll want to change a few things to make it right.
First of all, you can put one of the Siri Remote buttons to better use. The TV button, by default, opens the Apple TV app — but you can have it take you to the Home Screen instead. Also, you’ll want to change the Home Screen to show your Continue Watching list, not its recommendations. And finally, you can turn off those annoying Apple TV sports notifications to stop the interruptions while you’re watching your shows.
Change these three annoying default settings, and you’ll be in for a far better viewing experience. Keep reading or watch our video to find out how.
Here’s when to expect HomePod mini 2 and a next-gen Apple TV 4K. AI Image: ChatGPT
Apple isn’t done launching new products this fall. Rumors point to the much-anticipated HomePod mini 2 finally coming soon, along with a next-gen Apple TV 4K.
Here’s everything we know about these upcoming home-entertainment devices.
Think movies and shows on Apple TV 4K tend to be too dark? Relief could be on the way. Photo: Dolby
Dolby unveiled Dolby Vision 2 Tuesday with big changes to the industry-leading HDR picture quality technology — and the timing couldn’t be better for Apple users. With Apple expected to announce next-gen Apple TV 4K at its September 9 Awe dropping event or shortly thereafter, the streaming device could be perfectly positioned to support the updated display standard as Dolby Vision 2 arrives, from day one or soon.
And Dolby Vision 2 could even solve users’ “too dark” complaint about Apple TV content.
iPad is getting a speed boost. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The 2026 version of the budget iPad will be able to use Apple Intelligence thanks to an A18 processor, according to information leaking out of Apple. And the next Apple TV 4K refresh could feature Apple’s A17 Pro chip. The company is working on an iPad mini update with an A19 Pro chip, too.
Internal code accidentally shared by Apple revealed key details about these upcoming devices and their processor upgrades.
Up to 25 participants on a Webex call won't get lost on your big TV screen. Photo: Cisco
With the launch of a new Webex app designed for Apple TV 4K, you can now use Continuity Camera on your iPhone or iPad to join in Webex calls on your biggest screen with up to 25 participants, Webex owner Cisco said Wednesday.
MLS Season Pass gives fans access to every MLS game, in-depth analysis and exclusive content. Photo: Apple
Major League Soccer’s 29th season kicks off February 21 on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, but fans can subscribe to the service starting Monday, Apple said.
International superstar Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami CF late last season, so 2024 will see his first full season with the club, and fans can also check out a variety of exclusive content.
You can now make Zoom calls on your biggest screen via Apple TV. Photo: Zoom/Cult of Mac
From the “better late than never” category, a version of the Zoom video conferencing app has launched for Apple TV. This means it’s now easier to make Zoom calls using a TV’s large display.
Turns out the long wait was actually Apple’s fault.
With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time. Photo: Apple
Apple TV 4K became a more versatile living room device with Monday’s launch of FaceTime on tvOS 17, Apple said, referring to it as “a powerful integration of hardware and software.”
“Users can make calls directly from Apple TV 4K, or start calls on iPhone or iPad, and hand them off to Apple TV 4K,” Apple noted. “FaceTime on Apple TV 4K takes advantage of Continuity Camera support to wirelessly connect to iPhone or iPad, and leverages the devices’ cameras and microphones to bring participants together on the TV.”
A place for everything and everything in its place -- including your Apple TV remote. Photo: Elago
Always wondering where you left the Apple TV remote? Maybe you should always put it in the same place when you’re done with it. And Elago makes that easy with its updated magnetic Metal Plate R1.
Just stick it to a surface on or near your TV and your R1 remote sticks to it. And viola, once you get in the habit of putting it back there, your remote is always where it’s supposed to be.
With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time. Photo: Apple
Apple said Monday in the WWDC23 Keynote that tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to Apple TV 4K for the first time. So you can put your calls with family, friends and colleagues on the biggest screen you have.
“tvOS 17 transforms the biggest screen in the home with FaceTime and new video conferencing capabilities, giving Apple TV 4K users the ability to easily connect with anyone right from their living room,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
“New features and enhancements make Apple TV simpler to use and even more enjoyable, reinforcing it as the absolute best option in the living room for Apple customers,” he added.
The new multiview feature on Apple TV 4K can show up to four simultaneous streams on MLS Season Pass or Friday Night Baseball. Image: Apple
Apple rolled out its new multiview feature on Apple TV 4K Thursday. It lets sports fans watch four streams at once, mixing and matching programming in a choice of layouts.
And that programming can include not just Major League Soccer matches and Friday Night Baseball games, but also selected MLS and MLB live shows with commentators.
Not too bad for an Apple product launch event that never actually happened, I guess. Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: For once, Apple’s new products leave us scratching our heads more than reaching for our wallets. We let loose our first impressions of this week’s new iPads, the surprisingly affordable Apple TV 4K, that ridiculous Apple Pencil dongle and more.
Also on The CultCast:
Is the new Magic Keyboard Folio really all that magical? Some features sound great, but we don’t think it will turn your iPad into a laptop — at least not one you can use on your lap!
What’s up with that USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter? Like everyone else in the Apple universe, we’re not diggin’ the dongle.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Our sponsor: Squarespace
Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.
The latest Apple TV 4K is more powerful than ever. Photo: Apple
Apple has unveiled the 2022 Apple TV 4K with significantly faster internals and a lower price. It features the same A15 Bionic chip found inside the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series.
The 2022 Apple TV carries a lower starting price of $129, making it $50 cheaper than the previous model.
Grab the set-top streamer at this irresistible price. Photo: Apple
In the market for a new streaming device? The 2021 Apple TV 4K is once again down to its lowest price on Amazon, making it the perfect time to pick one up.
HomePod mini is one of the devices that can be a Thread 1.3.0 border router. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
A major Thread networking standard update Tuesday brings the Matter home automation technology standard a step closer for those who already own certain devices. Namely, gear that can act as a border router in the smart home — like Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini.
Thread 1.3.0 lets Thread devices work with any other Thread border router. That’s big because Thread will be Matter’s main wireless protocol, along with Wi-Fi.
Does the Siri Remote have you going around in circles? Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac
When Apple TV 4K launched last year, it had fans salivating. But not for the sharper picture or faster processor. It was the new Siri Remote that caught everyone’s eye. Had Cupertino finally made a TV remote control that didn’t suck?
With its iPod-style scroll wheel, the second-generation Siri Remote promised to make scrolling through content effortless. In reality, the scroll wheel turned out to be hard to use, and lacked support from third-party apps like YouTube.
But don’t throw your remote at the TV just yet. When you get the hang of its quirks, the Siri Remote scroll wheel works surprisingly well. And you can use it with loads of essential apps, including Netflix, HBO Max and, of course, Apple TV+.
Apple TV 4K is a real steal after a massive 27% discount Photo: Apple
Looking to buy the Apple TV 4K? Amazon currently has an irresistible deal that drops the streaming box to its lowest-ever price of $129.99. That’s a massive $49.01 discount off its MSRP.
The deal is unlikely to last for long, so pull the trigger on it as soon as possible.
It's a big improvement from its predecessor. But not easy to open up. Photo: Apple
Most people haven’t gotten their hands on the 2021 Apple TV 4K yet. The good folks at iFixit have not only picked one up, but they’ve also stripped it down to peer inside.
A new teardown video suggests that the next-gen set-top box could be fairly straightforward to fix. However, don’t expect that same repair ease to apply to the upgraded Siri Remote.
Wouldn't it have been great if the Siri Remote featured some of Apple's smart AirTag tracking tech? Photo: Apple
Of all the items that get misplaced regularly in my home, the TV remote has got to rank up there as number one. Other items, such as keys and wallet, may have a smaller footprint, but for whatever reason it’s the TV remote which constantly winds up going MIA.
With Apple redesigning the hated Siri Remote for its 2021 Apple TV 4K, you’d think it would be the perfect time to add some kind of tracking functionality to the device. After all, Apple’s just introduced AirTag, its location-tracking smart tech which promises to help you locate those hard-to-find with impressive accuracy.
Surely Apple could have squeezed its U1 Precision Tracking tech into the revamped Siri Remote? Apparently not. And according to a somewhat cryptic comment by Tim Twerdahl, Apple’s vice president of product marketing for home and audio, it’s to do with it being too thick. Or something.
Apple might combine video and music into one subscription. Photo: Apple
The new Apple TV 4K with faster A12 Bionic processor, high frame rate HDR, and all-new Siri Remote is out now. Prices start at just $179, and there is a way to make yours even more affordable.
Sell your old Apple TV (and other Apple devices) to Cult of Mac today and we’ll send you a nice stack of cash to make your upgrade more affordable.