Apple TV remains a capable media box. In line with many Apple products, it offers ease of use, relative stability, and considerable versatility. It boasts a streamlined tvOS interface and supports the features most users seeking quality would expect. After four years since the release of the first Apple TV 4K, anticipation has been high for a successor with enhanced performance and resolutions to existing issues. This is especially pertinent given Apple’s promotion of its gaming service, Apple Arcade, positioning the media box as a potential gaming console (with native support for DualSense and Xbox controllers). The key question is: what innovations in the Apple TV 4K 2021 / generation 5 justify an upgrade? Unfortunately, for most users, the answer is: relatively few significant improvements.
Focusing on the tangible improvements, the redesigned Siri Remote stands out. It features a larger, more robust design and reinstates physical buttons for core functions, reminiscent of Generation 3, including a dedicated power button for single-press shutdown (replacing the previous long-press menu navigation). The prior generation’s remote was often criticized for being too slender, small, and exhibiting imprecise control due to its touch surface and lack of physical directional buttons.
Beyond the remote, advancements are limited. The external design and dimensions remain identical to the previous model. Internally, the new media box incorporates an A12 Bionic chip (similar to the one found in the iPhone 11) replacing the A10 Fusion in the 2017 version. This is purported to deliver a 40% increase in processing power, and this claim appears credible. Navigation between apps feels slightly more responsive. However, the persistent issue of slow frame rate synchronization, resulting in brief black screens, remains unresolved. While disabling automatic frame rate matching is an option, it compromises picture accuracy and optimal viewing, a compromise unacceptable to discerning viewers. Apple needs to address this.
Further additions include ARC/eARC support, enabling audio streaming from the Apple TV to other rooms. For users capturing 4K video with their iPhones, AirPlay streaming to the new Apple TV model is now supported. HDMI 2.1 is included, but 120Hz refresh rates are not (currently), which would have been beneficial for gaming. The adoption of 8K resolution is likely to precede the release of a new Apple TV model. Support for Apple’s Thread offers a “future-proof” promise of interconnected devices within a mesh network, contingent on the widespread adoption of Thread by other devices (currently limited, with HomePod as an example). Wifi 6, standard for several years, is supported by the Apple TV 4K 2021. However, given that audio and video streams rarely exceed 100 Mbit/s, the primary benefit is faster downloads of purchased movies or games. Overall, the list of new features may not be compelling enough to warrant an immediate upgrade.
A point of concern regarding the A12 chip is the GPU (graphics processor), which benchmark tests indicate is approximately 30% slower than the A10 Fusion. Real-world performance may vary, but introducing a product in the Apple TV’s price range with a performance regression in a key area (even if only a 10-20% reduction) is questionable. The inclusion of “new” support for HFR (Youtube in 4K 60fps) and 29.97fps (for NTSC content) are welcome additions, but are unlikely to impact most users as significantly as improved graphics performance, particularly for resource-intensive games, an area where Apple appears to be targeting growth.
Apple operates uniquely, with admirable product aspects often juxtaposed with perplexing product decisions. The Apple TV 4K remains a good product, but the 2017 model remains a viable alternative, or purchasing it used offers better value. The new Siri Remote is available separately. The question remains: why release a “new” product, four years later, with limited meaningful improvements? Is a future Apple TV 4K forthcoming, emphasizing gaming with an upgraded GPU? The situation is reminiscent of the AirPod Max headphones, released for a premium price, followed shortly by the introduction of a new lossless audio format incompatible with the newly released headphones. Similarly, the new M1 Macs, now used in our office, lack native support for dual displays (requiring cumbersome and often unsatisfactory external solutions). These inconsistencies raise questions about Apple’s strategic direction.
As stated, the Apple TV 4K 2021 is a solid and dependable media box that functions as expected, warranting a recommendation. However, it remains one of the most expensive options on the market. Google’s upcoming Chromecast (currently unavailable in Sweden) with Android OS presents formidable competition at a lower price point. The Apple TV 4K 2021 shares many similarities with its predecessors. Skepticism remains regarding the “upgrade.” The faster processor and slower graphics performance effectively neutralize each other. The Siri controller is a positive addition, but can be purchased separately. Therefore, owners of a functional Apple TV 4K 2017 should consider retaining it and awaiting the next Apple TV model (which may be imminent). New purchasers will not be disappointed with the new Apple TV, but cost savings can be achieved by acquiring the older 4K model used or during sales.
Greater innovation and bolder decisions are expected from Apple. The current approach appears neither strategic nor customer-centric.
Så här sätter vi betyg på Senses