Review: Apple TV (4th gen)

Update: You can now read our review of the updated 2017 model, Apple TV 4K (5th gen). 

We initially approached the Apple TV concept with some skepticism. Considering the prevalence of “smart-TVs” and gaming consoles with app support, the necessity of a dedicated TV box, especially one tied to Apple’s ecosystem, seemed questionable. However, after using the Apple TV for nearly two years, we’ve come to appreciate its simplicity, advantages, and overall user experience. As is typical with Apple products, it operates seamlessly, offering an intuitive and smooth interface. Netflix streaming quality was notably high (surpassing that of other clients on the same network, including the TV’s integrated app), TED Talks were readily available (many with Swedish subtitles), and while HBO Nordic was initially absent, AirPlay from other iOS devices provided a viable workaround. The primary limitation of the Apple TV Gen 3 was its restricted app selection, confined to region-specific offerings. Our key expectation for the next iteration was expanded app installation capabilities, a feature that has now been realized, albeit with certain nuances.

The defining feature of the Apple TV Gen 4 is its support for applications. Apple’s ecosystem boasts a meticulously curated and quality-assured app selection, setting it apart from competitors with larger, less controlled marketplaces (such as Google’s Android platform and Google Play). However, the Apple TV is not compatible with the iOS App Store, which powers iPhones and iPads and could have potentially provided access to a vast library of apps from the outset. Instead, Apple employs TvOS (starting with version 9.0), a dedicated operating system. TvOS shares similarities with iOS and its App Store, but its apps are specifically designed for the Apple TV and its touch-enabled remote (discussed below), and are subject to a 200 MB size limit. While apps and games can stream additional data from the cloud, this limitation highlights a key consideration: the increased app availability on the Apple TV 4th Gen necessitates careful attention to storage capacity. The fourth-generation Apple TV is available in 32 GB and 64 GB configurations. As with iPhones, storage is not expandable, making the larger model a prudent choice for users planning extensive app downloads. While this capacity could also accommodate locally stored “recorded programs,” the value of this feature is debatable in the age of streaming and on-demand content.

Apple products maintain consistent pricing and relatively low margins. The company also applies a premium to its flash memory, resulting in price points of 1695 SEK for the 32 GB version and 2295 SEK for the 64 GB version at the time of this review. This represents a significant increase compared to the previous model, now available for under 700 SEK. However, the upgrade encompasses more than just memory, notably the TvOS operating system, which constitutes the core advancement in the Apple TV 4th gen.

The new device (identical internally regardless of storage capacity) incorporates an A8 processor, the same processor used in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Despite the subsequent introduction of the A9, the A8 remains a capable processor, delivering a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and speed compared to the previous Apple TV model, which utilized the A5 from 2011 (originally developed for the iPhone 4S). Of course, this comparison reflects three years of technological advancements. Beyond the processor upgrade, the device features a redesigned OS with its own App Store and a new remote, supporting both gesture controls and voice commands (via Siri). With HMDI v1.4 support, Dolby Digital up to 7.1 channels is now supported. However, the omission of 4K support is a notable drawback. 4K is an emerging image standard (four times the resolution of HD) poised for widespread adoption. While technological advancements occur rapidly, the lack of 4K support prevents users from accessing, for example, Netflix’s 4K content via the new Apple TV. This decision by Apple is unexpected, and it is unlikely to be rectified through future software updates.

The Remote

Users accustomed to the previous, compact silver remote and its straightforward button interface will need to adapt to a new control scheme. The Apple TV 4 includes a sleek, piano-lacquered black controller featuring a touch-sensitive panel that responds to finger movements, similar to a touchpad. While requiring an initial adjustment period, this interface enables rapid and fluid navigation once mastered. The remote also incorporates a physical home button reminiscent of the iPhone, eliminating the need to repeatedly press the menu button to exit applications like Netflix. Furthermore, Siri integration allows for voice-based text input and intelligent content searching. However, Siri support for Swedish is currently unavailable on Apple TV, limiting functionality to English and requiring an American Apple ID. Consequently, text input remains reliant on the on-screen keyboard, which can be cumbersome for extended searches. The absence of Bluetooth keyboard support, as well as the inoperability of previous mobile-based connectivity apps, is a limitation. While Apple may be developing its own solution, the current reliance on the on-screen keyboard and its associated precision challenges is frustrating.

Update: Apple’s dedicated remote app for Apple TV is now included in iOS.

The remote is designed to control your TV/Home Cinema via ARC (HDMI-CEC), with mixed results in our testing. While our reference Panasonic plasma was recognized, the remote exhibited erratic behavior, occasionally turning the TV off unexpectedly, particularly after periods of inactivity. After some experimentation, we retained volume control functionality on the Apple remote while disabling its ability to control the TV’s power state.

The remote also functions as a game controller for the growing library of games developed for Apple TV’s TvOS. While the current selection is limited to titles like JetPak and Asphalt 8 (which offers impressive visuals), upcoming releases such as Ubisoft’s Rayman Adventures, resembling a full-fledged Rayman Origins / Legends experience, show promise. While touch controls are functional, a dedicated game controller for Apple TV (available from manufacturers like Razer for approximately 550 SEK) enhances the gaming experience. The free-to-play nature of Rayman makes it a compelling title to inaugurate gaming on the platform. Harmonix’s Beat Sports also stands out, evoking the gameplay of Wii Sports with similar Mii-style graphics and simplified sports activities set to music, reminiscent of Space Channel 5. While the 95 SEK price point is slightly high, it warrants consideration when discounted. A special version of Skylanders Superchargers for iOS and Apple TV is also forthcoming, including a dedicated hand controller in the starter pack. We are interested in evaluating its compatibility with other games (update: it is, unfortunately, not compatible).

Pre-installed Applications
The Apple TV 4 ships with support for a comprehensive selection of TV channels and on-demand services. The SVT Play app offers the same speed and ease of navigation as before, alongside TV4 Play, Netflix, and the addition of HBO Nordic, which now enjoys native support, eliminating the need for AirPlay workarounds. A radio application (My Tuner) provides access to global radio stations (including NPR), accompanied by cooking and fitness apps.

The app ecosystem currently encompasses approximately 100 applications, with further growth anticipated. The ability to freely download desired applications enhances the user experience. TvOS avoids pre-loading the home screen with unnecessary channels and allows users to customize their experience. Application icons can be freely arranged, and future updates are expected to introduce grouping capabilities, similar to those found on the iPhone (as observed in leaked versions of upcoming TvOS releases).

As a recently launched product, the Apple TV 4th gen exhibits some initial issues. The operating system is still maturing and lacks complete stability. While generally performing well, occasional freezes or sluggish button response may occur. AirPlay connectivity is also inconsistent, with playback interruptions occurring when streaming from a computer (Macbook Pro). Streaming movies from a computer or external storage device is effectively addressed via Plex, which offers native Apple TV app support. Plex delivers smooth playback and excellent quality, even with high-bandwidth 1080p content, DD5.1 audio, and user-selectable subtitle tracks.

Conclusion

Overall, the Apple TV 4 represents a significant and welcome upgrade. Its user-friendly design and seamless functionality align with the standards expected from Apple’s premium products.

However, the lack of 4K support is a disappointment, given the imminent adoption of the standard, as is the limited Bluetooth support for external devices such as keyboards (although headphones are supported). The TvOS App Store holds considerable promise, and maintaining reasonable pricing could contribute to its success and further solidify Apple’s ecosystem.

Given its recent launch, the Apple TV 4 exhibits some initial software-related issues and lacks Siri support in Sweden. Potential buyers may consider delaying their purchase until February-March, when software updates, a broader app selection, and potentially Siri support become available (and when prices may decrease). However, if gifted, the Apple TV 4 offers a compelling user experience with substantial potential for future improvement.