Apple TV is a set-top box that allows a television to become a display screen for Internet content. Once connected, Apple TV allows end users to display digital data from their own iOS devices, as well as from a number of partner sources.

There's a faster A15 Bionic chip inside the new Apple TV 4K that delivers up to 50 percent better CPU performance and 30 percent better GPU performance than the previous Apple TV 4K. The efficiency improvements of the chip also mean that the Apple TV uses up to 30 percent less power.

The main difference between the ‌Apple TV‌ HD and the ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is the resolutions that they support. The ‌Apple TV‌ HD supports resolutions up to Full HD at 1080p, while the ‌Apple TV‌ 4K supports resolutions up to Ultra HD at 2160p.

To take full advantage of Apple TV 4K's audio and visual capabilities, you'll need a TV that supports 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision, and a sound system that is Dolby Atmos–compatible. Note: Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Ethernet support TVs with HDR10+.

Generally speaking, when you talk about Apple TV, you're talking about hardware, or what commonly is referred to as a set-top box, which plugs into your television via HDMI. The official name of the current hardware is Apple TV 4K, which is now in its third generation.

Best streaming device overall Apple TV 4K works with all of your Apple devices and services, offering an unparalleled experience for the Apple fan. The 4K High Frame Rate HDR and Dolby Vision, combined with Apple's A12 Bionic chip, mean a stellar picture, while Dolby Atmos sound guarantees superior sound.

Inside the new Apple TV 4K is where you'll find the biggest change: A huge upgrade in chip technology with the A15 Bionic - the same that powers the iPhone 13 - making the streaming box capable of supporting HDR10+ (its predecessor maxed out at HDR10).

Apple TV

You need an Apple ID to use it, yes, but you need some kind of account for any other streaming box; more importantly, unlike the Apple Watch, you didn't need an iPhone to use it. And its best features aren't locked away if you don't have an iPhone, as is the case with the AirPods.

You can stream TV shows and movies on Apple TV+ through the Apple TV app on up to six devices at once, such as an iPhone, Android phone, or smart TV.

It has the broadest catalogue of streaming apps available, which are typically better than on any other platform, too. It supports all the key video formats and Dolby Atmos. And there aren't adverts cluttering up your home screen. It is particularly good if you're an Apple user already.

There's now enough good and great content to rank Apple TV+ as one of the top-tier streaming entertainment services. While you won't find the same massive volume of content that Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu maintain in their libraries, Apple TV+ is still one of the least-expensive services of its kind.

Apple TV+

• New Apple Originals every month - always ad‑free.
• Stream on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, consoles, or sticks.
• Watch in 4K HDR video with immersive Spatial Audio.
• Share a single subscription with up to five people.

Almost all modern TVs work with the Apple TV 4K streaming device, but there are some exceptions. Firstly, your set needs an HDMI port above HDMI 1.2, as this is how you will connect it to the device. Anything older won't work.

A: Yes, you can use the Apple TV4K on a non-4K television.

There's more on Apple TV 4K than just TV.

• Apple TV app. Watch, rent, or buy your favorite shows and movies all in one expertly curated app.
• Apple TV+.
• Apple Fitness+.
• Apple Music.
• Apple Arcade.
• Photos.