I’ve had an Apple TV for at least 10 years now. It’s my go-to streaming device for so many reasons, but if you’re still on the fence about why to spend extra to go with Apple’s streaming box, I’ll share why I made it my choice.
A Great Remote
For several years, the Apple TV had a very lightweight remote that operated primarily with a frustrating touchpad. All that ended with the new 3rd generation Siri remote.
Its primary control button offers much of the same swipe functionality as the old remote, but it’s much easier to pick up and use without looking at it. It’s a little heavier (2.3 ounces), which is a good thing since the older version was just too flimsy to be substantial.
This newer remote also includes a much-needed “mute” button, which comes in handy for anyone tired of the same three pharmaceutical commercials that air all day long on cable channels.
You can also use the handy Siri button on the side of the remote to navigate your content. Just say “forward 10 minutes” and your movie will fast-forward. “Back 10 minutes” rewinds. You can also ask the remote, “What did they say?” and the remote jumps back about 20 seconds and temporarily turns on subtitles so you can read the dialogue.
You can program the remote to control a home audio receiver. Holding the “power” button on the remote can shut down the Apple TV, TV, and receiver all at once.
Another overlooked feature: the remote is connected by Bluetooth, so you don’t have direct line-of-sight to control your devices.
It’s simple and straightforward and easy to use without looking down. I wish every remote was this slick.
Best-in-Class UI
Many streaming devices bombard you with ads on the home screen. You may see ads for movies to buy, streamers to subscribe to, or even products to purchase. Apple TV avoids that. The primary home screen shows your apps. It’s a clutter-free experience.
The apps are laid out in a grid you can customize. The icons “pop” forward when you hover over them, so it’s easy to tell what’s highlighted.
It’s easy to add, remove, or move the apps around.
In an often-cluttered streaming landscape, Apple TV makes it easy to navigate.
Simple to Use
The Apple TV interface will feel familiar to anyone who has used an iPhone. The apps come from the App Store. The settings menu is clearly labeled and straightforward. Pairing a new remote or your Bluetooth headphones is easy.
The remote gestures needed to open, close, or control an app are intuitive, and you’ll memorize them quickly.
When you encounter problems with the Apple TV, it’s usually the fault of the software developers. The Apple TV device is more than capable of handling any app, but some apps are more stable than others.
The iPhone Remote Option
It can be easy to misplace your remote control every so often. But Apple provides the option to use your iPhone as a remote in a pinch. It’s not a full-time replacement for your trusty remote, but it’s a smart
AirPlay
AirPlay is another fantastic feature. If you’re watching content on your iPhone or iPad, it’s easy to send the content to your Apple TV. This also works well in a corporate setting - if you have Mac laptops or desktop computers, you can cast your screens to the Apple TV for a presentation.
Final Thoughts
There are lots of other features I haven’t used, like Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade. If you get an Apple TV 4K, you can even take FaceTime calls broadcast on your TV.
While other streaming devices have their merits, I’m happy to continue with Apple TV devices whenever we add a new TV to our home. Give it a shot and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as well.
Apple TV
Apple TV is a streaming device that can be used to watch Live TV Streaming Services and On Demand Streaming Services.
Limited Warranty
Your Apple TV probably isn’t covered against mishaps and malfunctions. We’ve partnered with 5Devices to give The Streamable readers a protection plan for any internet-connected device, including your Apple TV, iPhone, etc starting at $2.67 per device per month. And the good news is that it covers devices you already use (ie. no need for proof of new purchase).