10 things I LOVE about the Apple TV 4K after 18 months!

What’s your favourite thing about the Apple TV?

Never will beat nvidia shield

In terms of replacing a tv guide, I purchased ‘TV Launcher’ for £3.99 (I think). There are others as well. It provides a somewhat familiar TV listings experience, whereby you can see previous, currently live and future programmes for each of the main channels and click to access directly from the guide (as long as you have the relevant channel app installed as it routes back through the appropriate app).

We love our Apple TVs, got one for every TV in the house. So easy and smooth to use and the streaming quality from the apps just seems better. Would recommend one whether you have other Apple products or not.

Is this Jony Ive talking? 😅 I missed that guy talking when new iPhone is announced

I agree with every point you've made. I will preface this comment by stating Apple TV 4K has changed my life.

Apple TV has been one the best purchasing decisions I've made. Is it cheap?... heck no, it's Apple after all. I got my 2nd Apple TV 4K in July 2022 as a belated birthday present to myself and I can say there isn't a day I don't use it in some way. It's become the central hub for what time of my leisure time I choose to spend watching a film/tv show or using Apple fitness. I loved it so much that I decided to get a second one and put it in the living room. 

It's thanks to Apple that I sit & watch movies/tv shows etc in the living room (I couldn't cast to tv) now because I can - I don't spend all my time on my own when I am home just in my bedroom now). Our entertainment system at home before Apple TV, was so fragmented & Apple TV has if anything added value & benefit and I think it's brought our entertainment system more together. It has in many ways, it's brought my family closer together and has provided a broader spectrum of entertainment to our lives (there's no trouble accessing and watching movies/tv shows in my library now I have an Apple TV). There are films/tv shows I have in my library that we don't have on the tv or on dvd. Factor in the fact most of my family have iPads & iPhones, it means that they get a fuller and more immersive experience in the Apple Ecosystem (without the expense of buying an Apple TV 4K themselves).

I upgraded my TV from HD to 4K because I wanted to create that at home cinema experience (2 HomePod minis connected) - this has been a blessing during covid times.

I've used screen sharing/casting onto my Apple TV in the living room so I can show something on the screen (ie there's an problem needs solving on a document I'm working on, disclaimer: all personal to me docs) & we've been able to sit, look at the document & talk through issues to find solutions. I know it’s probably an unusual way to use Apple TV, but it's been a blessing in disguise. Apple fitness has helped me keep on top of fitness goals during covid times.

The likes of Apple fitness being available to me has meant it’s made it easier for to keep going with my weight loss journey & lose 7st (approx 98lbs or 44kg) in weight. I’ve gotten fitter, healthier, stronger & slimmer.

I don't think what I'm saying above can truly convey just how much it has played a hugely positive role in my life but it really has changed my life. I love how seamless my AirPods connect to the Apple TV box. Admittedly, before getting my first Apple TV (32gb box); I was really hesitant to get one. I wasn't sure if It was worth it & would it I get any benefit satisfaction/enjoyment out of using it - I'm glad I did get it. I actually originally bought one then returned it because I had 2nd thoughts, only to later kick myself after more research. I've been encouraging my friends/family to get one. So, I went and repurchased it (the first tv box) again...


& I've no regrets getting it all.

Kodi on a Nvidia Shield Pro is a much better solution and cheaper

I just bought a couple ATV4Ks out of frustration over Amazon now playing full screen video ads whenever I turn on either of my FireTVs

Finally bought an Apple TV 4K last weekend and honestly I cannot complain. The last time I had Sky was in 2002 and honestly if you are not a sports fan, then it really isn’t worth having, especially these days with streaming and Now TV offering contract free subscription .

Simple fix For the TV guide. Just plug the coax cable what used to go into your sky box into the back of the tv and use the built in free sat tuner

I’ve had apple tv since the first 4k and i have 3 now 2 we constantly run in the living room and the bedroom and one for when we travel to hotels and resorts. so we can have our log in everything already ready. i love it and its use with the ecosystem makes it second to none. the views we get with the portraits make it even better

I just love the apple tv 4k 😊

My Samsung frame tv does all of this and I don’t need to mess around with multiple remotes and connections. Also the problem with apps is you end up watching adverts apart from iplayer app or paid apps. I have a tv with built in recorder and it records what I want and then I can skip adverts.
And I tried Apple subscription 6months ago and it was rubbish, nothing we wanted to watch.

@mark - have you checked out TV Launcher (paid for) for Apple TV?

This would be a good one to revisit with the next version of TVOS since it changes the tv app and removes iTunes movies

ATV is a great device but I’m not sure it’s a ‘replace everything’ device. From a cost perspective all the streamers have bumped up their costs significantly (especially if you want the benefit of 4k and atmos). All the core services comes in at about £50/month now and you lose the sheer convenience of sky. My current approach is a main sky package with Netflix and UHD and then take a subscription with one of the others now and again to catch up on the new stuff. Neither Disney nor ATV+ have enough to justify permanent subs (for me at least).

Probably the best Apple product

You know what i hate about it? That it is Not able to Play iPhone 4K Dolby Vision Videos. It cant handle the codec. Very dissapointing.

Have had an AppleTV since day one. It's now our first way to watch TV. We love it!👋

I wish you all the best for your baby, will it be technological like us? Maybe more, hello Mark a greeting from Italy. Maximum

HI MARK, HOW ARE YOU? I ALWAYS FOLLOW YOU, I AGREE WITH YOU APPLE TV 4 K HAS CHANGED MY LIFE ALL THE APPS AVAILABLE WITH IMPRESSIVE SPEEDS, I LEFT SKY Q AND NOW I DESTROY THE NOW TV APP FOR APPLE TV WHICH IS EXCEPTIONAL THEN RECENTLY ALSO IN ITALY IMMERSIVE 5.1 AUDIO ARRIVED, I HAVE A BOSE LIFE STYLE V 35 SYSTEM AND IT IS INCREDIBLE, THE APPLE TV 4 K. HE’S THE BEST STREMER IN THE WORLDOO: HE CHANGED MY LIFE TOO. MAX

Interested in getting one, however the reason I've not so far is the Sonos issue with the loud banging that occurs from the sound I've read elsewhere. Anyone know if this has been fixed?

I was going through your list of reviews,I did not come across a review for the Technics AZ80’s. Did you do one?

Our Sky TV recently came up for renewal. I bought an Apple TV box with the intention to switch to it - it’s brilliant - but in the end I did renew Sky. They knocked the price down to a very good deal when I rang them which helped (it really wasn’t much cheaper to subscribe to the seperate apps so we had the same content, eg Now TV for sports coverage), but ultimately the reason I stayed was because my wife can’t get used to watching TV on several apps! The Sky interface is very, very easy to use as you say (we quite like channel hopping!), and even with the ‘TV Launcher’ app, it was just irritating.

The Apple TV box, though, is amazing. Solidly built, small(!) and the picture quality is outstanding. Those screensaver are IMMENSE! If only our UK TV setup was better so it integrated properly with Freeview. Oh, and as for the Apple TV Sky Go app - Sky have crippled it so it only shows in 720p HD. Means you aren’t tempted to use it as a spare TV box, and you have to spend the extra money on a Sky Mini box instead. They ain’t stupid!

Last point: I recently discovered the Apple TV ‘Video Karaoke’ mode - the TV links to my iPad, and uses it as a camera. Lyrics overlaid on the screen whilst Apple Music is playing - it’s the perfect party accessory!!!!!

if you have a homekit doorbell (or use homebridge to add "non-supported" devices) when someone rings the doorbell you get a little popup on your appleTV with the live video feed. apparently if you have the persons photo in your contacts and it can match them, it'll also tell you who is at the door. Also facetime for appleTV is fantastic

Mark for ATV purchase TV LAUNCHER its about a fiver and connects to most apps like Bbc itvx 4 and 5 even Now TV SO WILL GIVE A TV GUIDE for the like of movies etc it a one time purchase its very good for local TV

I use it for buying movies 🍿 🎥 in 4K… I mean when Jaws is £2.99 I mean damn.. I have got quite a great collection of movies at great discounts much cheaper than UltraHD blu ray and I like to feel I still own a collection…

The controller is a bit sharp in the hands they should round it off like the 15pro…

Although I’m using a case for the remote 😊

I sold my Apple TV because it added very little over the built in smart functionality on my several year old Panasonic TVs.

Fine, perhaps, if you have too much money, or subscribe compulsively to everything; but I think we'd probably all be better off if we spent a bit less time watching hours of mindless telly.

Division bell in spacial audio 🤯 now you’re talkin’ 👌

Ive been a big fan of Apple TV for years, love the screen savers but I still wish you could delete or hide some and just have your favourite ones on display, yes I know you can turn off some themes but you don't need to fly over a desert or clouds twice, there is also a new menu on the Apple home page which I'm surprised you didn't mention, maybe it's a Beta thing, anyway great video as usual.

Hi Mark. I would also recommend the TV Launcher app for Apple TV (since you’re in the UK). It’s not perfect, but highly customisable and gives you a traditional TV guide, if you like that in addition to the Apple TV interface for some scenarios.

It’s very good but the Achilles heel for all the Apple ecosystem is Siri. It is AWFUL. Half the time it can’t do something, or mishears, or is just useless (search? Use your phone - literally that’s its answer). Siri is so bad that I’ve kept my ATV but got rid of my HomePod minis as they were too unreliable because of it. It’s a Ferrari with a SNES controller for steering.

The only reason I don’t like the Apple TV is because the controller doesn’t have any programmable shortcut buttons.
Like, you press a button and it will open Prime, or Netflix, etc etc.
If it has that on the controller is buy.

Virgins latest box is better than sky Q imo but where is sky sports? TNT sports? Sky movies?

thanks Mark, nice one son....clear and precise

I have three Apple TV in our home. My wife and son both have their own Apple accounts but we can share each other’s accounts on any of the Apple TV. That gives us a massive movie library!

I’m interested Mark how you record tv shows or do see a tv guide with your Apple TV. Our sky contract is up in 3 months and I’m considering cancelling it. So I’d like to tap into some of your knowledge?

I got rid of Sky in 2017 and have been using the AppleTV ever since. With NowTV, Amazon Prime Video, BT Sport, Netflix and more recently Disney+. I sometimes watch iPlayer, ITV player and Channel 4 via the apps but tends to only be for live sport. Would never go back to standard tv!

Another reason why I love my AppleTV, eARC. It is pushing sound from other sources (eg PS5) to a stereo pair of HomePods and the sound is better than equally priced soundbars. Just brilliant.

I’ve never seen the point of Apple TV. Most of the apps on the system (other than the actual Apple TV app) are available on Smart TVs anyway…..

If you want a tv guide TV Launcher is a great app - just cancelled sky and loving Apple TV

100% agree! The Apple TV is now epic

Great timing! I bought my second Apple TV yesterday before going to sleep! Integration with other Apple products is phenomenal. I love using my Airpods, controlling TV with the Apple Watch, iCloud Photos sync, the remote control is amazing, and other bits about Apple ecosystem. You really need to use it for some time to appreciate how great it is. Stopped using Android TV 10 on my Sony OLED TV.

I would never have considered one of these until I used a voucher from apple to buy one (student voucher when I bought a new iPad) with a small contribution from myself. I have a Samsung Tv with the usually suspects of streaming service apps and this Apple TV box just brought everything together to make it feel how it should be. Sound is so much better through headphones connected via the box and a minor thing with a huge noticeable difference is how nice the remote is to use and how the tv box connects to my iPhone so I can use the keyboard on my iPhone to search for a program or film makes it so much easier. It's a device you never realise you need until you have one.

The Apple TV 4K is awesome device to add to your arsenal, especially if you own other products from Apple. The price is very acceptable, which can not be said for some other Apple products. I stopped using apps installed through the tv's OS, or the set-top box for cable tv. All I use is the Apple TV 4K, pretty handy indeed. I can even operate my lights or light scenes on it, thanks to the Apple Home integration.

I bought a Sony Bravia last winter with GoogleTV built-in, and it's been nothing but a hassle. Bought an ATV-4K last weekend, and have been nothing but smiles ever since. A great feature for me you hadn't mentioned (as someone with ever-increasing tinnitus) is the ability to press the Siri button, ask "What did he/she say?", and it rewinds 15 seconds and temporarily turns on Closed-Captioning; brilliant!

I agree with you totally. It's my main system at home as well. For the record, I have used the Facetime on the Apple TV with the camera of my iPhone. It is great fun and works as easy as anything else on the Apple TV.

Sorry but Apple TV is a non starter for me.Subscribed for Ted Lasso till that went down in flames. Most of its programming, except when it’s a financial gatekeeper for other services, is laughable. Foundation was an abomination of Isaac Asimov, other original programming equally terrible. Does NOT do hi=res audio, converts all sound sources to 24/48. But it’s pretty so that seems to satisfy the iDiots .