It’s the year 2026. We have foldable iPads, VR headsets that look like ski goggles, and AI that can basically write your grocery list based on your heartbeat. Yet, in millions of guest rooms and "hand-me-down" setups across the world, there’s this little black puck still chugging away. It’s the Apple TV HD, originally known as the generation 4 apple tv when it launched way back in late 2015.
Honestly, it’s kinda weird how long this thing has stuck around. Apple didn’t even stop selling it until late 2022. That’s a seven-year retail lifespan for a piece of tech that was technically underpowered for 4K video the day it hit the shelves. If you’re still using one, or you’re staring at a $30 listing on eBay wondering if it’s a steal or a trap, we need to talk about what this box actually is—and what it definitely isn't.
The Box That Changed Everything (And Annoyed Everyone)
Before the generation 4 apple tv, using an Apple TV was a static experience. You had the apps Apple gave you, and that was basically it. You couldn't just go to a store and download a niche fitness app or a weird indie game.
Then came September 2015. Tim Cook stood on stage and famously declared, "The future of television is apps."
What made it different?
Basically, it was the first time an Apple TV ran tvOS. This was huge. It gave us the App Store. It gave us the Siri Remote. It gave us those stunning aerial screensavers of cities at night that we all still stare at for ten minutes before actually picking a movie.
But it also introduced the most polarizing piece of hardware Apple ever made: the original Siri Remote with the glass trackpad. People hated it. You’d pick it up in the dark, swipe the wrong way, and suddenly you’re ten minutes ahead in your show with no idea how to get back. Or worse, you’d drop it on a coffee table and the glass would shatter into a spiderweb of frustration.
Let’s Talk Specs: Is the A8 Chip Still Breathing?
Under the hood, the generation 4 apple tv runs on the Apple A8 chip. For context, that’s the same processor that powered the iPhone 6. In 2026, calling that "vintage" is an understatement.
The hard reality of 1080p
If you have a fancy new 4K OLED TV, this box is going to look... well, a bit soft. It caps out at 1080p HD. No HDR. No Dolby Vision. No "pop" to the colors. If you’re watching a dark scene in House of the Dragon, it might look like a muddy mess of grey pixels instead of the deep, rich blacks you paid for when you bought your TV.
- Resolution: 1080p (No 4K support)
- Audio: Support for Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, but no Dolby Atmos.
- Ethernet: It’s limited to 10/100 Mbps. In a world of gigabit internet, this is a literal bottleneck.
- Bluetooth: It uses Bluetooth 4.0. It works fine for headphones, but the range and stability are nothing compared to the 5.0 or 5.3 standards in newer 4K models.
Surprisingly, though, the software support hasn't vanished. Even as we head into the tvOS 26 era, this old dog is still getting updates. Apple has been remarkably generous with the generation 4 apple tv, ensuring it still runs the latest version of the Apple TV app, Netflix, and Disney+.
Why Most People Get the "HD vs 4K" Choice Wrong
There’s a common misconception that if you have a 1080p TV, you should buy the Apple TV HD.
Don’t do that. Honestly.
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Back in 2020, the price gap between the HD model and the 4K model was only about $20. For that $20, you got a processor that was lightyears faster. The A8 chip in the generation 4 apple tv is starting to show its age. You’ll notice it when you’re scrolling through a heavy app like YouTube or Hulu. There’s a slight "jank"—a stutter when the thumbnails load. It’s not a dealbreaker, but once you feel the smoothness of a newer 4K model, the HD version feels like walking through molasses.
The hidden benefit of the old model
However, there is one weird reason people still hunt for these: the USB-C port.
The generation 4 apple tv is the only modern Apple TV that has a USB-C port on the back for "service and support." If you're a developer or someone who likes to sideload apps or take screenshots via a Mac, this port is a godsend. Every 4K model that followed removed this port entirely, forcing you to do everything over a wireless network, which is a massive pain in the neck.
Gaming and the Siri Remote Factor
If you’re thinking about Apple Arcade, the generation 4 apple tv is a tough sell. Most modern games are designed for the A15 Bionic chip or better. Trying to run a high-end game on an A8 chip is like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops. It might work, but it’s going to be painful.
The Remote Refresh
If you happen to find a "later" version of the Apple TV HD (sold between 2021 and 2022), it actually came with the newer, silver aluminum Siri Remote. This is the one with the clicky circle pad. It’s a massive upgrade. If you’re stuck with the old black glass remote, you should know that the new silver remote is backwards compatible. You can actually buy the new remote separately and pair it with your 2015 box. It makes the whole experience feel five years newer.
What Most People Miss: The "Smart Home" Catch
Here is the real kicker for 2026. If you are trying to build a smart home using Apple Home (HomeKit), the generation 4 apple tv is a weak link.
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It does not support Thread.
Thread is the new networking protocol that makes smart light bulbs and sensors respond instantly. Newer Apple TV 4K models act as "Thread Border Routers." The generation 4 apple tv doesn't. It also struggles as a Home Hub if you have a lot of cameras. I’ve seen setups where the person’s HomeKit automations were laggy simply because the "brain" of the house was a ten-year-old A8 chip trying its best to keep up with encrypted video feeds.
Is it Obsolete? The Verdict
Look, the generation 4 apple tv isn't e-waste yet. If you have a kitchen TV or a small screen in a workout room where you just want to stream some Netflix or follow an Apple Fitness+ workout, it’s totally fine. It’s reliable, the interface is still miles better than the "Smart TV" software built into your Vizio or Samsung, and it doesn't show you giant banner ads for laundry detergent on the home screen.
But if it’s your main TV? You’re doing yourself a disservice.
The jump from the generation 4 apple tv to even a first-generation Apple TV 4K is noticeable. The jump to the 2022 or 2026 models? It’s a different universe. We’re talking about the difference between a DVD and a movie theater.
Actionable Advice for Owners
If you’re currently rocking this model, here is how to squeeze the last bit of life out of it:
- Disable Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General and turn this off. It saves the aging CPU from choking while you’re trying to watch a movie.
- Reduce Motion: In the Accessibility settings, turn on "Reduce Motion." It cuts out the fancy zoom animations which can make the UI feel snappier.
- Hardwire it: Since the Wi-Fi chip is older, use that Ethernet port. Even if it’s only 10/100, a stable wired connection is always better than a spotty wireless one for streaming HD video.
- Check your Remote: If your glass remote is driving you crazy, don't throw the whole box away. Just find a used silver Siri Remote (2nd or 3rd gen) on a marketplace. It works perfectly and fixes the "accidental swipe" problem.
Ultimately, this box is a testament to Apple’s engineering. Most tech from 2015 is in a landfill by now. The fact that you can still turn on a generation 4 apple tv today and watch the latest hit show in crisp 1080p is honestly impressive. It’s the end of an era, but what a run it’s had.