You are reading the article Apple Tv (4Th Gen) Unboxing + Exclusive In updated in December 2023 on the website Kientrucdochoi.com. We hope that the information we have shared is helpful to you. If you find the content interesting and meaningful, please share it with your friends and continue to follow and support us for the latest updates. Suggested January 2024 Apple Tv (4Th Gen) Unboxing + Exclusive In
Today we’re taking the first really deep look at Apple’s fourth-generation Apple TV, which will hit stores next month. In our exclusive video, we explore the upgraded hardware, the Siri Remote, and dig down into tvOS, the new UI that brings the entire experience to life.
Are there surprises? Oh yes. The new Apple TV actually supports Bluetooth headphones and Bluetooth speakers, a special Night Mode, and radically improved accessibility options inspired by iOS. You can learn about all of the great new features below…
Watch The New Apple TV In Our Exclusive VideoCheck out our unboxing and in-depth hands-on (software/hardware) video above.
New Hardware: Apple TV (4th Gen) + Siri RemoteAs you can probably tell, this new Apple TV is quite a bit taller than the previous generation. Side-by-side, you can see that it’s over 150% of the prior model’s height. We’re guessing that the new internals need a bit of breathing room.
Inside of the Apple TV we have an A8 chip and 2GB of RAM running the show, a little more powerful than an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. It’s packing 802.11ac MIMO antennas for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, an IR receiver, and some reconfigured ports on the back. Of course we have the power cable connection point, an HDMI 1.4 port that unfortunately does not support the output of 4K UHD content, an Ethernet port, and a USB-C port, but that’s not going to be used for anything at the moment aside from service and support.
Compared to the third-generation Apple TV, the ports have slightly changed. Unfortunately, Apple has ditched the optical audio output and the layout has shifted a bit because of that. The look and feel of the hardware is pretty much the same, though. It’s plastic with very glossy sides, offset by a matte finish on the top with the Apple TV logo front and center. Aside from the dimensions and port layout, everything here remains unchanged.
The real difference is found in the software and remote. Apple has revamped the Apple TV’s remote this year with a drastically different design and a new set of features. The front of this new Siri Remote features a dual-tone glass finish with a glossy element towards the bottom and a matte finish indicating the touchpad’s position. Yep, I said touchpad. Like Apple’s Magic Trackpad, you can swipe across this matte black area to navigate the new Apple TV, which is a step up above the old circular direction pad found on the previous generation’s remote. Comparing the two side-by-side, you’ll notice some major differences in the layout. The Siri Remote features a new set of buttons that enable some features within tvOS.
At the top we have the standard Menu button which acts as a back button for the most part, but next to that there’s a new button with a TV icon, which will take you all the way back to the main tvOS screen when pressed. Below those, we now have a Siri button that can be used to accomplish a variety of tasks we’ll get into shortly. There’s also a play/pause button and a set of volume up and down buttons for deeper integration with the Apple TV and your home theater.
Near the top of the Siri Remote on the front and back, you’ll find microphones that are used in conjunction with the Siri button to listen for your commands. Further examining the backside, you’ll notice that the old circular battery door has been retired in favor of something that makes a bit more sense. The new remote charges with a Lightning cable, which is included in the box, and according to Apple you should get months of battery life from a single charge.
Apple will also sell this remote for $79 if you want another one. It’s unclear whether you’ll be able to use two or more for multiplayer games from the App Store, but multiple MFi Bluetooth controllers and iOS 9 devices such as iPod touches and iPhones will apparently be able to pair with the Apple TV. There will also be a wrist strap for a Wii Remote-like experience that will retail for under $15.
As mentioned, the new Apple TV features Siri integration, which is by far the easiest way to find what you’re looking for throughout multiple apps and indexed content. Siri will search through everything on the Apple TV and catalogs of linked apps, returning results surprisingly fast. You can ask Siri for information on a collection of topics including movies, TV shows, sports, and weather. Check out the above video for a closer look at these new features.
Stock charts are even available if you ask for chúng tôi you need to do is hold down the Siri button on the remote, speak your question and release.
New Software: tvOS + AppsNew Apple TV hardware is long overdue and is great to see, but the real differences with this year’s Apple TV lie in the software interface, which has been completely redesigned.
Setting up the Apple TV was extremely simple, but you will need to be updated to iOS 9.1 in order to get the ball rolling. All you have to do is unlock your iOS device and hold it near the Apple TV. From there you’ll be prompted to allow automatic setup, and after scrolling through a few menus and options to customize the experience, everything is golden.
The Apple TV is running a custom version of iOS 9 with support for the same graphics, sound, wireless, and accessory features found on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. There’s a shiny new interface on top of it which Apple calls tvOS, but developers can now just port iOS games + apps directly to the TV, and as long as you can control them with the Siri Remote, you’re good. No need to deal with sluggish AirPlay games anymore.
We’re big fans of the redesigned interface. Everything is very clean, and navigation is smooth with the Siri Remote’s touchpad. The all new UI is bright, with San Francisco fonts and clean selection bars. If you prefer the look of iOS 9, the new Apple TV really carries it over here, with translucent panes, widget pop-ups like Control Center, and smooth animations. Apple has even added a parallax effect to the icons which move at varying speeds when you wiggle your finger on the remote’s touchpad.
At its core, the Apple TV offers the basic services and content that we’re used to seeing with iTunes and iOS 9. On the main screen at the top, you’re presented with the Top Shelf, this will feature recent titles, music, movies, shows, and more based on the icon selected from the apps below it. You’ll be able to customize it a little, too.
There are apps for Movies and TV here, both of which will allow you to find new content and see your previous purchases all in once place. Jumping into a title will present you with relevant information about the movie or TV show with actors listed. It’s clean and well put together which makes it fairly simple to find what you are looking for. During playback of a movie, you can ask Siri for information about the actors to pull up widget like cards displaying the results and also simply swipe down on the remote’s touchpad for relevant information about the movie such as a description, audio, and subtitle settings. Also, as with the previous generation, you can easily AirPlay content from an iOS device or Mac straight to the Apple TV.
There’s also a Photos app with a familiar icon (remember, this is based on iOS 9) and that will bring full iCloud Photo Library support and albums to your Apple TV. As before, you can browse through the albums using a remote, but it’s easier using the touchpad and swipe through the photos. It also allows you to start a slideshow using a specific set of photos or set an album as a screensaver. It’s relatively simple as far as functionality goes, but essentially the easiest way to view your photos on the big screen.
There’s also a Music app which enables Apple Music, bringing an unlimited supply of music to the mix. Here you’ll have access to everything you’ve added to your Apple Music collection and previous purchases. Along with that, there’s Beats 1 radio and several other radio stations available, but you can always create your own station based on an artist or song.
There’s also Home Sharing available, which will allow you to access local content on your computer which can be streamed to the Apple TV. Simply enable Home Sharing on each device and you’ll be able to browse through your music, movies, and TV shows stored on another computer.
Jumping into the Settings app reveals a wide selection of new options available with tvOS. First off, a very cool feature of the new Apple TV is the ability to connect Bluetooth headphones and Bluetooth speakers to use for audio output system-wide. This will allow you to privately watch movies or listen to music without the need of your TV’s speakers. The option is within the settings and has worked fantastic so far. We’re big fans of this new ability.
When the Apple TV is finally released, there will be an App Store available, which will exploit the gaming capabilities available here. The Bluetooth section will allow you to connect Apple MFi game controllers or you can simply use the included remote. Apple has big plans for gaming on the Apple TV, but who knows if it it will be able to compete with consoles anytime soon. We’ll get into the gaming capabilities more in the full review, so be sure you’re subscribed to the channel so you can be the first to check that video when it drops.
Apple has added new video-based screensavers. Screensaver options can be found in General Settings and when “Aerial” is selected, you’ll be presented with these beautiful video screensavers after a custom duration of idle time has passed. It appears that the Apple TV will only store a set amount of these at once on the device and download new ones every month, week, or day and run about 500MB per download.
There’s a section within the Settings to manage apps which is pretty empty at the moment, but will fill up once apps become available. Along with that, there’s an option to manage the storage on the device, which will populate the apps on the device and how much space they take up individually. Within the Accounts options, you’ll find the ability to manage subscriptions for various apps and services on the Apple TV such as Hulu, Netflix, or other apps in the future.
There are a ton of new things to discover within the Settings app, more of which are shown off in the gallery here:
Discovery is what the Apple TV is all about and I think the new hardware features and tvOS are really going to make a positive impact in that category. This new set-top box is set to launch in the near future and I’m looking forward to checking it out more.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
You're reading Apple Tv (4Th Gen) Unboxing + Exclusive In
Apple Tv (4Th Gen) 2023 Review
Our Verdict
For some people – mainly those with iOS devices and no 2nd- or 3rd-generation Apple TV – the new box is a great media streamer and games machine. However, there’s no escaping the high price and limited selection of apps. And if you’re not interested in gaming, you’re just as well off buying a 3rd-generation Apple TV or Roku for less than half the price. Competition from other gaming media streamers is stiff, too, with Amazon’s £79 Fire TV offering more UK catch-up TV as well as similar gaming performance, expandable storage and support for 4K content. Ultimately, the 4th-gen Apple TV has potential (Apple may even upgrade the software so it supports 4K at some point) but right now that potential is far from realised.
For years, rumour had it that Apple would launch a TV. Realistically that was never going to happen. Apple doesn’t make TVs and, logically, it doesn’t need to. It just needs a media streamer that’s better than the competition. Here’s our 4th-gen Apple TV review.
See also: the 13 best media steamers to buy right now
Update 22 March: Thanks to a free update, the Apple TV is getting some much needed new features. tvOS 4.2 adds support for folders on the home screen so you can tidy away your apps, and there’s also expanded Siri support so you can use it to search for apps in the store. Previously (and mentioned in the review below as a bugbear) Siri wasn’t able to return results from the store. Now that there are thousands of apps, it’s far easier to speak your search. Siri will also be able to enter usernames and passwords, although some people are concerned about saying their passwords out loud and exactly how secure they are – despite assurances from Apple that privacy was the first consideration when adding the new dictation feature.
Apple TV (4th gen) 2023 review
Apple has had three years to come up with a new model and it says that the 4th-generation Apple TV is the future of television. It’s all about apps. Unlike previous Apple TVs you can now browse an app store and install whichever apps and games you like.
Of course, this isn’t revolutionary as other streamers and, indeed, TVs have had apps for years. Gaming on a media streamer isn’t new either. Amazon’s Fire TV streamers allow you to play casual games, as does
Apple TV (4th gen) 2023 review: Price
Previous models have managed to stay under the magic £100 barrier, but the latest Apple TV costs £129 for the 32GB model and a whopping £169 for the 64GB model.
That’s a lot compared to the competition, which are generally under £80. Amazon’s 4K-capable Fire TV is £79.99, for example, while the Roku 4 – not yet officially available in the UK, but also toting 4K support – costs $129, and assuming it does launch this side of the pond, should be under or near to £100. If you don’t need 4K, the Fire TV stick is a snip at £35, while the Roku 3 box is under £60.
See our best media streamers roundup for more.
Apple TV (4th gen) 2023 review: Design and setup
The new box looks a lot like the previous two models, albeit a third taller. You still don’t get an HDMI cable in the box, nor an Ethernet cable. You probably won’t need the latter as your Wi-Fi may well be quicker – the wired port is limited to 100Mbit/s.
Dropping the optical S/PDIF port will be a source of annoyance for some (not many, but definitely some) and in its place is a USB C port, which is for restoring the box’s software should the need arise. If you were relying on an optical audio output for connecting headphones, then note that this new Apple TV allows you to connect Bluetooth headphones.
The remaining port is an HDMI 1.4 for hooking up to your TV or A/V receiver.
The biggest design change is the new Siri Remote. Surprisingly, it’s not all that obvious how to use it, until you figure out – or explain to family and friends – that the top section is a touchpad and giant button, the Menu button acts as a ‘back’ button and the one with a TV icon is the home button.
It communicates via Bluetooth but can also use infrared. It should automatically learn to control your TV’s volume – it did with our Panasonic TV – but you can ‘teach’ it if that fails. As long as your TV uses the HDMI-CEC standard, it should all work fine, and you can power on your TV when you wake up the Apple TV using the remote.
The Siri part is possibly the best feature. It takes what Amazon does with voice search and takes it further. You can search for TV shows and programmes, but you can also bark more generic commands such as “show me action movies” and then refine the results by saying “just the ones with George Clooney” or “only the good ones”.
And while you’re watching a video, you can say “rewind 30 seconds” or “what did she just say”. The latter is clever as it skips back 10 seconds and turns on subtitles so you’re left in no doubt what you missed the first time.
You can also say the name of an app or game to launch it, the the name of an artist or album to play music without swiping endlessly through menus. You can ask for a weather forecast, too, but there’s no web searches as you get on an iOS device.
The internal battery is said to last a couple of months – longer than we’ve been testing out the Apple TV – and it charges using a standard Lightning cable in a couple of hours. You do at least get one of those in the box.
Setup is amazingly easy if you have an iPhone or iPad. Once you tell the Apple TV you have one, you just hold it near the box to pair it and some settings – such as your Wi-Fi password will be synced automatically. It’s also far easier to type your Apple ID and password via the app than using the frankly poorly designed on-screen keyboard which is a pain to use with the Siri remote.
In under five minutes you’re ready to start installing apps and streaming videos. A short demo video – as you get on the Amazon Fire TV – wouldn’t go amiss, but you’re left to your own devices.
The fancy new interface, which runs on the new tvOS, is great to look at, but it’s not really a great departure from what’s gone before it. Navigation by swiping on the touchpad is a love or hate thing. If you don’t need to scroll much it is fun to start with but – contrary to what you’d imagine – isn’t as quick or accurate as using a remote with buttons and a direction pad.
You can rearrange icons as you like, and you can even put your favourites in the top row – previously reserved for Apple’s apps and content. Netflix is missing to start with, but you can install it from the App Store.
Entering email addresses and passwords, as you have to when you sign into an app such as Netflix is a tedious process. The letters are all on one line, and it takes a few swipes to go from one end to the other. At launch the old Apple Remote app for the iPhone didn’t work with the new Apple TV, but in December Apple released an update to fix this, and it makes it a whole lot easier to enter search terms and passwords.
The YouTube app has the right idea, though: it gives you a unique code to enter at
What we do like is that, unlike on other media streamers, the Siri search will include apps such as Netflix in the list of results. So if you hold the remote’s Siri button and say “Breaking Bad” you’ll see results from Netflix as well as iTunes. It doesn’t work in all apps, though, so you’ll have to use the BBC’s awkward on-screen keyboard to search within iPlayer, or resort to the Remote app on your iPhone. You can’t search for apps in the App Store using your voice, either, which seems like a missed opportunity.
What’s strange is that Apple still doesn’t have a video streaming service to go alongside its Music streaming. Even if you don’t subscribe to Apple Music, you can stream music you’ve bought in iTunes and access iTunes libraries on computers on your home network. One niggle is that although music will continue playing in the background, you can pause it but not restart it with the play/pause button. If you want to carry on listening you have to go to the home screen and then launch the music app again. If it’s one of the apps in the top row, you can scroll to the left-hand side of the content previews which pop up at the top to the ‘Now playing’ icon.
Playing games with the Siri remote can be good fun, but only really as a novelty. Some games use the accelerometer (Asphalt 8, for one) which means it works much like a Nintendo Wii remote, while others, such as Jetpack Joyride, Crossy Road and Badlands just use the touchpad’s button. You can buy an optional wrist loop to prevent accidents where the remote would otherwise fly out of your hand.
For more serious fare, you’ll want a Bluetooth gamepad – a few third-party controllers are supported. You can’t pair more than one Siri remote, but certain games including Crossy Road allow you to use an iPad or iPhone with the game installed as the controller for a second player.
Family-oriented games make the most sense on media streamers, and Fibbage XL certainly is one to try when friends are round. At £7.99, Fibbage and quite a few other games are more expensive than you might expect, but equally there are many cheaper – and free – options. It’s well worth checking if the app is cheaper on your iPhone or iPad as some apps are universal, so you can head to the Purchased section of the App Store when you first set up your Apple TV to see what you can install from the list of apps you’ve bought before.
The voice search doesn’t always recognise what you’re trying to say. Siri thought we were trying to say “find bitch XL” when searching for Fibbage and when asking for “ITV player” Siri launched BBC iPlayer.
The fact is, iPlayer is pretty much the only catch-up TV app available in the UK at the moment. There’s no ITV Player, no All 4 and no Demand 5. However, there’s a third-party app which gets around this and another workaround is to use AirPlay and stream video from any number of apps (not Sky Go, though) on your iPhone or iPad.
Again, this is easy to fix and we’re sure that updates will arrive that sort out these and other common complaints.
A small consolation is that Apple has spent a lot of time, effort and – presumably – money to produce some of the most stunning screensavers we’ve ever seen. The slow-moving aerial scenes which include a night-time flight over Central London, plus views of the Golden Gate bridge and Great Wall of China are great for impressing friends.
Specs Apple TV HD (4th gen, 2023): Specs
A8 processor
802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO
10/100 Ethernet
Bluetooth 4.0
Infrared receiver
Apple / iTunes account required
HDMI 1.4
USB-C
Video Formats: H.264 video up to 1080p, MPEG-4, Motion JPEG
Dolby Digital 5.1 and Plus 7.1
Siri remote included
35 x 98 x 98mm, 425g
Apple Tv (2023) Vs Nvidia Shield Android Tv – Comparison
Today we’re comparing the forth generation Apple TV to the NVIDIA Shield. These are quite possibly the two best set top boxes out right now. I won’t be going into every little detail here, but instead the things that are most important for myself. But before we get in-depth with either option, let’s take a look at specifications between the two…
SpecificationsFirst up, we have the fourth generation Apple TV which packs a dual-core A8 processor, 2GB of RAM, either 32 or 64GB storage options, and also an HDMI 1.4 port (and yes that means no 4K video this time around, but maybe next year).
Next we have the NVIDIA Shield rocking a quad-core Tegra X1 processor, 3GB of RAM, either 16 or 500 GB storage configurations, and HDMI 2.0. So basically you have two options: either spend an extra $100 on the 500GB version, hook up an external drive to one of its two USB 3.0 ports, or use the Micro SD card slot on the back.
Check out our comparison video below:
One of the major “future proof” features the Shield has over the Apple TV is going to be 4K video support. Content may be limited for now, but it’s totally the future. I’m baffled by Apple’s decision to omit 4K video, because well.. even the freaking iPhone 6s shoots 4K. Both devices can also pair up with Bluetooth headphones for a private media experience, but overall in the specifications department, I have to give the win to NVIDIA.
HardwareWith the Apple TV you get the new Siri Remote that features a touchpad for navigation. You also have the ability to purchase an Apple certified third-party gamepad that will work with select games from the App Store, though all games support the use of the Siri Remote for playing, but we’ll get into that in a little bit.
The NVIDIA Shield is a bit opposite in the contents department. By default, the Shield comes with a gamepad instead of a standard remote. The remote can be purchased separately if you’re looking for something more traditional, but essentially, with both set top boxes, you’re getting everything needed to properly enjoy the experience.
Apple TV SoftwareThe App Store is a fantastic addition here, because instead of having a bunch of pre-loaded crap you might not use, you’ll have the ability to pick and choose. In the App Store you’ll find cord-cutting apps like HBO Now, Crackle, Netflix, MLB, NBA, and even Plex for playing content from a local media server. You can also AirPlay content from your iOS device or mirror your device’s screen.
Gaming on the Apple TV is pretty cool, but there’s nothing at this point early on that has blown my socks off. There’s also a lot of games available, but mostly large scale versions of apps you’ll find on iPhone and iPad. All games can be played with the Siri Remote and in some cases using it like a Wii Remote, which is nice, but you’ll need the controller for a more traditional gaming experience. Gaming here is nice and certainly a big selling point, but it’s far from a console-like experience.
NVIDIA Shield SoftwareIf you’re familiar with Android TV, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s completely integrated with Google services. So you have the Play Store and any apps compatible with the TV platform. There’s also Google Search integration directly from the remote or controller via the built-in microphone. This is a far more extensive implementation than Siri in my opinion and will allow you to quickly search for content across the available services without sifting through different menus. There’s also Google’s Cast service which will allow you to cast movies, music, and other content from an Android or iOS device straight to the TV.
The NVIDIA Shield is a gaming-first device. Aside from the small games you can get in the Play Store, you can truly have a light PC or console-style gaming experience. There are games here that work specifically with the Shield’s Tegra X1 processor. If you want to really step things up, the best move is to sign up for NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW cloud gaming service. Think of it like Netflix for gaming. This will allow you to stream PC games from the cloud to your TV at up to 60 frames per second in 1080p.
There are a ton of cool console-like titles and even some premium purchasable games like Witcher 3. The only downside is that GeForce NOW will cost ya $7.99 per month, but there is 3 month free trial available. I’m just not sure that expense is worth it, over playing on a traditional setup as the graphics aren’t on the same level as a PC or gaming console, but they may be close enough for some people.
VerdictAt the end of the day, we have two completely different platforms that certainly cater to different audiences. If you’re into gaming, chances are that NVIDIA Shield is going to offer a much better experience. The fourth gen Apple TV is coming along with its App Store, but no games there will match the gaming experience on the Shield. That being said, sometimes Android TV can be a little clunky and awkward to navigate when compared to tvOS. Apple has the smooth experience down and I’m a big fan of what’s happening here.
The Shield tops Apple TV in many departments, but Apple TV is cheaper with its base model running $149, while the base NVIDIA Shield will set you back $199. If you’re invested in the Apple or Android eco-system, the choice is obvious. If you are on the fence, choose your priority: 4K/gaming but clunky Android TV vs. overall smooth but experience on AppleTV.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
How To Identify Your Apple Tv Model
Apple, sadly, did not do a great job of making the various Apple TVs visually distinct from one another – at least, not in an immediately obvious way. As a result, it can be hard to tell the difference between all of Apple’s similar-looking Apple TV offerings, especially in secondhand marketplaces like eBay. Use this guide to identify your Apple TV model and learn the key differences between different models of Apple TV, both in hardware and software.
Rapid IdentificationLook for these ports when scanning the back of the device for rapid identification and answer the following questions:
Is it silvery-white with component video inputs? If so, it’s an Apple TV 1st Generation.
Does it have a USB-C port? If so, it’s an Apple TV HD (previously Apple TV 4th generation).
Does it not have a USB port of any kind? If so, it’s an Apple TV 4K.
Checking the Model NumberIf you have an Apple TV 2nd or 3rd generation, they’re visually indistinguishable. But they do have different model numbers.
To check your model number, look at the bottom of the device. At the bottom of the label you’ll see regulatory text and logos. In the first line scan for the “Made in China” text. Immediately after that line you’ll see the model number prefixed with an A.
A1218 is 1st generation.
A1378 is 2nd generation.
A1427 is 3rd generation.
A1469 is 3rd generation.
A1625 is 4th generation HD.
A1842 is 4K
Two 3rd Generation Model Numbers?The two 3rd-generation models come from the early 2012 and early 2013 models. The newer early 2013 model of the Apple TV 3rd generation has an A5 processor build on a smaller 28nm process size compared to the early 2012’s original 32nm process size. The early 2013 Apple TV 3rd generation also adds support for peer-to-peer AirPlay.
Feature DifferencesPorts that are familiar to most users or visually notable are in bold. These ports can be used to identify the Apple TVs quickly. All take the same power supply and use visually-indistinguishable Ethernet connectors.
Apple TV 4K
HDMI 2.0a (2160p, Dolby Vision, and HDR10)
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
Bluetooth 5.0
No USB Port
Apple TV HD (Previously, Apple TV Fourth-Generation)
HDMI 1.4 (720p or 1080p)
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
Bluetooth 4.0
USB‑C above HDMI port
Apple TV (3rd generation)
HDMI (720p or 1080p)
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Optical audio
Micro-USB below HDMI port
Apple TV (2nd generation)
HDMI (720p)
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Optical audio
Micro-USB below HDMI port
Apple TV (1st generation)
HDMI and component video (480p or 720p)
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n)
Optical and RCA stereo audio
USB 2.0 (for service and support)
Rectangular shape
Silver and clear plastic chassis
ConclusionIf you have access to the Apple TV or can see pictures of the Apple TV’s ports, you’ll be able to reliably distinguish its feature set. But the most informative side is actually the bottom of the device where the model number is printed. That can be directly translated into the exact model, with no need to try and visually separate ports. To see a complete accounting of all the differences between each Apple TV generation, check out EveryMac’s database of Apple hardware.
Image credit: Simon Yeo
Alexander Fox
Alexander Fox is a tech and science writer based in Philadelphia, PA with one cat, three Macs and more USB cables than he could ever use.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox
Sign up for all newsletters.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy. We will not share your data and you can unsubscribe at any time.
18 Apple Tv Tips And Hidden Features (2023)
Just like your other Apple devices, Apple TV has its own set of hidden features. So, to make your device even smarter, even better, and even more useful, check out this list of tips and tricks for Apple TV.
1. Choose the Siri remote TV button action
By default, the TV button on the Siri remote opens the Apple TV app. But maybe you prefer it takes you to the Apple TV Home screen instead.
Open Settings and select Removes and Devices.
Below Remote, select TV Button to change it from Apple TV App to Home Screen.
2. Use Siri to search by voice
Just as Siri is super helpful on your other Apple devices, you can use it to perform tasks on your Apple TV. What makes Siri so useful is that you don’t have to type your requests, you can simply speak them.
Press and hold the Microphone button on your remote. When you see Siri appear on your Apple TV, speak your request.
When you release the Microphone button, you should see your results on the screen.
3. Allow Siri to recognize your voice
To take Siri’s voice search up a level, you can enable it to recognize your voice. This is useful if you have several Apple TV users in your household.
Once you turn on the feature, you can simply say things like “What should I watch next” or “What song should I listen to now?” and Siri will provide personalized suggestions.
Open Settings and select Users and Accounts.
Choose your user account.
Pick Confirm with Apple Device to use your nearby iPhone or iPad to confirm.
Follow the prompts on your device to confirm that you want to enable the feature, and choose Done when you finish.
Then, just give the feature a try by asking Siri for something on Apple TV.
4. Change the Apple TV keyboard layout
Maybe you don’t mind typing things like search requests, usernames, and passwords using your Apple TV keyboard. But did you know that you can change its layout from the default linear style to a grid layout instead? This can speed up selecting letters and numbers using a more compact keyboard space.
Open Settings and select General.
Below Language and Region, select Keyboard Layout, which is set to Auto by default.
Then choose Grid.
The next time you see the keyboard input, you can use the handy grid layout with the keypad on the left side. To use numbers, select the 123 button, and to enter uppercase letters, select and hold a letter.
5. Type on your iPhone keyboard
Another option for typing on your Apple TV is using your iPhone’s keyboard. Whenever you access a spot for typing on your TV, you can receive a notification on your iPhone to use its keyboard instead.
On your iPhone, open the Settings app.
Select Notifications.
Choose Apple TV Keyboard.
Turn on the toggle at the top for Allow Notifications.
You can then exit the iPhone Settings app as normal.
The next time you reach a location on Apple TV that requires input, you’ll see the notification on your iPhone. Tap to open and then type in the text field that appears. As you do, you’ll see the characters entered on your Apple TV.
6. Pair a Bluetooth keyboard or game controller
If you’d like to use a Bluetooth keyboard or game controller for your Xbox or PlayStation, you can connect these types of devices to your Apple TV in just minutes.
Open Settings → Select Remotes and Devices → Pick Bluetooth.
For a Bluetooth keyboard, put that device in pairing mode and select it when it displays below Other Devices. Follow the subsequent prompts to connect the device.
For a game controller, pick How to Pair Game Controllers and follow the instructions per your game console.
7. Switch between light and dark mode
Just like your iPhone, Mac, or some third-party apps, you can enable a dark mode on Apple TV. So if you’re using your Apple TV in a dark environment, you don’t have to bother those around you with the light screen appearance.
Open Settings and select General.
Choose Appearance which is set to Automatic by default. This setting switches between Light and Dark mode based on the time of day.
Pick Dark to set dark mode.
8. Use picture-in-picture
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a popular way to watch a show or video in a small window while still using your large screen for other things. If you’re ready to perform some multitasking on Apple TV, here’s how to enable picture-in-picture mode for supported apps.
After you start the show or video, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and select the Picture-in-Picture icon on the bottom right.
You’ll see the video shrink and move to the corner of the Apple TV screen. You can then continue to perform other actions on your TV while the video plays.
To move the screen to a different corner or put the picture-in-picture screen back into full-screen mode, press the TV button on your remote and then use the icons in the picture-in-picture window.
9. Arrange the Home screen apps
Just as important as the Home screen layout on your iPhone or iPad, you can arrange apps to your liking on Apple TV. This includes rearranging, deleting, and moving apps to folders.
Press the Play/Pause button on your remote to create a new folder with the app, move it to an existing folder or delete the app.
You can also use your touchpad to drag the app to another spot on the screen.
Organize the Home screen app shelf
One more organizational feature for your Apple TV Home screen is the app shelf. This sits at the top of your app icons on the Home screen and looks sort of like the Dock on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac with a gray background.
Select an app to put it into edit mode, as described above.
Then, drag an app on the shelf to another spot or off of the shelf completely.
To place a different app on the shelf, drag it to the location you want. You can have up to five apps on the shelf.
10. Sync the Home screen
If you own more than one Apple TV, you can keep things consistent across the board by syncing your Home screen. Once you enable the syncing feature, you’ll see the same Home screen on your other Apple TVs.
Open Settings and select Users and Accounts.
Choose your user account.
Below iCloud, pick One Home Screen to change it from Off to On.
11. Extend or mirror your Mac display
Maybe you’d like a second monitor for your Mac, but it’s not in your budget. Or maybe you’d like to see the tasks you’re performing on your Mac on a larger screen. You can extend or mirror your Mac’s screen on your Apple TV.
On your Mac, do one of the following:
Open the Control Center, select Display, and choose Display Settings.
Open your System Settings and pick Displays.
Select your Apple TV screen at the top of the Display settings.
Open the Use as drop-down menu and pick Extended display or Mirror display (or another option if you have multiple monitors).
If you want to disconnect it later, return to the Displays settings, open the plus sign drop-down box, and deselect (uncheck) your Apple TV.
12. Customize subtitles and closed captions
Subtitles and closed captions help you see the words being spoken during a movie, show, or video. On Apple TV, you can not only enable these visuals but also customize the appearance.
Open Settings and select Accessibility.
Below Hearing, choose Subtitles and Captioning.
Pick Style.
You can then choose an option to change it, including the background, text, classic view, and outline text. You may see a couple of styles which also include any custom styles you set up.
To set up a custom style, choose Edit Styles and pick New Style. Then, enter a Description (name) and use the Text, Background, and Advanced sections to set up the design.
When you finish, use the Menu button on your remote to go back and then select your new custom design on the Style screen.
13. Set up restrictions or parental controls
If you have a home with children who also use your Apple TV for movies, games, or other apps, you may want some control over what they can access. By setting up restrictions, or parental controls, you can set limitations on what content can be viewed, downloaded, and accessed.
Open Settings and select General.
Choose Restrictions.
Select Restrictions to turn it from Off to On.
You can then use the various sections to set up the restrictions. These include iTunes Store (App Store), Allowed Content, Game Center, and Allow Changes.
14. Reduce loud sounds
While we love the cinematic experience for movies, the sound can also boom, blast, or explode unexpectedly and loudly. For instance, you may have the volume turned up for that quiet intent conversation, but when it ends you jump out of your seat from the loud boom that comes next. This is the time to use the Reduce Loud Sounds feature.
You can enable this feature in the Settings ahead of time or access it quickly while watching a show.
Open Settings and select Video and Audio. Below Audio, select Reduce Loud Sounds to change it from Off to On.
To enable the feature while watching a show, select the Sound icon on the bottom right and choose Reduce Loud Sounds.
15. Control playback on other Apple devices
You don’t have to purchase several Apple TV remotes to always have one at hand to pause or rewind a show or song. Using the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, you can easily adjust the playback for your Apple TV with two different methods.
Method one: Control other speakers
On iPhone, open your Control Center.
Select the Now Playing icon.
Tap Control Other Speakers & TVs.
You’ll then see a Pause button for the music playing on your Apple TV. Press to pause and again to play.
Method two: Home controls
If you have your Apple TV set up in the Home app and the Home controls in your iPhone Control Center, this is another option for controlling playback
On iPhone, open the Control Center and select the Apple TV icon. You’ll then see the playback controls display so you can pause, play, move forward, or rewind.
16. Turn on smart home scenes or automations
If you have your Apple TV set up as part of your smart home, you may have scenes or automations for playing or pausing what’s on the screen. With that, you can control those scenes and automations right on your Apple TV. This allows you to quickly enable one without waiting for the schedule to kick in.
Open the Control Center by holding the TV button on your remote.
Select the HomeKit button.
Choose a scene or automation to turn it on.
If you want to access the Home screen at any time during the scene or automation, press the Menu button on your remote.
Send an item to Apple TV with AirPlay
Maybe you’re watching a show, listening to music, or browsing photos on your Apple device. You can send your screen or sound to your Apple TV.
Select the AirPlay icon in the app or using Control Center on the device and choose your Apple TV.
Send an item from Apple TV with AirPlay
Picture a party where you and your guests are listening to music or even singing along with lyrics displayed on Apple TV. Why not boost the experience by using AirPlay to send the sound to your HomePod too?
Open the Control Center on Apple TV, select the AirPlay icon, and choose your HomePod.
18. Use Conference Room display
You may be using Apple TV in the classroom, office, or at a get-together where you want others to share something on that big screen. With Conference Room Display, other Apple device users can do exactly that. Plus, you can show a particular background picture, add a message, or require a PIN code to connect.
Open Settings and select AirPlay and HomeKit.
Choose Conference Room Display.
Select Conference Room Display on the next screen to change it from Off to On.
You can then add a PIN, create a custom message, and change the background photo.
Check out our how-to on using Conference Room Display on Apple TV for complete details on the feature.
Take your Apple TV up a notch!
You may already be aware of some of the tips and tricks for Apple TV listed here but are surprised to see a few other hidden Apple TV features you didn’t know existed. Hopefully you’ve found something on this list that you can’t wait to try on your Apple TV. And when you do, please let us know!
Read more:
Author Profile
Sandy
With her BS in Information Technology, Sandy worked for many years in the IT industry as a Project Manager, Department Manager, and PMO Lead. She wanted to help others learn how technology can enrich business and personal lives and has shared her suggestions and how-tos across thousands of articles.
25 Best Movies On Apple Tv+ Worth Watching
Is Netflix unable to fulfil your movie cravings? No doubt, Netflix rules the streaming world with countless titles, multiple device compatibility, and worldwide service. Still, we go to other streaming platforms for a variety in our content. One similar platform is Apple TV+, the new streaming service launched in 2023, making its place with big competitors like Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Disney+, and more. There are some great original movies on Apple TV+ that you will enjoy. However, I don’t want you to spend hours researching finding what to watch only to end up with lost time. Therefore, I did that on your behalf and created this guide for you, including all the best movies on Apple TV+ currently available. So, without any further ado, let’s begin.
The Best Movies on Apple TV+ (2023)Apple TV+ hosts some original movies, including animated ones for kids, documentaries for infotainment lovers, and award-winning actors and directors coming together to create masterpieces. Given that the OTT platform is relatively new, it has limited movies in a few genres. Still, it can be confusing to decide which one will suit your current mood. Therefore, have a glance at this list of movies along with their review, rating, cast, and genre to make an intelligent decision to spend your next 2-3 hours.
Best Movies on Apple TV in Various GenresApple TV+ has movies in every genre. Be it a musical, animation, drama, comedy, or war movie; I have covered it all. Here is a list of some great movies on Apple TV+ for you to pick.
1. Swan Song (2023)Genre: Drama, Science Fiction
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
Metacritic: 66%
Stars: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Awkwafina
Directed by: Benjamin Cleary
Once in a while, such a movie comes out, which reminds me of what movie-making is actually about. Swan Song picks up a hot concept of sci-fi films and combines it with grief, drama, and human elements. The story talks about a man about to die but can continue his life through a clone so that his family isn’t disturbed. However, as the time comes close, he realizes he is not ready for the swap. All his emotions take over him, giving us critical insights into how it may feel before dying. The cinematography uses minimal elements to provide a look for a modern environment, whereas the music score deepens the story by playing emotional strums.
Watch here
2. Finch (2023)Genre: Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure
IMDb: 6.9/10
Metacritic: 57%
Stars: Tom Hanks, Caleb Landry Jones, Oscar Avila
Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik
Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
Watch here
3. The Banker (2023)Genre: Drama
IMDb: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
Stars: Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult
Directed by: George Nolfi
Runtime: 2 hours
The Banker is inspired by a story of two black people who enter the game of real estate to provide better facilities to their community. It stars some great actors like Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, and Nicholas Hoult. The movie revolves around answering a straightforward question, “How do you win a rigged game?” And the answer lies in a humorous drama called The Banker. The film shows us the immoral reality of the 1950s, which is sadly still part of our culture. Watching a finance prodigy making his way up to compete with high players where he belongs irrespective of unfavorable circumstances is inspiring. Meanwhile, you get a crash course on how to think like a business person while enjoying a great story.
4. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2023)Genre: Drama, War, Thriller
IMDb: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Metacritic: 87%
Directed by: Joel Coen
Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
The Tragedy of Macbeth is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. The whole movie uses the Shakespearean English language for the dialogues. So, it would help to read some of his creations before watching the movie if you aren’t familiar with his writing style. The film is a masterpiece with great acting, brilliant direction, and fantastic cinematography. Not to forget, the background score is unsettling and would stir up all your emotions while watching the film. The director has used minimal set decoration for giving the movie a theoretical appeal. Black and white camerawork and 4:3 aspect ratio combined with the exquisite storytelling make The Tragedy of Macbeth one of the best movies in 2023—a cinematic masterpiece.
Watch here
5. Palmer (2023)IMDb: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Metacritic: 53%
Stars: Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allen, June Squibb
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
Palmer is a story of a guy trying to find himself and questioning his life after spending 12 years in prison. Eddie Palmer, who happens to be a young football star, commits a crime and returns to his grandmother after 12 years. He soon finds a job as a janitor in the local school. While questioning his life, he happens to take care of Sam, a young kid of a drug-abusing mother who frequently leaves Sam under the guarding of Vivian, Eddie’s grandma. After Vivian’s death, Eddie bonds closely with Sam and acknowledges his effeminate nature. A clash between the adults takes place over who should take care of Sam as the matter goes to court. The movie feels dull initially but builds up interest as it goes forward. I liked how the director didn’t show any past footage and let the viewers imagine the characters’ stories.
Meanwhile, it firmly sheds light on the issue of gender identity without making it a big deal. This movie is about self-discovery, hope, humility, and love. The heartwarming story of Palmer can make you cry and laugh within minutes. So, be prepared to have an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Watch here
6. Come From Away (2023)IMDb: 8.6/10
Metacritic: 83%
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Stars: Jenn Colella, Joel Hatch, Tony LePage
Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes
Come From Away is an American-Canadian musical film directly shot from the theatre musical by the same name. The story is about 7000 passengers who were stranded in the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada. The incident occurred when 38 airlines supposed to land in the US were redirected after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The village people welcomed the passengers cordially, providing them with every possible support. Irene Sankoff and David Hein wrote the original musical with catchy composing and descriptive lyrics. Director Christopher Ashley filmed this movie version after the Broadway theatre was shut down due to the Covid pandemic. The musical tells the story of humanity, belief, and hope. It is inspiring to watch how the villagers took it to their hearts to support the confused passengers.
Watch here
7. CODA (2023)Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Metacritic: 75%
Stars: Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur
Directed by: Siân Heder
CODA has by far one of the most creative and original movie ideas one can imagine. It’s a story about a girl who can sing like an angel regardless of being born in a family of deaf people. The unique approach towards the beauty of art is mesmerizing, shown amazingly in this movie. It embarks on the protagonist’s journey into the world, which demands leaving her family behind. The movie also has some great tracks, and you will surely fall in love with the music. Well, it’s a film about music after all. Watch this inspiring story for its positivity, hope, family support, and of course, the fantastic story.
Watch here
8. Greyhound (2023)Genre: War, Action, Drama
IMDb: 7/10
Metacritic: 64%
Stars: Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan
Directed by: Aaron Schneider
Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes
Watch here
9. Hala (2023)Genre: Drama
IMDb: 6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Directed by: Minhal Baig
Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes
Hala is a story of a Muslim teenager living in America and balancing her personal life with parental expectations and her own choices. The movie is relatively soft on writing and does not give proper justice to the character arc. Still, it manages to tell a good story about the struggles of a small girl confused between what’s suitable for her and not. Many people believe this movie shows a stereotypical image of Muslim families and tag it as religiously inappropriate. However, the film speaks of the diversity and struggles one might face growing up in a different community. Overall, Hala has a cliche plotline that you can expect from a movie with a teenager questioning the authority of parents and religion on her. Everything about Hala, from music score, acting, direction, and the story, is mediocre, making it a lightweight movie.
Watch here
10. Wolfwalkers (2023)IMDb: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Stars: Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker, Sean Bean
Directed by: Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart
Wolfwalkers is a gorgeous animated film about 17th century Ireland. It’s about a girl who wants to help her father catch all the wolves in the forest surrounding the Irish village of Kilkenny. However, the girl discovers the wolves aren’t the foul creatures, everyone thinks. The magic of the jungle also brings her close to another wild girl who happens to be a wolfwalker, someone who transforms into a wolf when asleep. Overall, the movie has a great story, lush animation, and a glance at Irish folklore. It’s a great watch for people of all ages.
Watch here
11. On the Rocks (2023)Genre: Drama, Comedy
IMDb: 6.4/10
Metacritic: 73%
Stars: Rashida Jones, Bill Murray, Marlon Wayans
Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes
The movie explores father-daughter relations, husband-wife relations, and emotional angles like hidden pain and giving up on people. Overall, the cast has done a fabulous job creating humorous drama, which is heartbreaking at its core.
Watch here
12. Cherry (2023)Genre: Drama
IMDb: 6.6/10
Stars: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo, Jack Reynor
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes
I hope you are not deceived by the rozy name of the movie and seeing Tom Holland as the lead actor. Cherry is based on a novel by the same name written by Nico Walker. It is a story of a young boy who joins the military and has PTSD because of his experience. He took to drugs to overcome his trauma and soon became addicted to it along with his wife. The confused boy starts to rob banks to support himself financially and fulfill his addiction. The story goes darker and darker with each passing minute and takes us on a thoughtful journey.
Watch here
Best Documentary Movies on Apple TVApple has done a remarkable job in presenting infotainment content. They are creating great documentaries around musicians, nature, artists, and a few desirable topics like politics and life. So, if you would like to spend your time enjoying a good movie while learning something new, this list is for you.
13. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth (2023)Genre: Animation, Family
IMDb: 7.4/10
Directed by: Philip Hunt
Runtime: 36 minutes
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth is a short animated film inspired by the world-famous children’s book by the same name written by Oliver Jeffers. The story dives into the life of a young boy and his learning about the Earth and its beauty on Earth day. His parents take him to a museum named Museum of Everything, where the boy satisfies his curiosity about life and how the world works. The wonderfully animated short helps us look at the world from that pure sense of interest like a child. I recommend watching this great movie, especially if you have small kids at home.
Watch here
14. Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds (2023)IMDb: 7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Metacritic: 72%
Stars: Werner Herzog, Clive Oppenheimer
Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes
Meteorites are one of the most remarkable things in the universe. They work like messengers of the universe delivering information and matter from one galaxy to another. The documentary Fireball: Visitors from the Darker Worlds talks about what meteorites have brought us. From new elements to cultural value. From wiping out entire species to bringing in new life forms. We can’t imagine sustainable life on this planet without the rocks from space contributing heavily to it. Learn more such stuff from this insightful documentary on meteorites and their impact on the Earth.
Watch here
15. The Velvet Underground (2023)Genre: Documentary, Music
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Metacritic: 87%
Stars: Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison
Directed by: Todd Haynes
The Velvet Underground is a famous rock band consisting of Lou Reed, Sterling Morrison, John Cale, Moe Tucker, and Nico in the 1960s. The documentary shares their journey and impact on the world with music. It consists primarily of some old footage where a few cool people take pictures of a cool band wearing sunglasses and having indoor action. Well, everything you can expect in a documentary about a rock band from the 1960s. The Velvet Underground doesn’t show anything unique or mysterious about the band. Still, it will take the fans on a nostalgic trip about their favorite band and how they contributed to America’s musical history.
Watch here
16. Who Are You, Charlie Brown? (2023)Genre: Documentary, Animation
IMDb: 7.2/10
Stars: Lupita Nyong’o, Tyler James Nathan, Terry McGurrin
Directed by: Michael Bonfiglio
Runtime: 54 minutes
Suppose you grew up in the 20th century. In that case, I bet you read the Peanuts comic strip at least once in your lifetime. Creator Charles Schulz first made this strip for an American newspaper in 1950. It ran for 50 years until his death in 2000, making it one of the most extended stories ever told by a single human being. “Who are you, Charlie Brown?” is a documentary focusing on how the comic characters came into existence. It contains actual interviews with the creator himself and a few people who knew him when he was alive. So, if you ever saw, heard, or read about the insecure kid Charlie Brown, have a glance at the mind who created such a masterpiece.
17. The Year Earth Changed (2023)Genre: Documentary
IMDb: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Stars: David Attenborough, Bhashkar Bara, Dulu Bora
Runtime: 48 minutes
It still sends chills through my body when I remember how a small virus changed the whole world for us. We were shut out of everything, and what was normal has altered its definition forever. I believe mother nature wanted to tell us something from the incident since we can see the positive effects of global lockdown on animals. Didn’t you notice? Watch this amazing documentary directed by Tom Beard titled The Year Earth Changed. The name justifies the film entirely because it shows how the Earth recovered within a few months after the global lockdown. Animals explored new territories, ocean water became cleaner, air pollution went away, and nature healed itself. This documentary is a must-watch to see where we are leading this world and to feel gratitude towards the planet we call home.
Watch here
18. Fathom (2023)Genre: Documentary
Rotten Tomatoes: 58%
Metacritic: 67%
Stars: Ellen Garland, Michelle Fournet
Directed by: Drew Xanthopoulos
Can you guess what the above sound is? I believe only a few can recognize that it’s a whale cry. Researchers have spent countless years studying whale sounds to understand what they are saying and communicate with them in any manner possible. It’s interesting because whales have been on this planet for much longer than humans or many other mammals. This beautiful documentary about humpback whales takes us a step closer to their life. How researchers interpret their language, and what we can learn from one of the largest animals on the Earth. The documentary is beautifully filmed, inspiring, and igniting curiosity in our minds. A must-watch if you want to spend your time gaining knowledge and learning about one of the oldest creatures on this planet.
Watch here
19. Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry (2023)Genre: Documentary, Music
IMDb: 7.7/10
Stars: Billie Eilish, Finneas O’Connell, Maggie Baird
Directed by: R.J. Cutler
Runtime: 2 hours 20 minutes
Billie Eilish is among the most popular music superstars from Gen Z, and this documentary does all the justice to bring her story in front of the world. We are living in a time when child depression is a real thing. Billie has influenced many teenagers with her heart-wrenching songs and relatable lyrics while spreading love and positivity throughout the world. This documentary answers some curious questions like how she manages her life living on the road, how her parents feel about her job, and what it takes to create record-breaking albums. Watching Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry also makes you think about how great Apple’s approach is with original content.
20. The Elephant Queen (2023)Genre: Documentary, Family
IMDb: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor
Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes
While growing up, I always enjoyed watching animal documentaries on Discovery, Animal Planet, and National Geography. Ever since Apple started streaming nature documentaries, I have loved the OTT platform even more. The Elephant Queen is a story of a group of female adult elephants and their offspring led by the big elephant Ethena. They start on a journey to find a new home when their old one sees the wrath of nature, and they have to move 200 miles. The documentary also showcases how elephants show emotions, their place in the wild culture, and how every animal benefits from one another. Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, The Elephant Queen is an informative and inspiring documentary about the beasts and how they live in a family supporting each other.
Watch here
Genre: Documentary
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Stars: Bryce Dallas Howard, Ron Howard, Judd Apatow
Directed by: Bryce Dallas Howard
Runtime: 1 hour 20 minutes
Watch here
22. Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You (2023)Genre: Documentary, Music
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Stars: Bruce Springsteen, Roy Bittan, Nils Lofgren
Directed by: Thom Zimny
Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes
Every musician has a story that goes beyond music. Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You is a music documentary that shows us the backstory of how Bruce Springsteen created the album Letter to You. The documentary doesn’t look like an informative video. Instead, you will find some crazy dudes having fun while forgetting their age and surroundings and immersing themselves deep in the beauty of music. I won’t judge you if you feel intoxicated while watching this documentary; it has that powerful direction and simplicity at the same time. The documentary shows Bruce reminding us how he came up with each song, what ideas were behind the composing, and how the band creates music that touches our hearts. It is one of the best music documentaries on Apple TV+ so far.
23. Boys State (2023)Genre: Documentary
IMDb: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Metacritic: 84%
Directed by: Jesse Moss, Amanda McBaine
Runtime: 1 hour 49 minutes
Boys State is a political documentary that brings us the journey of 1000 teenagers in American Legion Boys State in Texas. It follows the whole process of how this mock government is created from the very beginning. It’s an insightful glimpse of how future governance might look for us, and frankly, it isn’t as utopian as one can imagine. Politics is a tainted field that comes with sly marketing, messiness, and some ugly underlying truths, which are explored in this documentary. All this might sound unpleasant at first. However, what it implies is knowing the reality of our governing model. The uniqueness and brutally straightforward insight in the camp has won Boys State the Grand Jury Prize for documentaries at Sundance 2023, which is enough to mention it is a worth watching infotainment movie on Apple TV+.
Watch here
24. Beastie Boys Story (2023)IMDb: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Metacritic: 74%
Stars: Adam Horovitz, Michael Diamond, Adam Yauch
Runtime: 1 hour 59 minutes
If you came from the generation when people listened to music on cassettes, you might have heard of the Beastie Boys. They were one of the first successful hip-hop bands, making their place in the Billboard 200. Directed by Spike Jonze, who also directed their music video “Sabotage,” Beastie Boys Story shows us some glimpses of the old footage when the band was active while the two members, Mike-D and Ad-Rock, tell us the story behind it all. It is a musical treat to every Beastie Boys fan and opens doors for new listeners to experience the OG hip hop.
Watch here
25. 9/11: Inside the President’s War Room (2023)Genre: Documentary
Stars: George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell
Directed by: Adam Wishart
Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes
The whole world can never forget the tragic terror attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Almost 3000 people lost their lives that day under the presidency of George W. Bush. The documentary shows us some videos and clips from the day and interviews George Bush and his team for internal insights. It shows what was going on inside the President’s room when terrorists openly attacked one of the busiest places in the USA. It might be the only time the whole team from the President’s room at that time came forward to share their perspective of the incident. This documentary is an informative piece and a must-watch for everyone to remember the loss the world saw over 20 years ago.
Does Apple TV+ Have Good Movies?Apple TV+ is a relatively new OTT platform compared to streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. You can find all kinds of movies on Netflix. However, Apple TV+ brings in some unique and original content for you. The platform hosts top-class films from great directors and actors. It even has some award-winning entries, given a little movie pool. Apple TV+ can beat other streaming services with its original content. Still, it lacks many aspects, which I hope Apple will cover soon enough. I found all the documentaries insightful and unique.
Update the detailed information about Apple Tv (4Th Gen) Unboxing + Exclusive In on the Kientrucdochoi.com website. We hope the article's content will meet your needs, and we will regularly update the information to provide you with the fastest and most accurate information. Have a great day!