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You can stream programmes, channels and apps in various ways. Smart TVs come with built-in apps, and there are streaming boxes and sticks from brands such as Amazon and Roku that offer a cheap and easy way to upgrade older sets. So why would you spend £200 on an Apple TV?
For Apple, you’re paying for more than just a streaming box for Netflix binges. The Apple TV 4K provides a faster, smoother experience, a premium remote and seamless integration with other Apple devices, but whether those extras justify the higher price is another question.
And while the current Apple TV 4K has been around for a while now, a newer version is expected to launch later this year. Until then, however, it's still Apple's flagship streaming box. I've put it to the test to see if it's still worth buying in 2026.
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I’ve been putting Apple’s streaming box to the test (David Phelan/The Independent)
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Apple TV 4K
Rating: 4.5/5
Why we love it
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Audio and video strengths
Take note
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Not the newest Apple product around
Apple TV 4K: Design
The tiny Apple TV 4K box is a roughly 4in square device with rounded corners. It comes in one colour: shiny black. It connects to your television using an HDMI cable (not supplied) but can sit out of sight: the remote doesn’t need line of sight to the box because the connection is made by Bluetooth, not infra-red as it may be on your TV remote.
Apple has two versions of Apple TV, though the only visible difference is round the back: choose the model with 64GB storage and it’s a wifi-only device, with a single HDMI socket alongside the power socket. The pricier model with 128GB storage adds a Gigabit Ethernet connection as well. Since most apps are designed to stream content, you don’t need extra storage unless you’re…