You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

What Is Apple TV?

What is Apple TV? I realize it’s a streaming service but Apple literature talks about like it’s a device. How do I do screen mirroring to an Apple TV if it’s not a device?

iPad, iOS 9

Posted on Nov 1, 2020 7:23 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 1, 2020 8:09 AM

A bit of both actually.


  • There have been 5 generations of ‘Apple TV’ set-top boxes now. These devices connect to a TV by HDMI, to provide Apple’s version of smart TV (and bypassing any built-in smart functionality of the TV). The later generations allow custom third party apps from an on-device App Store, somewhat similar to iPad. The Apple TV box will provide for AirPlay receiving capability.
  • There is an Apple TV app, to provide some core functionality and hub functionality for select streaming services, including iTunes Store purchases. The app will run on devices with iOS 12.3 or later, tvOS 12.3 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, and now even on select third party devices). Functionality differs a little bit depending on device.
  • There is Apple TV+, the streaming service featuring Apple Originals.


Also see: Apple TV app vs. Apple TV box vs. Apple TV+ - Apple Support Communities

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 1, 2020 8:09 AM in response to JeffJaro

A bit of both actually.


  • There have been 5 generations of ‘Apple TV’ set-top boxes now. These devices connect to a TV by HDMI, to provide Apple’s version of smart TV (and bypassing any built-in smart functionality of the TV). The later generations allow custom third party apps from an on-device App Store, somewhat similar to iPad. The Apple TV box will provide for AirPlay receiving capability.
  • There is an Apple TV app, to provide some core functionality and hub functionality for select streaming services, including iTunes Store purchases. The app will run on devices with iOS 12.3 or later, tvOS 12.3 or later, macOS 10.15 or later, and now even on select third party devices). Functionality differs a little bit depending on device.
  • There is Apple TV+, the streaming service featuring Apple Originals.


Also see: Apple TV app vs. Apple TV box vs. Apple TV+ - Apple Support Communities

What Is Apple TV?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.