After a four-year gap, Apple finally updated its Apple TV 4K in 2021 with a few extra bells and whistles and a new remote.

However, as the 2017 model is still available in many second-hand stores - often at a huge discount - is it worth considering the latest version or will the original do just as good a job?

We look at the features and specifications of both to help you make that decision.

2021 Apple TV 4K (32GB)

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What's the same?

  • Main "puck"-style box design - measuring 98 x 98 x 35mm
  • Access to thousands of TV shows and movies
  • Streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and, of course, Apple TV+
  • Apple Arcade support
  • Apps and games
  • 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos support
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Available in 32GB and 64GB variants

If you own an older Apple TV 4K already, you'll already know much of what to expect. The box itself is identical in size and shape, for starters.

The 2017 model is 4K (2160p) capable, just like the newer version, and is capable of playing all the same content. Both offer access to a wide variety of streaming services, including Apple's own TV+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer (in the UK). Movie rentals and purchases can be played equally well through them too. And they each can play the games that come with the Apple Arcade subscription.

Both devices are capable of 4K playback in HDR or Dolby Vision (depending on your TV), and can feed Dolby Atmos surround sound to a compatible AV receiver, TV or sound system.

Bluetooth 5.0 is support for connection to the included remote or other accessories. AirPlay 2 is also support by each of the machines. As too is Apple's TV calibration mode, which is available through tvOS settings.

Apple TV 4K (2021) vs Apple TV 4K (2017): What has been upgraded? photo 2

What's different?

  • A12 Bionic processing
  • HDMI 2.1
  • High Frame Rate (HFR) support - up to 60fps
  • Redesigned recent Siri Remote
  • 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6

While the latest Apple TV 4K model looks the same as its predecessor, there are some differences under the hood, as we detail below. There is also a redesigned remote control.

Apple TV 4K (2021) vs Apple TV 4K (2017): What has been upgraded? photo 3

Siri Remote

Perhaps the most obvious generational changes can be found on the included remote. We weren't huge fans of the touchpanel on the previous version, so welcome the chickwheel on the newer vestion.

There are still touch elements to it, to help with cursor use and navigation, but the Siri Remote has clickable direction buttons on the wheel. It can also be used as a scroll wheel by running your finger around the circular edge.

The refreshed remote comes in recycled aluminium, and the Siri button has been switched to the side - more like an iPhone. There are also mute and power buttons at the top that can also be used to turn on/off your TV through IR or HDMI CEC.

As before, the remote is rechargable, with a claimed battery life of "months" on a single charge (in normal use).

A12 Bionic

A later processor (upgraded from the A10X Fusion) means the latest Apple TV 4K runs more quickly than before and is capable of more powerful features. The A12 Bionic is the same processor used by the Apple iPad mini (4th generation) and 2020 iPad.

High Frame Rate

HFR is supported for the first time, with the 2021 Apple TV 4K able to play back HDR video at up to 60 frames-per-second. This includes 4K video.

That's especially great for iPhone users with a 12 pro and above, who shoot videos in 60fps. You can stream them to your TV in the higher frame rate over AirPlay 2. You will need an HFR supporting TV as well, of course, but most modern 4K HDR TVs are capable of 60fps playback too (ie. 60Hz and above).

HDMI 2.1

The HDMI output has been upgraded to HDMI 2.1 (from 2.0a) to enable HFR support.

Wi-Fi 6

With the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless standard now supported you can more seamlessly stream higher bandwidth content - including 4K 60fps video.

Conclusion

To be honest, there's not a load of major differences, even considering the four year gap between models. However, the latest Apple TV 4K is faster in operation and, therefore, more capable with processing-heavy applications. That includes games on Apple Arcade.

As is the way of such things, you might find some apps and games released in the future will also only run effectively on the new model. But then, you might want to hold on from upgrading until then.

The one huge improvement comes in the shape of the more recent remote. It's definitely better thought out, in our opinion. But even then, you needn't upgrade for that alone as it is also available as a optional extra and will work on the 2017 model too.

There's a much clearer reason to upgrade if you own the standard 1080p Apple TV, though. If you have one of those, there's plenty to gain in taking the plunge.