How to determine the Apple TV model

Sadly, Apple has not put much effort into making Apple TV models look different for users to distinguish (at least not immediately recognizable). So it's hard to distinguish the difference between all Apple TV-like products, especially in markets that sell second-hand goods like eBay. Use this guide to identify the Apple TV model you own and find out the main differences between Apple TV models, both in hardware and software.

Quick identification

Search for ports when looking at the back of the device to quickly identify and answer the following questions:

1. Is the video input silver-white? If so, it is the first generation Apple TV.
2. Is there a Micro-USB port and optical sound? If yes, it is Apple TV 2nd or 3rd generation. For more differences, check the model number at the bottom of the device or in the Settings> General> About> Model on Apple TV.
3. Is there a USB-C port? If so, it is the Apple TV HD (formerly known as the 4th generation Apple TV).
4. Is there any USB port? If it is, then it is Apple TV 4K.

Check the model number

If you have Apple TV 2nd or 3rd generation, it is difficult to distinguish them visually. Fortunately, their model numbers are different.

To check the model number, look at the lower part of the device. At the bottom of the label, you will see the text and logo section as specified. The first line is 'Made in China' . Right after that line, you will see the model number with the prefix A.

You can also find the model number in tvOS. Navigate to Settings> General> About> Model to see the model number, with the prefix A.

1. A1218 is the first generation.
2. A1378 is the 2nd generation.
3. A1427 is the 3rd generation.
4. A1469 is the 3rd generation.
5. A1625 is the 4th generation HD.
6. A1842 is 4K

Why are there 2 3rd generation model numbers?

Two 3rd generation models appeared in early 2012 and early 2013. The newer 3rd generation Apple TV model, launched in early 2013, has an A5 processor with a size of 28nm, smaller than the first model of the year. 2012 (processor size is 32nm). Apple TV 3rd generation in early 2013 also added features to support peer-to-peer (peer) for AirPlay.

Differences in features

Ports that are familiar to most users or are visually noticeable are bold. These ports can be used to quickly identify an Apple TV model. All have the same power supply and use Ethernet connectors that cannot be visually distinguishable.

Apple TV 4K

1. HDMI 2.0a (2160p, Dolby Vision and HDR10)
2. Wi-Fi (802.11a / b / g / n / ac)
3. Bluetooth 5.0
4. No USB ports

Apple TV HD (formerly known as 4th generation Apple TV)

1. HDMI 1.4 (720p or 1080p)
2. Wi-Fi (802.11a / b / g / n / ac)
3. Bluetooth 4.0
4. USB ‑ C on HDMI port

Apple TV 3rd generation

1. HDMI port (720p or 1080p)
2. Wi-Fi (802.11a / b / g / n)
3. Optical audio port
4. Micro-USB below HDMI port

Apple TV 2nd generation

1. HDMI (720p)
2. Wi-Fi (802.11a / b / g / n)
3. Optical audio port
4. Micro-USB below HDMI port

Apple TV 1st generation

1. HDMI port and component video (480p or 720p)
2. Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n)
3. Optical audio port and stereo RCA
4. USB 2.0 (for service and support)
5. There is a rectangle
6. Frame with silver and clear plastic

If you have access to Apple TV or can view images of Apple TV ports, you can distinguish based on the feature set of that model. But the most valuable piece of information is at the bottom of the device, where the model number is printed. That number can be 'translated' directly into the correct model, without having to try and see the visual ports.

Hope you are succesful.