Apple’s similarly named ‘TV’ offerings and what they do
Apple offers at least three products with “TV” in their name: Apple TV (hardware media player); a TV app (preinstalled on all iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple TVs); and Apple TV+ (subscription video on demand). To avoid confusion, here’s a quick rundown on these three similarly named Apple offerings and what they do:
Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K
Apple TV media players, introduced in 2007, have been around the longest of the three. The current lineup — Apple TV HD ($149) and Apple TV 4K (from $179) — connect to a television via a HDMI cable and provide access to streaming content from Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and many others, as well as live TV from providers including YouTube TV and Sling TV. Finally, you can play games on an Apple TV, including most Apple Arcade offerings (180-plus games with no ads or in-app purchases, for $4.99 a month), although many games require a third-party Bluetooth controller. And with a built-in app store, there’s always something new to explore.
I’ve had Apple TV boxes attached to my TVs since 2007 and use them for most of my entertainment programming. After forsaking cable TV several years ago, we pay less today for more (and better) entertainment programming via Apple TV.
Here’s the thing: We replaced the big-screen TV in our bedroom with an LG smart TV a couple of years ago and realized we might not need Apple TV anymore. Our smart TV offers similar programming, including Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube TV and even Apple TV+. Because the smart TV has an App Store (like the Apple TV) and a better remote with additional features, we’re likely to ditch Apple TV soon.
Apple TV App
According to Apple, the free Apple TV app, bundled with iPhones, iPads, Macs and AppleTVs for years, gives you “All of your TV. All in one app.” In other words, it offers a curated selection of movies and TV shows to stream, buy or rent from many popular services and providers.
It’s close, but no cigar. Netflix isn’t one of those services, so we rarely launch the Apple TV app on any of our devices.
Apple TV+
Finally, the newest Apple product to include TV in its name is Apple TV+, a streaming video service featuring all original content for $4.99 a month. We were unimpressed at first, but have since found several shows we like or love. With its 20 well-deserved Emmy nominations, “Ted Lasso” is probably the bestknown. But I think “Mythic Quest,” created by Rob McElhenney of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” is more fun.
If you enjoy an occasional musical (as we do), check out the animated series “Central Park,” voiced by Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Stanley Tucci and other Broadway legends. And don’t miss “Schmigadoon,” a new live-action musical fantasy from “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels, which we adore.
A seven-day free trial of Apple TV+ is available to all, and you’ll receive three months free with the purchase of an eligible Apple device (www.apple.com/promo/).