The 3rd generation Apple TV 4K adds Wi-Fi 6, HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz, a Thread smart home hub, and a new remote at a lower price than the 2nd gen launched at. If your TV has HDMI 2.1 and you want 4K at 120Hz for gaming or high frame rate content, the upgrade is worth it. For 4K streaming at 60Hz, the 2nd gen still performs well and is worth using until it stops receiving software updates.
Apple TV 4K 2nd gen vs 3rd gen at a glance
| Spec | Apple TV 4K (2nd gen) | Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| HDMI version | HDMI 2.0 (4K/60Hz max) | HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz capable) |
| Thread smart home hub | No | Yes |
| USB-C power | No (Lightning) | Yes |
| Siri Remote | 2nd gen (with power/mute buttons) | Same 2nd gen Siri Remote |
| Launch price | $179 | $129 |
Key upgrades in the 3rd generation
HDMI 2.1 is the most impactful hardware upgrade. The 2nd gen is limited to 4K at 60Hz over HDMI 2.0. The 3rd gen outputs 4K at 120Hz over HDMI 2.1, which enables high frame rate gaming and future-proofs the device for high frame rate streaming content as it becomes more common.
The A15 Bionic chip is significantly faster than the A12 in the 2nd gen. In practice, the 2nd gen was already fast enough for streaming and tvOS navigation. The 3rd gen’s advantage is in faster app launch times and smoother handling of demanding apps. I use the 3rd gen on my primary TV and the performance difference over the 2nd gen in my testing was real but not dramatic for streaming-only use.
The Thread hub enables the Apple TV 4K to act as a smart home controller for Thread-compatible devices directly, without requiring a separate hub. This matters if you use HomeKit with Thread accessories like smart locks or sensors.
Is the upgrade worth it?
If you have HDMI 2.1 on your TV and want 4K at 120Hz: yes, upgrade. The 3rd gen is also $129 versus the 2nd gen’s $179 launch price, so newer hardware at a lower cost is an easy call for new buyers.
If you already own the 2nd gen and primarily use it for 4K/60Hz streaming: keep it. The streaming output quality is identical. tvOS updates will continue for several more years. The HDMI 2.1 upgrade only benefits you if your TV has HDMI 2.1 ports and you have content to take advantage of it.
Frequently asked questions
Should I upgrade from Apple TV 4K 2nd gen to 3rd gen?
Only if you want 4K at 120Hz and your TV has HDMI 2.1 ports. For 4K streaming at 60Hz, the 2nd gen performs identically to the 3rd gen. If you are buying new, buy the 3rd gen. It is faster, has HDMI 2.1, and costs less than the 2nd gen launched at.
Does Apple TV 4K 2nd gen support 4K/120Hz?
No. The 2nd gen uses HDMI 2.0, which limits output to 4K at 60Hz. 4K at 120Hz requires HDMI 2.1, which is only available on the 3rd generation Apple TV 4K. You also need an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV.
See current Apple TV 4K pricing
Check the current price before deciding between generations.