Older Apple TV can power spare screens or manage smart home devices

An older Apple TV can still be useful after an upgrade, because it can serve another screen or support a smart home. Its custom hardware and tvOS limit what software it can run, so repurposing means making use of Apple’s existing features.

It can provide streaming and games on a secondary TV, with a game controller improving play for many titles. AirPlay can mirror an Apple device’s screen, though wireless lag makes it unsuitable for action games and mirroring does not retain Dolby Vision. An Apple TV can also act as a HomeKit hub for remote access and automations, a Matter controller, and, on some models, a Thread border router.