Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Is the Apple TV 4K still worth buying after the price hike?
Apple has hiked the price of the four-year-old Apple TV 4K, with the 64GB model rising from $129 to $199 and the 128GB version jumping from $149 to $249, part of a wider round of increases across Apple's hardware linked to a global memory shortage and rising component costs. The rise raises the question of whether an ageing streaming box still justifies its cost, especially given that it retains strong reviews for picture quality, speed and integration with Apple's ecosystem, but now faces stiffer competition from cheaper rivals.
Engadget notes the Apple TV 4K remains highly capable, with support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, a fast A15 Bionic chip, and deep integration with Apple devices and services such as Fitness+. However, at $199 it becomes harder to recommend against alternatives such as Google's $99 TV Streamer, rated the best all-in-one streaming device despite more ads and slightly slower performance, and Amazon's $140 Fire TV Cube, which offers comparable 4K/60fps output, HDR support and hands-free Alexa control at a lower price.
In short
- Apple TV 4K price rises from $129 to $199 (64GB model)
- Part of broader Apple hardware price hikes amid memory shortage
- Cheaper rivals like Google TV Streamer ($99) now look better value
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Apple ecosystem users gain substantial value from the tight integration with their devices, services, and smart home systems. The A15 chip ensures fast performance and future compatibility, whilst support for premium audio-visual formats like Dolby Vision and Atmos delivers genuine quality for those with capable displays and speakers. For households already invested in Apple's ecosystem, these advantages justify the premium over cheaper alternatives.
The case against
At £199, the price gap versus capable competitors has widened significantly without corresponding improvements to the four-year-old hardware. Google's £99 TV Streamer and Amazon's £140 Fire TV Cube deliver solid streaming performance and 4K support at substantially lower costs; for the average user not deeply embedded in Apple's ecosystem, spending an extra £50–100 primarily for integration benefits represents poor value.
Explained simply
Streaming content has become the primary way many people watch films and television programmes, typically through dedicated devices connected to their TV. Apple TV 4K is a compact streaming box designed to appeal particularly to users who own other Apple products and services. Understanding what it offers and how it compares to alternatives is important context for evaluating its value.
The Apple TV 4K supports advanced picture quality formats like Dolby Vision and premium audio through Dolby Atmos. It integrates closely with iPhones, iPads and Macs for Apple users, and provides access to services including Apple Fitness+. These features form the foundation of its appeal to those within the Apple ecosystem.
The streaming device market includes several significant competitors, each with distinct features and appeal. Google and Amazon both produce streaming devices that support 4K video and offer similar audio and picture quality technologies. Consumers deciding between devices consider factors such as cost, performance, compatibility with existing products they own, and access to their preferred services.