Apple has brought many Apple TV features to smart TVs, but its streaming box still offers several advantages.
In 2026, buying an Apple TV 4K might seem less necessary than ever.
Apple has partnered with major television manufacturers including LG, Sony, Samsung, and Vizio to bring some of its most popular features — such as AirPlay 2, HomeKit support, and the Apple TV app — directly into modern smart TVs.
The reason is simple: Apple wants its streaming ecosystem and Apple TV+ service to be available everywhere.
Previously, the Apple TV app was limited to Apple hardware like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV streaming box. Today, it is available on nearly every major smart TV platform, meaning many users no longer need a dedicated streaming device.
So does the Apple TV 4K still make sense?
The answer is yes.
While smart TVs can now replicate many Apple TV features, Apple’s streaming box still offers several advantages that built-in TV software cannot match.
What Is an Apple TV?
An Apple TV is a streaming device that connects to your television through HDMI and gives you access to apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and Apple TV+.
For older televisions, it effectively transforms them into smart TVs.
For users who already own a smart TV, Apple TV provides an alternative operating system through Apple’s tvOS platform, offering a cleaner interface and deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple TV vs Apple TV+ vs Apple TV App: What’s the Difference?
The name “Apple TV” can refer to three different things.
Apple TV Device
The physical streaming box that connects to your television.
Apple TV+
Apple’s subscription streaming service featuring original shows and movies, including popular titles like Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Severance.
Apple TV App
The application where users access Apple TV+, purchased movies, rentals, sports subscriptions, and other Apple services.
Understanding the difference between these three products helps explain why the Apple TV hardware still exists even though the app is now widely available.
Which Apple TV Models Does Apple Sell?
Apple currently focuses on the Apple TV 4K lineup.
The latest Apple TV 4K improved on previous models by increasing storage options and offering better performance while maintaining a lower entry price compared with earlier generations.
Apple offers two main configurations:
Apple TV 4K 64GB
- Wi-Fi only
- No Thread support
Apple TV 4K 128GB
- Ethernet port included
- Thread support
- Better option for smart home users
For anyone building an Apple-based smart home, the 128GB model provides more flexibility.
Does Apple TV 4K Support Thread and Matter?
It depends on the model.
Apple TV 4K models released from 2021 onward generally support Thread and Matter, although the entry-level Wi-Fi-only version does not include Thread support.
What Is Thread?
Thread is a low-power mesh networking technology designed for smart home devices.
It helps devices such as:
- Smart cameras
- Doorbells
- Thermostats
- Sensors
communicate more reliably.
What Is Matter?
Matter is a universal smart home standard developed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung.
Its goal is to make smart home devices from different brands work together more easily.
For users building a smart home around Apple HomeKit or Matter, Apple TV 4K works as an important home hub.
Does Apple TV 4K Offer Better Privacy?
Privacy is one of Apple’s strongest arguments for its own hardware.
When using Apple services through a third-party smart TV platform, some data handling depends on the television manufacturer and its software environment.
With an Apple TV 4K, users stay within Apple’s hardware ecosystem, where privacy protection is a core focus.
For people who care about controlling their personal data, dedicated Apple hardware provides additional peace of mind.
Can Apple TV Use HomePods as TV Speakers?
Yes.
One of the biggest advantages of Apple TV 4K is its ability to work with HomePod and HomePod mini speakers.
Users can create a stereo setup with two HomePods or HomePod minis, turning them into a wireless home theater system.
With Apple TV 4K and HomePod, the system supports Dolby Atmos audio.
Apple has also added HDMI ARC and eARC support, allowing HomePods to work as TV speakers even when using other connected devices, such as:
- Game consoles
- Cable boxes
- External streaming devices
Does Apple TV Support Multiple User Profiles?
Yes.
Multiple user profiles remain one of the features exclusive to Apple TV hardware.
The Apple TV app on many smart TVs does not provide the same multi-user experience.
Separate profiles allow different family members to receive personalized recommendations without mixing viewing history.
For example:
- One person can watch action movies;
- Another can receive drama recommendations;
- Children can have their own viewing preferences.
Do You Need Apple TV for Fitness+?
No.
Apple Fitness+ originally required an Apple TV box connected to a television.
However, Apple has expanded support for AirPlay-enabled TVs and streaming devices.
Today, users can stream Fitness+ workouts to compatible devices while viewing workout information such as:
- Heart rate
- Timers
- Burn Bar metrics
Many Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio televisions already support AirPlay.
Do You Need Apple TV for Apple Arcade?
Yes.
If you want to play Apple Arcade games on your television, you still need an Apple TV streaming box.
While Apple Arcade works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, playing games on a large screen requires Apple TV hardware.
For the best experience, Apple TV 4K models provide stronger performance and broader game compatibility compared with older Apple TV HD models.
Final Thoughts
The Apple TV 4K is no longer the only way to access Apple’s entertainment ecosystem.
Modern smart TVs now include many Apple features, including AirPlay, HomeKit compatibility, and the Apple TV app.
However, Apple’s streaming box still offers advantages that built-in TV software cannot fully replace:
- Better tvOS experience
- Deeper Apple ecosystem integration
- HomePod support
- Multiple user profiles
- Apple Arcade gaming
- Smart home hub capabilities
For users deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the Apple TV 4K remains one of the most complete streaming devices available in 2026.
