This obtrusive subject is why the Apple TV 4K won’t ever be on high

Streaming gadgets similar to bins and sticks are solely rising in reputation, and that is evidenced by what number of firms have thrown their hats into the ring. In 2025, we’ve got Google, Amazon, Apple, and Roku as the most important gamers, and every firm has a wide array of choices to select from — besides one.

For those who’re searching for one thing model new, your solely possibility from Apple is the Apple TV 4K. For those who want an Ethernet port and extra storage, the $150 mannequin is there, however in case you can accept much less, there is a $130 choose. Trying over at Roku, there’s the high-end Roku Ultra streaming field after which quite a lot of streaming sticks for affordable. It doesn’t matter what you are searching for, Roku has one thing for you.

To make issues even worse, the Apple TV 4K infrequently goes on sale. Once you have a look at different firms, there are ceaselessly gross sales that make it extra interesting to leap into their ecosystem versus Apple’s. Utilizing Roku for instance once more, the Extremely usually goes on sale for about $80, and that is almost half the price of an Apple TV 4K. It is due to issues like this that I can not envision Apple ever being the highest canine.

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I do not wish to sound like I am rooting for a giant company to show issues round, as a result of that is not precisely the case, but when I used to be put accountable for issues, I’d alter Apple’s technique. There must be extra frequent gross sales to start out increase a much bigger viewers. Current market share numbers present Apple is way behind its competitors, and I think about the excessive price ticket is a giant purpose for that.

Whereas I really like the Apple TV 4K in my front room, it is no query that $150 is a tricky capsule to swallow when you think about what you want it for. Having Apple Arcade and FaceTime is cool, however in case you solely want a field to observe films and TVs, it is all going to waste. As an alternative, you are able to do your self a favor and seize one thing manner cheaper that does the identical factor. It is the largest factor working in opposition to Apple in my eyes, and I do not see any course correction coming any time quickly.

One thing I have been clamoring for is an Apple TV streaming stick. Not solely would that assist construct extra of an viewers for the Apple ecosystem, however it’s one thing I’d soar on instantly. Apple’s UI is my favourite of all of the streamers, primarily due to the dearth of adverts in every single place, so having that on all my TVs could be an enormous improve. As of proper now, I’ve a Roku Extremely in my bed room and a Roku Streaming Stick in my basement, so it is not like I am notably hurting as I like each of these gadgets, however I’d undoubtedly exchange them with Apple TV merchandise if the choice offered itself.

I can not be alone right here as a result of all I hear on-line is about how the Apple TV 4K is one of the best streaming system, however the actuality exhibits that it’s struggling to carve out a big market share for itself. A less expensive value would go a great distance right here, and simply providing primary gross sales would assist. The closest factor I’ve come to seeing a sale currently is a gift card being offered with the acquisition, which is best than nothing I suppose.

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I wish the Apple TV 4K would take notes from the Roku Ultra

I hope Apple borrows from the Roku playbook.

Apple frustrates me in a giant manner

Simply get with the occasions

Apple / Pocket-lint

The principle factor firms wish to do is become profitable, and I can not argue that Apple is not doing that. Nevertheless, there’s quite a bit being left on the desk that may profit each customers and Apple, so I am simply left scratching my head as to why they will not adapt.

I do not need this technology of Apple TV 4Ks to be the final, and if Apple does not begin gaining extra of a foothold in homes, I do not see how the corporate can proceed to justify making new ones. This third technology has lasted longer than the earlier two, and I am not even certain if we’re getting an announcement for a brand new one this yr. Earlier this yr, many indicators have been pointing towards that being the case, however as time goes on, I am feeling extra uncertain in regards to the capacity for this prediction to truly come to fruition.

Apple has usually introduced a brand new Apple TV iteration sooner than this prior to now, so it is unusual to not see any motion but. A part of the explanation may very well be that Apple does not see many causes to launch an improve. The third-gen Apple TV 4K is arguably a stronger system than the 2024 Roku Extremely, so Apple is actually solely competing with Apple.

This can be a large purpose why I wish to see Apple get into the price range class. Introducing the no-ads interface right into a stick that prices $40 would shake up plenty of issues. I do know that I’d’ve by no means gotten a Roku stick if that was an possibility. Sadly, I do not envision a world any time quickly the place Apple provides a price range product. The corporate is immune to providing gross sales on the Apple TV 4K, and if that may’t be completed, I can not anticipate them to do a lot else. It pains me to say it as a result of I actually do love my Apple TV 4K, however it’s very irritating that there is no cheaper possibility apart from shopping for a product from a unique firm. I hope Apple proves me mistaken about all this, however I do not suppose that is going to occur.

For no matter purpose, Apple has been extremely immune to introducing price range choices. It took a very long time for a less expensive iPhone to launch, and now it is a standard choose for many individuals. I do not see why that would not apply to a less expensive Apple TV 4K, maybe within the type of a streaming stick. Apple would possibly wish to preserve its repute as being a high-end firm, and by including in price range streaming choices it might harm the model. I do not suppose that’d be the case, particularly if the stick is a top quality product, however that may very well be among the reasoning.

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