You want to streaming on apple tv. Or maybe you’ve had one sitting in your drawer for six months because the remote is confusing and you can’t figure out how to install Netflix.
I’ve been there. The Apple TV interface looks simple. But when you actually sit down to use it, nothing is where you expect. The remote has no buttons (just a touchpad that does seventeen different things). And somehow, you’re being asked to sign into your Apple ID three different times.
Here’s the truth: Apple TV is actually the most powerful streaming device on the market. It’s just not intuitive for anyone coming from Roku, Fire Stick, or smart TV apps.
Short answer: Apple TV runs on tvOS (Apple’s operating system for televisions). Setup takes 10 minutes: plug in HDMI, connect to Wi-Fi, sign into Apple ID, then download your preferred streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube). The Siri Remote uses a touchpad for swiping and a clickpad for selecting. For April 2026, the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is the best streaming device for households already using iPhones, iPads, or Macs.
Let me walk you through everything from unboxing to watching your first movie.
Which Apple TV Model Do You Have?
Before we start, identify which Apple TV you own. The setup process is slightly different for older models.
| Model | Release Year | 4K Support | Remote | Current Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) | 2022 | Yes (HDR10+, Dolby Vision) | Siri Remote (USB-C) | ✅ Full support |
| Apple TV 4K (2nd gen) | 2021 | Yes (HDR10, Dolby Vision) | Siri Remote (Lightning) | ✅ Full support |
| Apple TV 4K (1st gen) | 2017 | Yes (HDR10) | Siri Remote (Lightning) | ⚠️ Limited (no tvOS 18) |
| Apple TV HD | 2015 | No (1080p only) | Siri Remote (Lightning) | ⚠️ Limited (no tvOS 18) |
| Apple TV (3rd gen) | 2012 | No (1080p) | Aluminum remote | ❌ No longer supported |
How to check your model:
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Go to Settings > General > About
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Look for “Model Number” (starts with A)
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Compare to: A2843 (3rd gen 4K), A2169 (2nd gen 4K), A1842 (1st gen 4K), A1625 (HD)
If you have a 2017 or older model: Some apps may not work. Consider upgrading to the 2022 Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) for $129.
According to a 2025 report from Parks Associates, Apple TV holds 22% of the streaming device market in Tier 1 countries (USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia), behind Roku (38%) but ahead of Amazon Fire Stick (18%).
If you’re comparing best streaming devices overall, Apple TV is the premium option for Apple ecosystem users.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide (10 Minutes)
What You Need Before Starting
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Apple TV device
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HDMI cable (2.0 or 2.1 for 4K)
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TV with HDMI port
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Wi-Fi network name and password
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Apple ID (iCloud account) and password
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iPhone (optional but makes setup 5x faster)
Method 1: iPhone Setup (Fastest – 5 minutes)
If you have an iPhone (iOS 12 or later), this is dramatically easier.
Step 1: Plug Apple TV into power and HDMI port on your TV.
Step 2: Turn on TV. Select the correct HDMI input.
Step 3: Hold your iPhone next to the Apple TV. A popup appears on your iPhone: “Set Up with iPhone.”
Step 4: Tap “Continue” on your iPhone.
Step 5: Your iPhone automatically transfers:
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Wi-Fi network and password
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Apple ID and iCloud settings
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Screen saver preferences
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App Store account
Step 6: Create a four-digit passcode for purchases (or disable).
Step 7: Choose “Enable One Home Screen” (optional) to sync app layout across multiple Apple TVs.
Done. Your Apple TV is ready in under 5 minutes.
Method 2: Manual Setup (10-15 minutes)
No iPhone? Here’s the manual method.
Step 1: Plug Apple TV into power and HDMI.
Step 2: Select your language (English recommended for Siri).
Step 3: Select your country/region (affects app availability).
Step 4: Connect to Wi-Fi:
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Select your network name
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Enter password using on-screen keyboard
Step 5: Sign into Apple ID:
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Enter email and password
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Complete two-factor authentication if enabled
Step 6: Choose “Set Up as New Apple TV” (not “Restore from Backup”).
Step 7: Enable “One Home Screen” (optional).
Step 8: Choose whether to share analytics with Apple (recommend “No”).
Step 9: Select “Get Started.”
For users who also subscribe to music streaming services, your Apple Music subscription automatically syncs to the Apple TV during setup.
Understanding the Siri Remote (No Buttons, No Panic)
The Siri Remote (2022 version, USB-C charging) is the most confusing part of Apple TV for beginners. Here’s exactly what every touch and button does.
Physical Buttons
| Button | Single Press | Double Press | Long Press |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchpad (center) | Select/Play/Pause | Skip forward 10 seconds | Skip back 10 seconds |
| Touchpad (swipe) | Navigate menu | N/A | N/A |
| Back (<) | Go back one screen | Return to Home screen | App Switcher |
| TV (power icon) | Open TV app | N/A | Sleep Apple TV |
| Volume +/- | Adjust TV volume | N/A | N/A |
| Mute | Mute/unmute | N/A | N/A |
| Siri button (right side) | Activate voice search | N/A | Dictation mode |
Touchpad Gestures (The Most Important Part)
The entire top surface of the remote is a touch-sensitive clickpad.
| Gesture | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Swipe up/down/left/right | Move cursor in menus |
| Tap (click down) | Select highlighted item |
| Swipe from left edge | Go back (same as Back button) |
| Swipe from right edge | Fast forward (in video player) |
| Circle motion | Fine scrubbing (in video player) |
| Double tap (left side) | Skip back 10 seconds |
| Double tap (right side) | Skip forward 10 seconds |
Pro Tips for the Siri Remote
Problem: The touchpad is too sensitive (you keep selecting things accidentally).
Solution: Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Touch Surface Tracking > change from “Fast” to “Slow.”
Problem: You keep hitting the Siri button by accident.
Solution: Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Siri Button > change to “Hold for Siri” (instead of “Press”).
Problem: You lost the remote (very common).
Solution: Use your iPhone as a remote:
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Open Control Center on iPhone
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Tap Apple TV Remote (looks like a small remote icon)
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Select your Apple TV from the list
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Your iPhone becomes a touchpad remote
Problem: Remote won’t charge.
Solution: The 2022 remote uses USB-C. Older remotes use Lightning. The remote charges fully in 2 hours and lasts 2-3 months.
For comparison shoppers looking at Amazon vs. Apple or streaming devices compared, Apple’s remote design is polarizing. Some love the minimalism. Others hate the lack of physical buttons.
How to Install Streaming Apps (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.)
Apple TV doesn’t come with pre-installed streaming apps (except Apple TV+ and iTunes). You must download them from the App Store.
Installing Apps: Step by Step
Step 1: Open the App Store app (blue icon with white “A”).
Step 2: Click the Search tab (magnifying glass icon).
Step 3: Type the app name using the on-screen keyboard, or use Siri: hold the Siri button and say “Download Netflix.”
Step 4: Select the app from search results.
Step 5: Click “Get” or the cloud download icon.
Step 6: Double-click the side button (on remote) to confirm.
Step 7: Wait for download. App appears on your Home screen.
Essential Apps to Install First
| App | Free? | Subscription Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes | Yes (separate) | Best for original content |
| Disney+ | Yes | Yes (separate) | Best for family movies |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes (separate) | Best for live TV and network shows |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes | Yes (included with Prime) | Best value for Prime members |
| YouTube | Yes | No (free with ads) | Free content, music videos, tutorials |
| Apple TV+ | Pre-installed | Yes ($9.99/month) | Apple originals |
| Peacock | Yes | Yes (free tier available) | NBC shows |
| Paramount+ | Yes | Yes (free tier limited) | CBS shows, Taylor Sheridan content |
| Max (HBO) | Yes | Yes (separate) | HBO, DC, Warner Bros |
| Pluto TV | Yes | No (free) | Live TV channels (ad-supported) |
Organizing Your Apps
Move an app: Click and hold the touchpad until app icons jiggle. Swipe to move. Click touchpad to lock in place.
Create folders: Move one app on top of another. A folder is automatically created. Rename the folder by clicking the text field.
Delete an app: Click and hold until icons jiggle. Press the Play/Pause button (on older remotes) or the Delete option appears on newer remotes.
Hide the Apple TV+ app (if you don’t use it): You can’t delete it, but you can move it to a folder on the last page.
For families using best streaming services for family movies, install Disney+ and Netflix first, then add others as needed.
Apple TV Interface Tour: Where Everything Lives
The Apple TV home screen has several sections. Here’s what each one does.
Top Row (Your Apps)
The top row is your app dock. Apps here appear on every page. This is where you put your most-used apps (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube).
How to customize: Click and hold any app, then move it to the top row.
Second Row (Recently Used Apps)
Apps you’ve used recently appear here. This section automatically updates.
App Store (Blue Icon)
Download new apps. Search for specific streaming services.
Computers (Monitors Icon)
Access your iTunes library (movies, TV shows, music purchased from Apple). Also access Home Sharing from a Mac or PC.
Settings (Gear Icon)
Where you configure everything:
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Network: Wi-Fi settings
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Video and Audio: 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos
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Remotes and Devices: Remote sensitivity, pairing
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Users and Accounts: Apple ID, Game Center
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AirPlay and HomeKit: Screen mirroring from iPhone
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System: Restart, sleep, reset
Search (Magnifying Glass)
Search across all installed apps simultaneously. Type or use Siri. Results show which apps have your movie/show and the price.
Control Center (Hold TV Button)
Hold the TV button (power icon) for 2 seconds to open Control Center:
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Sleep: Turn off Apple TV
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AirPlay: Mirror iPhone/iPad screen
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Audio: Switch audio output (HomePod, Bluetooth headphones)
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Users: Switch between family member profiles
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Now Playing: What’s currently playing across all apps
For users comparing online learning platforms or cloud storage options, note that Apple TV does NOT have a web browser. You cannot access Google Drive, Dropbox, or online courses directly on Apple TV (you must AirPlay from iPhone or iPad).
Best Apple TV Apps for Streaming in 2026
Beyond the major streaming services, here are apps worth installing.
Free (No Subscription) Apps
| App | What It Offers | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tubi | 20,000+ free movies/TV shows (ad-supported) | Classic movies, B-movies, cult favorites |
| Pluto TV | 250+ live TV channels (ad-supported) | News, sports, reality TV, classic shows |
| Plex | Stream your own media collection from a computer | Tech-savvy users with local movie files |
| Vevo | Music videos | Background music, discovering new artists |
| Red Bull TV | Action sports, adventure documentaries | Extreme sports fans |
| Criterion Channel | Classic and art-house films (subscription required after trial) | Film buffs |
Paid (But Worth It)
| App | Price | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Infuse | $9.99/year or $74.99 lifetime | Plays any video format (MKV, AVI, etc.) from network drives |
| Channels | $8.00/month or $80/year | DVR for HDHomeRun TV tuners (cord cutters with antennas) |
| Minecraft | $19.99 (one-time) | Full Minecraft on your TV (controller required) |
Fitness Apps (Apple TV Feature)
Apple TV integrates with Apple Fitness+ ($9.99/month or included in Apple One):
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Workouts appear on your TV screen
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Metrics from Apple Watch (heart rate, calories) display on screen
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Yoga, strength, HIIT, cycling, treadmill, rowing, dance
For users also subscribed to music streaming platforms, Fitness+ integrates with Apple Music for workout playlists.
Hidden Features Every Beginner Misses
1. Siri Voice Search (Game Changer)
Hold the Siri button (right side of remote) and speak naturally.
Examples:
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“Show me action movies from 2023”
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“Play The Office on Netflix” (opens Netflix directly to the show)
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“What did they just say?” (rewinds 15 seconds and turns on subtitles temporarily)
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“Open YouTube”
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“Search for Tom Hanks movies”
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“What’s the weather tomorrow?”
Siri searches across ALL your installed apps simultaneously. This is Apple TV’s killer feature that Roku and Fire Stick can’t match.
2. AirPlay from iPhone (Second Screen)
What it does: Mirror your iPhone or iPad screen to your TV.
How to use it:
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Swipe down on iPhone to open Control Center
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Tap Screen Mirroring (two rectangles)
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Select your Apple TV
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Your iPhone screen appears on TV
Use cases:
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Show family photos during a gathering
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Present a slideshow
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Play mobile games on TV
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Watch content that doesn’t have an Apple TV app (some sports streams, random web videos)
3. Headphone Mode (Private Listening)
Connect Bluetooth headphones to Apple TV for silent watching while others sleep.
How to connect:
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Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth
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Put headphones in pairing mode
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Select headphones from list
Better option: Plug wired headphones into your iPhone, then use the Apple TV Remote app on iPhone. Audio routes through iPhone.
4. Picture-in-Picture (Multitasking)
Watch two things at once.
How to use:
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Start playing a video
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Swipe up on remote to go to Home screen
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Video shrinks to corner and continues playing
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Open second app and play second video
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Tap the PiP window to switch between audio sources
Use case: Watch sports while browsing Netflix. Or watch a tutorial while following along on another app.
5. Color Balance (Better Picture Quality)
Use your iPhone to calibrate your TV’s color for free (no professional calibration needed).
How to use:
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Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Color Balance
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Hold your iPhone face-up against the TV screen (camera facing the TV)
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Follow on-screen instructions
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Apple TV automatically adjusts color profile
Result: More accurate colors, better skin tones, proper black levels.
For comparison shoppers evaluating Amazon vs. Walmart or online rental services, note that these hidden features are unique to Apple TV (not available on cheaper streaming devices).
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem: Apple TV won’t turn on
| Solution | Steps |
|---|---|
| Check power cable | Ensure plugged into working outlet |
| Check HDMI | Ensure firmly connected to TV |
| Try different HDMI port | Some TV ports have limited features |
| Hard reset | Unplug power for 10 seconds, plug back in |
Problem: Remote not working
| Solution | Steps |
|---|---|
| Charge remote | Plug into USB-C (2022) or Lightning (older) for 30 minutes |
| Pair remote | Hold Back button + Volume Up for 5 seconds |
| Use iPhone remote | Control Center > Apple TV Remote |
| Reset remote | Settings > Remotes > Remote > Forget Remote > Re-pair |
Problem: Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting
| Solution | Steps |
|---|---|
| Restart router | Unplug router for 30 seconds |
| Forget network | Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Forget Network > Reconnect |
| Use Ethernet | Apple TV 4K has Ethernet port (more stable than Wi-Fi) |
| Change DNS | Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Configure DNS > Manual > 8.8.8.8 (Google) |
Problem: App won’t install or open
| Solution | Steps |
|---|---|
| Check storage | Settings > General > Manage Storage > Delete unused apps |
| Update app | App Store > Purchased > Update |
| Update tvOS | Settings > System > Software Updates > Update |
| Delete and reinstall | Click and hold app > Delete > Reinstall from App Store |
Problem: Video is choppy or stuttering
| Solution | Steps |
|---|---|
| Check internet speed | Settings > Network > Test Network (needs 25+ Mbps for 4K) |
| Reduce video quality | Settings > Video and Audio > Format > 1080p instead of 4K |
| Close background apps | Double-click TV button > Swipe up on apps to close |
| Restart Apple TV | Settings > System > Restart |
Apple TV vs. Roku vs. Fire Stick vs. Chromecast
| Feature | Apple TV 4K (2022) | Roku Ultra (2024) | Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) | Chromecast with Google TV (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $99 | $59 | $49 |
| 4K HDR | Yes (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) | Yes (Dolby Vision) | Yes (Dolby Vision) | Yes (HDR10+) |
| Remote | Touchpad + Siri | Physical buttons + voice | Physical buttons + Alexa | Physical buttons + Google Assistant |
| iPhone Integration | Excellent (AirPlay, remote app) | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Android Integration | Limited | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Gaming | Apple Arcade (150+ games) | Casual games | Amazon Luna (cloud gaming) | Casual games |
| Ecosystem Lock-in | High (requires Apple ID) | Low | Medium (requires Amazon account) | Low |
| Best For | Apple users | Everyone | Prime members | Google users |
Choose Apple TV if: You own iPhones, iPads, or Macs. You want AirPlay and seamless integration. You don’t mind paying premium prices.
Choose Roku if: You want the most apps and a simple interface. You don’t care about ecosystem integration.
Choose Fire Stick if: You’re an Amazon Prime member. You want the cheapest 4K option. You use Alexa.
Choose Chromecast if: You use Android phones. You prefer Google Assistant. You want the absolute cheapest option.
For detailed comparison of all streaming devices, see our streaming devices comparison guide.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need an Apple ID to use Apple TV?
Yes. You cannot complete setup without an Apple ID. If you don’t have one, create one for free during setup (requires email address and password).
Can I use Apple TV without an iPhone?
Absolutely. The manual setup method works perfectly. You only need an iPhone for the faster setup method or for AirPlay features.
Does Apple TV work with any TV?
Yes, any TV with an HDMI port. This includes Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Vizio, and all other brands. You do NOT need an Apple TV (the TV brand).
Is Apple TV worth it if I already have a smart TV?
Maybe. Smart TV apps are often slow, buggy, and stop receiving updates after 2-3 years. Apple TV is faster, gets updates for 5+ years, and has a better interface. If you’re happy with your smart TV apps, save the $129. If you’re frustrated, buy Apple TV.
Can I watch live sports on Apple TV?
Yes, through specific apps: ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, MLB, NBA, NFL, and streaming services with live TV (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling).
Does Apple TV have a web browser?
No. There is no Safari or any web browser on Apple TV. You cannot browse the web directly. You must use AirPlay from iPhone or iPad to mirror a browser.
Can I connect a game controller to Apple TV?
Yes. PlayStation (PS4, PS5) and Xbox (One, Series X/S) controllers work wirelessly via Bluetooth. Nintendo Switch Pro controllers also work.
How often does Apple release new Apple TV models?
Every 2-3 years. Last update was 2022 (3rd gen 4K). Next model likely 2025 or 2026. If you buy now, you’ll get 3+ years of full support.
For families also reading our best streaming services for family movies guide, Apple TV is the best device for households with multiple streaming subscriptions (fast switching between apps, universal search).
