Ask someone online why Apple TV is so expensive, and they’ll say:
“Because it’s Apple.”
But that never sat right with me.
So I did my own little search.
Heck, I was so curious I asked my neighbor (politely) if I could try their Apple TV.
And guess what….
You’re about to find out:
- 3 reasons why Apple TV is so expensive.
- Why getting an Apple TV might be worth your money.
- What Apple TV offers that Roku, Amazon, Google, etc. don’t.
- And so much more…
Why is Apple TV so expensive?
Apple TV is so expensive because it uses an A12 Bionic processor. That chip maximizes the loading & performance ability of apps. Moreover, it has a HomeKit hub for better smart home automation. Lastly, Apple products last longer than most tech devices, making them so much more expensive.
3 reasons why Apple TV is so expensive
#1: Beast processor chip and hardware
Many would agree with me on this one…
If there’s one thing Apple does extremely well, it’s internal hardware.
Apple TV uses an A12 Bionic chip processor. And you know what? It’s like the Roadrunner of all processor chips for streaming products.
Roku, Google, and Amazon. These guys offer great streaming products.
But their processors don’t come anywhere close to what Apple TV’s A12 chip has to offer.
Now, why does your processor matter so much?
For starters, streaming products allow you to use a ton of apps, right?
I’m talking about apps like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, etc.
Basically, with a faster processor, you can load each app a lot faster. It also lets you switch between them so quickly.
How fast?
9x faster.
In addition, the A12 Bionic chip provides a smoother performance.
For example:
Try to open Netflix. Then, switch immediately to Spotify. Close Spotify. Open Hulu. Open Apple Music.
With an Apple TV, these apps load, open, and close faster than I typed them.
No hang-ups. No app freezes in between.
No “I-have-to-force-stop-my-app-because-it’s-hanging”.
None of those.
Why?
Because A12’s got your apps is what. It’s seamless, smooth, and honestly? Very attractive.
And what do you get? An expensive price tag.
You might also want to know: How Much Does An Apple TV Cost?
Where Apple TV hardware comes in
Apple’s A12 Bionic chip is impressive on its own.
As for its other hardware, WiFi 6 and Dolby Vision are some of the many powerful features installed.
Allow me to explain.
WiFi 6 takes connecting to the WiFi with multiple devices to a whole new level.
Here’s an example.
Extension cords.
Compare an extension cord that lets you charge…
- 4 devices at a time without interruption.
- 10 devices at the same time without interruption.
Take that analogy to the difference between WiFi 5 and WiFi 6.
Except in WiFi connectivity.
That means WiFi 6 allows more devices to connect to the WiFi network. The biggest difference is each connected device will maintain high speeds…
And it pulls through even in a busy environment.
If you’re hesitating to believe me, picture this first.
Your mom’s streaming on Netflix. Then, your sister’s on a call with her friends.
As for your dad, he’s streaming the latest NBA highlights game. A few feet away from him, there’s you and your little bro playing a video game.
After all of that, what does WiFi 6 have to say?
WiFi 6 answers: “Pshhh, that’s all you got? Load me up with more.”
Take note. That’s just WiFi 6. That doesn’t include HDMI 2.1 and Dolby Atmos & Dolby Vision.
However, this is just the start.
Hardware isn’t enough to convince you why Apple TV is so expensive, right?
That’s where reason #2 comes in.
#2: Life span
What’s the point of paying for a product so expensive if it only lasts a year?
That’s the value of life span.
Sure – it doesn’t contribute much to Apple’s premium price unlike its extra perks (more on this in the next section).
However, Apple takes its product life span to a different level.
If you bought Apple TV back in 2017, you wouldn’t have to buy the Apple TV 2021 version. Why?
Because the Apple TV 2017 version is just as superb. You still enjoy all the features the newer version has to offer.
Not to mention, an Apple product that’s been running for 4 years doesn’t slow down at all.
Compare that to other products that have been running for 3 to 4 years. You won’t get the same experience, quality, or performance compared to Apple.
And that my friend, is another reason why Apple TV is more expensive than most.
You aren’t paying solely for the brand or name. You’re paying for a quality that will last you well…a loooong time.
#3: Apple perks
This is my favorite part. And it’s one of the biggest reasons why Apple TV is so expensive.
Apple perks come in several packages:
- HomeKit Hub.
- Screen savers.
- Typing experience.
- Apple TV remote with Siri functionality.
HomeKit Hub
What is a HomeKit Hub?
Think of it this way. You have a fair number of smart devices in your home, right?
The thing is, you also have several smart home apps for each device.
Gets frustrating to open different apps for different smart devices, doesn’t it?
But what if you could control all those devices with just one app?
That’s exactly what HomeKit Hub does. It’s like the mothership of all other ships and smaller fleets.
Here’s a short video explaining the basics of how Apple HomeKit Hub works:
Now, take note.
Apple TV is the only device that can fill that role for your smart home devices. Not Roku. Not Amazon. Not Google.
With that, add HomeKit Hub as one of the reasons why Apple TV is so expensive.
Screen savers
Wait – Apple TV is so expensive because of screen savers?
Yes, but hear me out.
Apple TV’s screen savers aren’t just high-definition images.
Imagine for a second as if you’re watching a movie with the visual effects of 3-D and the experience of 4-D.
Apple TV’s screen savers feel like you’re taking an actual journey on your screen.
Whether it’s by the beach, underwater, in space, or high atop the mountains. Trust me, I would pay for these screen savers.
Typing experience
What’s harder than learning how to ride a unicycle?
Typing on your Smart TV.
I tried typing “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” the other day and that was frustrating.
And now I know this for a fact:
If I’d done it on an Apple TV, I’d feel the opposite of frustration.
Then again, that’s where Apple TV stands out.
Every time you type something on your Apple TV, a message pops up on your iPhone or iPad.
And the message asks you to type in your phone or tablet instead.
Convenient, right? Makes your life so much easier.
When you have a product that turns a nightmarish activity upside down, it’s bound to be pricier.
Think robot vacuums. Pet feeders. Instant Pot. 3-in-1 electric griddle.
And the list goes on.
Apple TV remote with Siri functionality
“Wow. All I get is an Apple TV remote. So much for premium, Apple.”
Siri activates and says, “What can I help you with?”
“Wait – that Siri came from my phone, right?”
“Hey Siri, play Wolfwalkers for me.”
“*Siri starts playing Wolfwalkers on your Apple TV.*”
How awesome is that? You can use Siri to find content and navigate through Apple TV.
That’s premium for you.
Not to mention, voice recognition technology in your remote? How can that not be expensive?
People also ask:
Is anything actually free on Apple TV?
There are a couple of shows you can watch for free on Apple TV. If you haven’t subscribed to Apple TV yet, you can try Apple TV for 7 days for free.
However, these shows are only available on Apple TV’s free trial. All you need is to sign in with your Apple ID and you can claim your free trial.
Further reading: Is There A Monthly Fee For Apple TV? Is It Worth It?
Is Apple TV worth the extra money?
Apple TV is more of an investment than a one-time purchase. For about $180, you’re getting the following:
| Apple TV Features | Benefit |
| Fastest processor chip. | 5x faster app load times and app responses. |
| Siri functionality. | Quicker and easier navigation. |
| HomeKit Hub. | Universal smart home/device automation. |
| Dolby Atmos. | Surround sound experience as if you’re in the actual place. |
| WiFi 6. | Connectivity that doesn’t buffer or lag even with 9 connected devices. |
| Dolby Vision. | Video quality with colors that pop and make you feel glued to your TV. |
| Realistic screen savers. | Feels like you’re taking an actual journey be it on land, sea, or space. |
With all of those benefits, it’s hard to argue with its worth, right?
However, it depends on how you plan to use it.
What do I mean by that? Well…
If you’re someone looking for a streaming product to watch movies and TV shows solely, Apple TV isn’t for you.
There’s no need to spend this much and use one function out of it only.
But if you’re a tech junkie who…
- Streams on various apps day in and day out.
- Has a lot of smart devices around their home.
- Prefers the highest quality when streaming anything online.
- Willing to spend more for a streaming product that makes your life a heck lot easier.
Then…
Apple TV is worth the extra money.
Why are shows on Apple TV so expensive?
Apple’s product lineup has always been pricey. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise why Apple would charge premium prices for its shows.
It’s also worth noting that Apple offers exclusive shows from iTunes. These shows aren’t part of your Apple TV subscription.
That exclusivity in itself is another way for Apple to charge its users with a premium price tag.
Apple is a company that chooses quality over price. Always.
For shows on Apple TV, it’s not that the movie itself is expensive. It’s mostly because it’s sitting in Apple territory.
And when you’re in a territory like that, it’s safe to assume prices are a lot higher than the average.
Which channels are free on Apple TV?
Only a handful of channels are free on Apple TV. These include the following:
- VEVO.
- PBS Kids.
- Bloomberg.
- ABC News.
- Smithsonian.
- Young Hollywood.
If you’re interested in Apple TV’s add ons, there are a whole bunch of premium channels to choose from. Several of which are interesting.
Some of these premium channels include:
- Mubi.
- Starz.
- Cinemax.
- Showtime.
- AMC Plus.
- Tastemade.
- Paramount Plus.