Meet the new box, same as the old box?

John Archer is impressed by the new Apple TV – especially its remote – but questions how much of an upgrade it is from what’s gone before

- John Archer

AV INFO

PRODUCT: 4K HDR-enabled media player

POSITION: These new 32GB and 64GB models become Apple’s only streaming box options

PEERS: Amazon Fire TV Cube; Roku Streaming Stick+

HAVING TAKEN FOUR years to come up with a sequel to its 4K streaming box, the hope has to be that Apple has delivered a really substantial upgrade. So let’s get right into picking out where the differences lie.

The most instantly obvious – and welcome – improvement is the Siri remote control. The little track pad at the top of the 2017 Apple TV’s ultra-thin handset was cool, but so fiddly that it probably led to a whole new generation of swear words. So it’s good to see the simple but effective design of the main Apple TV box remaining unchanged, but now partnered by a new handset that replaces the old track pad with a ‘click pad’ set around a large circular select button.

Seriously: this is so much easier to use that I instantly couldn’t believe I’d put up with the old design for so long without hurling it against a wall.

Note that it’s not something you can only get by buying the new box. Apple is also selling this revamped Siri remote as a standalone upgrade for the first-gen Apple TV 4K and earlier Apple TV HDs. The price is a not inexpensive £55, but you might think it's worth it if you are someone who struggled with the old one.