Photo: User:Mikepanhu / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
Apple TV (2nd generation)
A tiny $99 black box that streams everything from the internet.
Overview
Apple rebuilt the television box in 2010. Gone were the internal disk and the higher prices of the first model, replaced by a small matte black enclosure at $99 that streamed content from iTunes, Netflix, YouTube and Flickr over the internet and from computers on the network.
The A4 processor, the same one used in the iPhone 4 and the first iPad, ran an iOS-based system with a menu similar to the earlier box. A small amount of flash memory cached video while streaming. Output was capped at 720p, which suited most HDTVs of the time.
With iOS 4.2 came AirPlay, letting an iPhone or iPad throw music, video and photos to the TV. The box sold roughly a quarter of a million units in its first two weeks and set the style for later Apple TV hardware.
Why it mattered
Reinvented Apple TV as an inexpensive streaming appliance and introduced AirPlay streaming.
At a glance
- Announced
- September 1, 2010
- Released
- September 28, 2010
- Discontinued
- March 7, 2012
- Launch price
- $99
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- A4 chip, iOS-based software
- Palm-sized black enclosure
- 720p streaming
- AirPlay from iOS devices
- Priced at $99
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Chip
- Chip
- Apple A4
Memory
- RAM
- 256 MB
Storage
- Storage
- 8 GB flash used for caching (not user accessible)
Video
- Max output
- 720p over HDMI
Audio
- Audio
- Optical digital audio, HDMI audio
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- 802.11a/b/g/n
- Ethernet
- 10/100 Ethernet
- Smart home
- Not applicable
- Ports
- HDMI, optical audio, micro-USB (service)
- Remote
- Apple Remote (infrared)
Design
- Dimensions
- 98 x 98 x 23 mm
- Weight
- 272 g
Software
- Launch OS
- Apple TV Software 4.0
How it compares
More in the Apple TV family
Apple TV (1st generation)
The original hard-drive set-top box, later upgraded by Take Two.
Apple TV (3rd generation)
The same small box, now with 1080p video and a faster A5 chip.
Apple TV HD (4th generation)
The first Apple TV with an App Store, Siri and a touch remote.