Yes, the first Apple TV 4K from 2017 lines up with the fifth Apple TV generation naming.
If you’ve seen stores or posts calling a 2017 streaming box the “fifth gen,” you’re not crazy. Apple’s boxes carry two parallel labels: a marketing name (like “Apple TV 4K”) and an informal generation count that runs from the first box in 2007. That’s why folks equate the original 4K model from 2017 with the fifth slot in the family tree. Apple itself doesn’t print “5th generation” on the box, so you’ll see both terms in the wild.
Is The 4K Apple Tv The Fifth Gen? Naming Rules
Here’s the clean way to think about it. Count every main Apple TV release since 2007. The HD box from 2015 is fourth. The first 4K model from 2017 comes next, so many buyers and sellers call it the fifth. After that, Apple released two more 4K revisions in 2021 and 2022. Apple’s own pages list these as “Apple TV 4K (1st generation),” “Apple TV 4K (2nd generation),” and “Apple TV 4K (3rd generation),” which maps neatly to that informal count.
Family Tree At A Glance
This table maps the common names to the year and the casual generation tag so you can decode any listing fast.
| Model Name | Year | Informal Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV (Original) | 2007 | 1st |
| Apple TV (Second) | 2010 | 2nd |
| Apple TV (Third) | 2012 | 3rd |
| Apple TV HD | 2015 | 4th |
| Apple TV 4K (First) | 2017 | 5th |
| Apple TV 4K (Second) | 2021 | 6th |
| Apple TV 4K (Third) | 2022 | 7th |
How To Confirm What You Own
If you’re sorting a cabinet full of boxes or shopping used gear, the fastest path is the model number. It’s a short code starting with “A” on the bottom of the unit and in Settings > General > About. Match that code to Apple’s model list and you’ll know the exact release.
Model Numbers You’ll See
These are the telltale codes for recent boxes:
- A1842 — the 2017 4K box (first 4K release).
- A2169 — the 2021 4K update.
- A2737 (Wi-Fi) and A2843 (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) — the 2022 4K refresh.
- A1625 — the 2015 HD model many sellers label as the “fourth.”
Apple keeps an “Identify your Apple TV model” page with the model codes, release years, and top specs. It’s the definitive lookup when you’re unsure. You can check the Apple Support model guide and match your code in seconds.
Why The Naming Gets Confusing
Retailers and resellers love short tags. “Fifth gen” is catchy, and it lines up with the count that treats the HD box as the fourth main release. Apple’s own marketing sticks to the “Apple TV 4K” name and adds the release year or generation in parentheses. Both are accurate in context, but mixing them in one listing can confuse buyers.
Two Labels, Same Box
Think of it as two layers. There’s the family name everyone sees on store shelves. Then there’s the behind-the-scenes count that collectors and forum posts use. When you map one to the other, the picture clears up.
What That Means When Buying Or Selling
If a listing says “5th gen,” ask which remote it includes, what ports you get, and which chip sits inside. The remote changed, the port mix shifted, and performance took a leap in later 4K revisions. A quick features check helps you avoid guesswork and price errors.
Remote Differences
The 2017 unit shipped with the first metal remote with a glass touch surface. The 2021 update introduced the aluminum remote with a clickpad. The 2022 refresh kept that style and added USB-C for charging. Make sure the remote in the box matches the photos and the model year.
Ports And Wireless
The 2017 hardware includes Gigabit Ethernet and HDMI 2.0a. The 2021 box moved to HDMI 2.1 and kept Ethernet. The 2022 line offered a Wi-Fi-only base option and a higher tier with Ethernet. Wi-Fi also stepped up over time. If you wire your set-top to the router, double-check which trim you’re getting.
Performance And Formats
All three 4K releases handle Dolby Vision and HDR10. The 2022 refresh added HDR10+ support and kept fast app launching thanks to its newer chip. If you own an older TV that handles HDR10 but not Dolby Vision, any of these will play nicely. If you want HDR10+, the 2022 unit is the match.
Quick Specs Snapshot For Recent Boxes
Here’s a lean comparison of the three most common 4K releases you’ll see in listings. Specs align with Apple’s published model details and launch notes.
| Release | Chip | Video/Connectivity Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 4K (first) | A10X | HDMI 2.0a; 4K HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10); Gigabit Ethernet; 802.11ac Wi-Fi |
| 2021 4K (second) | A12 | HDMI 2.1; 4K HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10); Gigabit Ethernet; Wi-Fi 6; Thread |
| 2022 4K (third) | A15 | HDMI 2.1; 4K HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+); Wi-Fi 6; Wi-Fi-only or Ethernet tier |
Feature Support Over Time
tvOS updates keep rolling to the whole line, with interface polish and new media features appearing first on newer hardware. Menu animations feel smoother on the 2021 and 2022 boxes. Some visual effects, gaming features, or audio tweaks can be limited by the chip or by HDMI version. That’s normal across set-top hardware. If a splashy feature doesn’t show up on an older unit, it usually comes down to graphics headroom or port capability, not app access.
What To Expect From Apps
Major services like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube run on every modern box in this family. Playback quality still depends on your subscription tier and the TV. A 4K plan, a stable network, and a modern panel make the biggest difference. If your connection dips, match content frame rate and reduce background downloads while you watch.
How To Spot A Fair Price
Use the model year and remote style as your anchor points. A clean 2017 box with the touch remote tends to land at the lowest price. The 2021 update brings the aluminum remote and faster loading, so it usually fetches more. The 2022 refresh adds HDR10+ and a newer chip, so listings sit near the top of the range, especially for the Ethernet trim.
Checklist For Listings
- Confirm the model code and year.
- Ask for a photo of the remote and ports.
- Check storage size, but don’t overpay for capacity if you mostly stream.
- If you need Ethernet, make sure the unit has it.
- If you care about HDR10+, pick the 2022 refresh.
Where The “First 4K” Fits In History
Apple launched the first 4K model in September 2017. That release brought 4K HDR playback and a stronger chip tuned for high-resolution video. The move also kicked off a wave of 4K titles on the store and deals that upgraded many HD purchases to 4K at no extra cost. That’s the moment many buyers started using the “fifth” label for the streaming box line.
Apple’s Newsroom post from that launch is still a handy timestamp if you want the original announcement. You can skim the 2017 4K launch page for the headline features.
Practical Buying Advice
If you’re already deep in the Apple ecosystem, you’ll enjoy the app library and the tight TV integration on every release. The 2017 unit still streams 4K HDR and handles the basics with ease. The 2021 update delivers smoother system UI and better frame-rate matching in busy apps. The 2022 refresh adds a chip jump and HDR10+ for newer TVs. If you own a recent display and plan to keep it a while, target the most recent hardware you can afford.
Setup And Compatibility Tips
- Use a certified high-speed HDMI cable with 4K video.
- In settings, turn on match frame rate and match dynamic range for cleaner playback.
- If you notice buffering on Wi-Fi, test Ethernet where available.
- Keep the box on a shelf with some airflow so it stays cool.
Which One Should You Choose Today?
Start with your TV and your habits. If your set supports Dolby Vision and you mainly stream, a 2017 unit can still serve a bedroom or kid’s room well, and second-hand pricing is friendly. If you hop between apps all evening, the 2021 refresh feels snappier when jumping through menus, and the aluminum remote is easy to use in the dark. If your TV supports HDR10+ or you care about the newest interface polish in tvOS, the 2022 refresh brings the right mix of speed and format support.
Gamers and sports fans tend to prefer the later hardware. System animations are smoother, AirPlay hand-off is quicker, and the newer chip keeps heavy apps responsive while long streams buffer in the background. If you plan to wire the box with Ethernet, pick the Ethernet trim in the 2022 line or any earlier 4K model. If you keep it on Wi-Fi, aim for strong signal where the box sits and keep the router nearby or mesh-covered.
There’s also storage. Most people never hit the ceiling because streaming apps cache data on the fly. If a deal hinges on 64 GB versus 32 GB, weigh it against the remote, the chip, and the price. A newer chip beats extra storage for daily streaming.
How To Phrase Your Listing Or Search
Writing a listing? Lead with the year and the “Apple TV 4K” name, then add the model code and storage. Buyers searching the site will find it fast, and you avoid the tug-of-war between generation labels. Searching for a unit? Try the year plus the chip or remote style to narrow results.
Good Listing Template
“Apple TV 4K (2017), A1842, 32 GB, original touch remote, clean, works great.” Short, accurate, and easy to scan.
Sources And Proof Of Specs
Apple documents list the hardware codes, years, and top features for each release, and they’re the standard reference when buyers compare listings. Use the official model guide to double-check the chip, ports, and remote pairing before you buy or sell.