What Generation Is My Apple TV 4K? | Quick ID Guide

You want a straight answer without guesswork. Here’s a quick, reliable way to name the exact release your streaming box belongs to, plus fast clues from the ports and the remote.

Which Apple TV 4K Do I Have — Quick Checks

There are three releases in this family. The 2017 unit, the 2021 refresh, and the 2022 version. The surest path is to read the model code and match it to the list below. You can also spot clues in seconds by looking at the port layout and the remote charger.

1. Check Settings: From the Home screen, go to Settings > General > About. Look for the line labeled Model.
2. Flip The Box: The same code sits on the bottom case near the regulatory text.
3. Peek At The Retail Box: If you kept the packaging, the code appears near the barcode.

Model Codes And Year At A Glance

Match what you saw on screen or on the case with this map. The list sticks to the 4K series only.

Model Code	Year	Quick Identifiers
A1842	2017	HDMI 2.0a, Gigabit Ethernet, 32/64 GB, Lightning-charged remote
A2169	2021	HDMI 2.1, Thread radio, Wi-Fi 6, Lightning-charged aluminum remote
A2737	2022	HDMI 2.1, A15 chip, USB-C-charged remote; 64 GB model lacks Ethernet

Why The Model Code Matters

The code is the cleanest link between your hardware and Apple’s tech pages, setup guides, and software notes. It also avoids mix-ups with store names like “Wi-Fi + Ethernet,” which can vary by storage tier. When you have the code, you can cross-check it on Apple’s official Identify your Apple TV model page and Apple’s Find your Apple TV model number guide for exact confirmation.

Ports, Remote, And Other Fast Clues

If you cannot open Settings right now, the exterior gives hints. Look for these tells:

• Remote Charger: A Lightning port points to 2017 or 2021. A USB-C port points to 2022.
• Ethernet On The Base Model: The 2022 64 GB unit ships without an Ethernet jack. The 128 GB twin includes one.
• Wireless Label: The mid-cycle 2021 unit adds Wi-Fi 6 and a Thread radio used by some smart home gear.
• HDMI Labeling: The 2021 and 2022 boxes include HDMI 2.1. The 2017 box lists HDMI 2.0a on spec sheets.

Remote Identification Quick List

• Black Glass Remote: Earlier style with a flat touch surface and Lightning charge.
• Aluminum Clickpad Remote: Ring-shaped touchpad, Lightning charge; ships with the 2021 box.
• USB-C Clickpad Remote: Same look as the aluminum clickpad, but with a USB-C charge port; pairs with the 2022 box.

Step-By-Step: Verify In Settings

Here’s the exact path on the tvOS interface.

1. Press the back button to reach the Home screen.
2. Open Settings.
3. Choose General.
4. Select About.
5. Read the Model line. You should see a code like A1842, A2169, or A2737.

That five-character code is all you need. Type it into a search field or compare it with the table above. Done.

Link Your Findings To Official Info

The quickest next step is to compare your code with Apple’s tech pages. Apple keeps a live list of every hardware revision along with specs and images on its Identify your Apple TV model page. The companion guide, Find your Apple TV model number, shows exactly where the code appears in Settings and on the case.

What The Three Releases Mean In Practice

All play 4K HDR streaming and run current tvOS builds. The newer two bring quality-of-life gains and better app headroom. Here’s a simple way to set expectations after you identify the year.

2017 Release (A1842)

A strong starter that introduced 4K HDR on this platform. It pairs with the earlier black remote that charges over Lightning. The video output goes up to 4K60 with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Networking includes Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi. The chip is A10X, which still handles streaming apps well. Gaming depth is lighter than on newer silicon.

2021 Refresh (A2169)

This revision keeps 4K HDR playback while upgrading the chipset to A12. It moves to HDMI 2.1, adds Thread radio, and ships with the aluminum remote that also charges over Lightning. Menus feel snappier than the 2017 unit, and app switching is smoother. If you use smart home gear, the Thread radio can act as a small bridge for supported accessories.

2022 Version (A2737)

This box trims weight and bumps speed with the A15 chip. The remote swaps to USB-C for charging. Apple sold two storage tiers: a 64 GB unit with Wi-Fi only, and a 128 GB unit with both Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. HDR formats include HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, which some services now offer. The UI feels crisp, and larger games load faster than on the previous two.

Naming Quirks You May See Online

You might bump into labels like “5th gen” or “7th gen.” Those come from counting every Apple TV ever made, not just the 4K line. To keep things tidy, this guide sticks with the names Apple uses on its tech pages: 4K (2017), 4K (2021), and 4K (2022). If a shop or forum mentions “Wi-Fi + Ethernet” for the 2022 release, that refers to the 128 GB tier that includes a wired jack.

Storage Tiers And The Ethernet Clue

The 2017 and 2021 boxes include a Gigabit Ethernet port on all versions. The 2022 device comes in two tiers. The 64 GB model offers Wi-Fi only and skips Ethernet. The 128 GB model includes a wired jack. If your unit has a USB-C remote and there’s no Ethernet port, you most likely own the 2022 base tier.

Feature Differences You Can Feel

Once you know the year, you can set expectations for smoothness and app support. Streaming performance is solid across the board; the main deltas show up in launch speed, large games, smart-home add-ons, and remote charging.

Model	Remote Type	Hardware Clues
2017 (A1842)	Original black Siri Remote with Lightning charge	HDMI 2.0a; Ethernet present; A10X chip
2021 (A2169)	Aluminum Siri Remote (2nd gen), Lightning charge	HDMI 2.1; Thread; Wi-Fi 6; A12 chip
2022 (A2737)	Siri Remote (3rd gen) with USB-C charge	HDMI 2.1; A15 chip; base model lacks Ethernet

Tips If You Bought It Used

Second-hand units can include mixed parts. A 2017 box can ship with the newer aluminum remote, for instance. That’s fine; the remotes work across the 4K range. Trust the model code on the box itself when you label the year. If the device boots, the Settings path gives the final word.

Care And Small Fixes

If clicks don’t register or the remote stops pairing, charge it for a bit and reboot the device. Update to the latest tvOS release and re-pair the remote from the Remotes and Devices menu. Stubborn pairing issues clear up after a charge and an update in most cases.

After You Identify The Year

Updates: tvOS releases keep arriving for the 4K line. Interface extras may target newer hardware, yet streaming apps and core features continue across all three.

Remote Mix-And-Match: The USB-C clickpad remote pairs with earlier 4K boxes. Charging changes; the functions are the same.

Ethernet Or Wi-Fi: Most homes are fine on Wi-Fi. If your player sits near a router, the wired jack on the 2017 and 2021 units, and on the 2022 128 GB tier, can help with crowded airwaves.

Keep Your Notes Straight

Write down the code and year so you can shop cables or remotes without doubt. If you sell or gift the device, include that note and the cable type the remote needs. That saves messages back and forth later.

Where To Read More

Apple maintains clear, current pages that match each code to photos and specs. You can verify your code on those pages any time.