I’ve never had an Apple TV but I’m thinking of getting an older unit to connect to a small, old 32” SD set in a bedroom.
Other than the output options and system UI is there any limitation with 2nd and 3rd gen Apple TV’s? Can they still access Apple’s entire video library?
I still have the Gen 3 because most of what we do is airplay. Netflix now longer works via airplay but my daughter seems fine using its native support. I watch Netflix exclusively on iPad. I can’t find much of a reason to upgrade to the new versions, and I suspect software compatibility/support for Netflix or other services etc will be the impetus. I can’t see myself buying a 4K TV any time soon.
Incidentally we misplaced the remote for a few years and soley used the phone remote app which worked very well for us, except when you want guests to use it when you’re not home to help them install and pair their phones.
If you’ve misplaced the remote and your iPhone is no longer paired is there a way to access the TV without a remote? We are unpacking after two years away and can’t find the remote for our kitchen Apple TV…
Apple TV remotes for gen 2 and gen 3 Apple TVs are available on eBay and Amazon. No doubt some of these are cheap knock-offs, but some are genuine Apple devices - possible designed for non-US markets. The price is cheap ($7 - $15). This is the easiest way to fix your problem and avoid the hassle of installing apps, pairing phone, etc.
The later-generation Siri remotes, including the one for the 4K Apple TV are also available. One of my 4K Siri remotes broke after being dropped onto a tile floor. Refusing to pay Apple $59 for a replacement, I bought one (“genuine Apple”) on eBay for $30. It works perfectly and appears to be a genuine Apple device in all respects.
I continue to marvel at the incredibly poor design of the clumsy Apple TV remotes, including the glass construction of the newer 4th- or 5th-gen Siri-enabled remotes.
Yes, the older generation remote is needed for the 2nd and 3rd gen Apple TVs. These are available on eBay and Amazon; prices range from $7 to $15 or so. Even though one should be wary of buying this type of item online (especially eBay), the price is so cheap that it’s worth a try.