Why I’m probably stuck with Apple TV forever

Over the years, I’ve owned a lot of TVs, including models from LG, Samsung, Vizio,

Hisense
, and more. We no longer live in an era where smart TV operating systems are laggy, horrible messes like they were in the mid-2010s. LG’s webOS, Samsung’s Tizen, and even Google’s Android TV OS, which you’ll find across various mid-range to upper-mid-range televisions, all offer pretty solid performance, decent apps, and, with a few exceptions, user interfaces that are relatively easy to use.

But I always find myself returning to the

Apple TV 4K
because tvOS’ layout remains a cut above the smart TV and streaming box competition, its apps are always up-to-date, and its integration into Apple’s broader device ecosystem just can’t be beat (it’s great I can play the occasional Apple Arcade game, too). It’s also the platform I’m most comfortable with because I’ve used it for well over 10 years at this point.Oh, and there’s the awesome, extremely detailed screensavers — the list goes on.With that in mind, despite my recent efforts to ditch my beloved Apple TV 4K in favor of Android TV, I can’t seem to quit Apple’s streamer.

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Other smart TV operating systems can’t compete with the elegance the Apple TV offers

When it comes to a TV or streaming device’s UI, simplicity is important

One of my favorite things about the Apple TV is how easy it is to navigate tvOS’ home screen. Its grid layout is simple, straightforward, and incredibly clean compared to the competition. Thankfully, no massive widget-like icons or overwhelming ads bombarding the home screen (there’s a large Apple TV+ ad at the top, but it’s easy to scroll past and ignore). Instead, I’m greeted with a layout of simple icons that can be arranged precisely how I want to access my favorite streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ quickly. It’s also intuitive if you’re familiar with how iOS and Android app home screen organization works on your phone. If you want to move an icon, just hold down the Siri Remote’s main button and select Move or Delete.

Adding to this, when new app layouts or features drop, they often make their way to the Apple TV first before trickling down to other operating systems like Roku, Fire TV, and even Android TV, especially with more niche streaming platforms like Hayu (which I use for streaming all-important reality TV) andFree Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels like Pluto TV and Tubi. Sticking with the Apple TV also ensures I’m almost always using the latest version of every streaming app that supports all of my TV’s key features, including higher bitrate 4K streaming, HDR 10, and even Dolby Vision with some content and apps.

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The Apple ecosystem has me hooked

AirPlay 2 has become my go-to way to watch YouTube content

I just mentioned that I opt for the Apple TV because it features the best version of most apps, but that isn’t always the case. The tvOS YouTube app is downright confusing, especially if you’re searching for a specific video. Because of this, I often find whatever I’m looking for on my phone and cast it directly to my Apple TV 4K and Hisense U88H through Apple’s AirPlay 2. I’ll be the first to admit that AirPlay 2 isn’t perfect. It can be glitchy sometimes, especially if you’re casting from third-party video platforms, but in my experience, I find it significantly more reliable than my TV’s built-in Google Cast.

Because I have an

iPhone 16 Pro
, casting content from platforms like YouTube is as simple as opening the video and clicking on the small cast icon in the top right corner of the screen. Next, I select Airplay & Bluetooth Devices and tap on my Apple TV 4K. There’s more to the ecosystem connection, too. If you’re like me, you’re always using your Apple TV remote in your couch cushions or misplacing it in an odd location in your living room. Since I’m an iPhone user, all I need to do is swipe down from the top of my smartphone’s display and tap on the Control Center Apple TV remote icon to pull up a virtual remote that’s actually much easier to use than the Apple TV’s physical Siri Remote.

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The most recent Siri Remote is awesome

Whether you prefer physical buttons or touch controls, Apple has you covered

The first-generation Siri Remote that dropped way back in 2015 was awful. Its touch panel barely worked, and its concave buttons were so difficult to hit consistently that at one point, I almost considered ditching the Apple TV altogether just because of the remote. Then the second-generation Siri Remote arrived to save the day in 2021. It features a high-quality feeling, squared-off aluminum design, and a mix of physical buttons and a far more accurate touchpad. This means that if I want to use the directional buttons with swipe controls, I can do that. At the same time, if I prefer to click the physical buttons, I can make that happen, too.

My favorite Siri Remote feature is how simple it is, though. Unlike a lot of TV remotes, it only has a few buttons — but they’re the only ones that matter, including the ability to mute, turn the volume up and down, and even mute my soundbar that I control with the remote via

HDMI CEC
.

I know there are other solid streaming devices out there that offer more versatility, namely the Nvidia Shield, but when it comes to watching TV, I want a device that’s simple to use, works reliably, and that I know inside-out, and for me, that’s the Apple TV 4K and tvOS.

This is why I really can’t see myself ditching Apple’s streamer anytime soon, if ever.

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