Apple TV 3rd Generation

The Apple TV 3rd generation is externally identical to the 2nd generation model. It includes a single-core A5 processor and supports 1080p content from iTunes, YouTube, Flick, Netflix, and other services. The Apple TV 3rd generation was primarily a feature upgrade to the previous generation. New features included 1080p video output, a faster A5 processor, and a new user interface. The Apple TV 3rd generation model makes it easy to rent or purchase content from Apple and stream or mirror content from an iPod, iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, or a PC.

Apple TV (3rd Generation) Unboxing and Demo [Video]

Video uploaded by DetroitBORG on March 15, 2012

Apple TV 3rd Generation

The Apple TV 3rd generation was released during a presentation by Apple CEO Time Cook, during an event which was mainly centered around the iPad 3rd generation. The Rev A included component changes and was released less than a year later.

Release Dates

  • Released on March 7, 2012
  • Revision A released on January 28, 2013

Specifications

  • Processor: Single-core A5 (the Apple TV 3rd generation actually uses a standard dual-core A5, with one core disabled. A revision in January 2013 included a redesigned A5 chip with only a single physical core).
  • CPU: Apple A5 (ARM Cortex-A9, Single Core). CPU Speed: 1.0 GHz.
  • FPU: integrated. Register width: 32-bit. Data bus width: 64-bit. Address bus width: 32-bit. Level 1 cache: 32 kB data, 32 kB instruction. Level 2 cache: 1 MB on-processor.
  • Onboard RAM: 512 MB.
  • Video: GPU – dual-core PowerVR SGX543MP2 (via A5).
  • Maximum resolution: 1080p.
  • Video Out: HDMI.
  • Storage: 8 GB.
  • Input/Output: USB: 1 Micro-USB.
  • Audio Out: HDMI, optical TOSLINK.
  • OS: iOS. Minimum OS – Apple TV Software 5.0 (iOS 5.1.1). Maximum OS – Apple TV Software 7.2 (iOS 8.3).
  • Resolution: 1080 pixels.
  • Networking: Ethernet: 10/100Base-T. Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n.
  • Power: 6 Watts.
  • Dimensions: 0.9-inch height x 3.9-inch width x 3.9-inch depth.
  • Weight: 0.6 lbs.

Apple Model, Discontinuation, Price

Apple Identifier:

  • Apple TV 3rd Generation (Early 2012) – A1427 (EMC 2528)
  • Apple TV 3rd Generation Revision A (Early 2013) – A1469 (EMC 2633)

Apple Model Numbers: MD199LL/A

Discontinuation: October 4, 2016

Initial price:

  • US$ 99.
  • On March 9, 2015, Apple reduced the price of the third generation (Rev A) Apple TV to $69

Features

In Apple TV (3rd Generation) connectivity includes HDMI, optical audio, 10/100Base-T Ethernet, a single Micro-USB port for service and diagnostics, and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking as well as Bluetooth 4 (after the Apple TV 6.1 update).

Models

Apple TV 3rd Generation (Early 2013)

apple tv 3rd generation - Apple TV 3rd Generation
Model IdentifierAppleTV3,2
Model NumberA1469 (EMC 2633)
Part NumberMD199LL/A
FamilyApple TV 3rd generation
Introduced2013
ColorBlack
Dimensions3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 in
Weight0.6 pounds
Storage8GB SSD
HDMI720p or 1080p
Ethernet10/100BASE-T Ethernet
Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n
AudioOptical audio
Input/outputIR receiver. Micro-USB (for service and support)
See alsoSell your Apple TV (3rd generation, Early 2013) online now

Apple TV 3rd Generation (Early 2012)

apple tv 3rd generation - Apple TV 3rd Generation
Model IdentifierAppleTV3,1
Model NumberA1427 (EMC 2528)
Part NumberMD199LL/A
FamilyApple TV 3rd generation
Introduced2012
ColorBlack
Dimensions3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9 in
Weight0.6 pounds
Storage8GB SSD
HDMI720p or 1080p
Ethernet10/100BASE-T Ethernet
Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n
AudioOptical audio
Input/outputIR receiver. Micro-USB (for service and support)
See alsoSell your Apple TV (3rd generation, Early 2012) online now

 Miscellanea

  • The Apple TV 3rd generation Rev A (released on January 27, 2013) includes component changes and had a smaller version of the Apple A5 processor (S5L8947). It supports Peer-to-Peer AirPlay running Apple TV software update 7.0 or later.
  • The Apple TV 3rd generation runs a variant of the iOS that powers the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad models, but it does not formally run the iOS and cannot run iOS applications..
  • Apple TV 4th Generation: On September 9, 2015, the fourth generation Apple TV was introduced under the slogan of “the future of TV is apps”. While being almost identical to the 2nd and 3rd generation models, the fourth generation Apple TV is taller in size. It features a new touch remote allowing swipe-to-select functionality. It also has integrated Siri support, and motion sensor. The Siri button allows several functions, including searching across providers for content, accessing additional metadata, and video/audio controls. The device uses a new operating system, tvOS.

Links

Comments

This post currently has 18 responses

  • I’m looking for an Apple TV 3rd generation that is in working condition. Do you know where I can get one? I live in Canada

    • Sorry Debbie, for now we work in the US only. In few months we may expand our services. You can try E-Bay, Craiglist or even Facebook’s Marketplace. Good luck!

  • Debbie, I have one you can have for free. I’m in Alberta, and if you cover shipping it’s yours. My in laws don’t need it anymore. email me!
    I don’t have the remote though.

    Jason
    sendog2008@gmail.com

  • I’d love to buy a 3rd Generation Apple TV. I’ve been a lifelong Roku user but over the years Apple products have invaded my home so I’d like to see how Apple TV works before I buy a new device.
    Where’s the best place to look for one?

  • Does Apple TV 3rd Generation have the ability to add Apps, or is that not until the 4th Generation?

    • Hi, Brad. To answer your question:

      No, Apple TV 3rd Generation doesn’t have an App Store for third-party apps. So, the only way to get a new app is to wait for a firmware update. Apple sometimes adds an app or two for old TV boxes.

  • Hi, I just want to know if it’s compatible with iPhone 8 plus and a Macbook pro 2017 and an iPad Air 3?, the A1427 one. Thanks

    • Hi, Axel.

      Yes, Apple 3 gen is compatible with the devices you listed. However, you can use Airplay, not Airplay 2.

  • Will the 3 gen Apple TV work on a iPhone pro Max I would like to stream stuff off my phone on the tv?

  • Will my 3rd generation Apple TV support the MHz streaming service without freezing? Does it support iOS 13?

  • If anyone wants to find old Apple equipment, including Apple TV, shopgoodwill.com has quite a bit for very low prices. I just picked up an Apple TV 3gen with power cord and remote for $4.99 +shipping & handling (which was a little steep but it’s going to a good cause) So before you start trying to search high and low check them out!

  • I have Apple TV A1469 model….It stopped streaming YOUTUBE few months ago…..and now NETFLIX too….any opinions regarding this…. I live in INDIA.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Sidebar