Apple TV (3rd Generation, Early 2012)

Description
Reviews

The Apple TV (3rd Generation/Early 2012) looks identical to the second generation model, but has a more powerful processor and twice the RAM and accordingly is capable of supporting 1080p video and Apple TV Software Update 7.x and AppleTV+ unlike its predecessor which tops out at 720p video and Apple TV Software Update 6.2.1.

The third generation Apple TV makes it easy to rent or purchase movies and TV shows from Apple as well as stream or mirror movies, shows, photos and other content from an iPod, iPhone or iPad as well as from a Mac or PC. It has built-in support for iCloud, Netflix, YouTube and Flickr along with other services.

It is powered by a single core 32 nm Apple A5 processor and connectivity includes HDMI, optical audio, 10/100Base-T Ethernet, a single Micro-USB port "for service and diagnostics" (and hacking), and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking as well as Bluetooth 4 (after the Apple TV 6.1 update).

Introduction Date:

March 7, 2012*

Discontinued Date:

March 10, 2013*

Processors:

Geekbench:

Processor Speed:

1 GHz*

Processor Type:

Apple A5

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

Integrated

System Bus Speed:

Cache Bus Speed:

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI Architecture:

L1 Cache:

L2/L3 Cache:

RAM Type:

Onboard

Min. RAM Speed:

Standard RAM:

512 MB*

Maximum RAM:

512 MB*

Details:

*Apple does not specify the amount of RAM onboard. However, third-parties have confirmed that it has 512 MB of RAM like other iOS devices that support 1080p video.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

512 MB

RAM Slots:

Video Card:

VRAM Type:

Standard VRAM:

Maximum VRAM:

Display Support:

Single Display*

Native Resolution:

Multiple*

Details:

The third generation Apple TV requires a "high-definition TV with HDMI and [that is] capable of 1080p or 720p at 60/50Hz."

Also see: How do you connect the black second and third generation Apple TV models to a television?

2nd Display Support:

2nd Max. Resolution:

Standard Storage:

8 GB SSD*

Storage Interface:

Details:

*Officially, the third generation Apple TV has no internal storage. However, third-parties have determined that this model actually has 8 GB of flash memory to cache content, just like the second generation Apple TV.

Standard Optical:

Standard Disk:

Standard Modem:

Standard Ethernet:

10/100Base-T

Standard AirPort:

802.11a/b/g/n

Standard Bluetooth:

Details:

The third generation Apple TV has built-in support for 802.11a/b/g/n.

*After the Apple TV 6.1 update, the third-generation Apple TV supports "Bluetooth discovery" of select devices using the Bluetooth 4 standard.

Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?

USB Ports:

1 (Micro-USB)

Firewire Ports:

Expansion Slots:

Expansion Bays:

Incl. Keyboard:

Incl. Input:

Apple Remote*

Case Type:

Cuboid

Form Factor:

Apple TV (2nd Gen)

Details:

Uses a tiny 3.9 inch by 3.9 inch, 0.9 inch tall case.

Apple Order No:

MD199LL/A

Apple Subfamily:

3rd Gen

Apple Model No:

A1427 (EMC 2528)

Model ID:

AppleTV3,1

Details:

These identifiers are unique to this specific Apple TV.

Also see: All Apple devices with the A1427 Model Number, the 2528 EMC Number, and the AppleTV3,1 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on Macs, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.

Pre-Installed OS:

Apple TV 5.1*

Maximum OS:

Apple TV 7.5*

Details:

*Apple does not formally specify what operating system this third generation Apple TV uses, but it was pre-installed with a modified version of iOS 5.1. It is not capable of running standard iOS applications or the later "tvOS."

Dimensions:

3.9 x 3.9 x 0.9

Avg. Weight:

0.6 lbs. (0.27 kg)

Original Price (US):

US$99

Est. Current Retail:

US$25-US$50

Details:

Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).