Apple TV app vs. Apple TV box
The Apple TV set-top box does a lot more than just the Apple TV app. Some users may be happy with the Apple TV app on their smart TV or third party streaming device, but they may be missing out on some key features.
With the Apple TV app on your smart TV or third party streaming device, you can access:
- iTunes Store movies and TV shows (buy or rent);
- Apple TV+ channel featuring Apple Originals [1] [2], by subscription;
- other premium Apple TV app Channels, each by subscription.
With the Apple TV box, you can additionally get
- A choice of 12,000+ apps from the tvOS App Store, including streaming services that may not (yet) be available on some other platforms
- Speed. Several smart TV platforms are noticeably slower in starting up apps, loading content, and general navigation.
- Integration of some of these streaming services apps into the Apple TV app
- iTunes Extras (bonus content for iTunes Store movies) for titles that have this feature
- Home Sharing (local network) movies, tv shows, music, photos, home videos, podcasts, audiobooks
- AirPlay streaming from devices to the Apple TV box [Some smart TVs may support this as well]
- Apple Music on TV [Some smart TVs may support this as well]
- Photos from iCloud
- Apple Podcasts
- Games, individual apps or Apple Arcade line of games subscription
- Siri voice assistant for TV, where available
- HomeKit hub smart devices integration
- Beautifully paced aerial screen savers (a selection from 100+ randomized clips)
- Personal photo screen saver option through iCloud Photos or Home Sharing
- Apple Fitness+
- Use SharePlay to watch content together in different locations through FaceTime.
(I welcome comments to keep the list up-to-date and reasonably complete for the important features.)
