Your Apple TV is likely the last device you upgrade regularly. In recent years, updates have primarily focused on faster chips and a redesigned Siri Remote, which remains compatible with older models.
Eventually, though, you may need to replace it because it no longer supports new features or begins to slow down. Instead of recycling it, here are five ways to repurpose your old Apple TV.
Use it solely for streaming
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One of the top reasons you probably got an Apple TV is to stream your favorite show from the vast catalog of different streaming services available. Regardless of the generation of the streaming box you get, the subscription service you want will most likely be available.
For the Apple TV you are replacing, dedicating it solely to streaming is a simple way to repurpose it, whether it’s used in a bedroom, basement, or connected to a kitchen counter TV for easier access to streaming content. It doesn’t have to be anywhere fancy.
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Furthermore, with AirPlay, you can wirelessly stream content that doesn’t have an Apple TV app, such as videos on a website, a PowerPoint presentation you prepared, or your device’s screen for everyone to see.
Keeping an older Apple TV as a dedicated streaming box is a smart way to repurpose it. It lets you continue getting value from the device without overstraining aging hardware.
Use it for your photo slideshows
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Another excellent use for an older Apple TV is for photo slideshows. It’s a handy device to carry and connect to any TV to show off your best pictures.
Being able to take it anywhere makes it easy to add a photo slideshow to any event. It could be a child’s birthday, showing the best photos of them; a family get-together, displaying pictures of family members; or a holiday gathering, featuring festive images.
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In the past, people brought tiny projectors and film to show photos from vacations or special events. With an old Apple TV, you can do the same and let everyone watch as you go through your pictures.
Furthermore, with iCloud Photo Library and your Apple ID logged in, your photos are easily accessible on the Apple TV. Plus, using AirPlay, anyone on the same Wi-Fi network can share their photos and videos on the device’s screen.
Keep it as an Apple Home Hub
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If you have a smart home like me, you have many HomeKit accessories throughout your house. But to get the most from HomeKit, you need to have an Apple Home Hub, which can be a HomePod or an Apple TV.
The hub enables you to control your accessories remotely, run automations, and share your smart home with others, such as family members with a different Apple ID. Furthermore, it allows you to view and manage your smart devices even when you are away from home and not connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
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Without a Home Hub, your devices will show “no response” when you’re away from your smart home. This is where an older compatible Apple TV comes in handy.
Even without a physical TV to plug the box into, you can still plug it in and tuck it away, much like any other smart home hub. If you already have a hub, you can also give it to someone else to help them get started with a smart home and take advantage of its features.
Make it a gaming console
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While not the most popular gaming console, the Apple TV can be considered one, especially with the App Store. With Apple Arcade, the device becomes an even more compelling gaming console for the price tag that comes with it.
Since the streaming box uses Apple’s A-series chips, which are found in the iPhone and iPad, it can run some graphics-intensive games. Some of these games include NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition and Gear.Club Stradale.
Furthermore, you can connect a game controller via Bluetooth and use it with games that support it, including non-Apple Arcade games. I’ve used both an Xbox controller and a controller intended for the Nintendo Switch, and both connected and performed well.
Since some graphics-intensive games take up more space, dedicating an older Apple TV to games is a good alternative to other consoles, especially if you’re not seeking titles exclusive to specific systems.
Pair it with Apple Arcade, which offers a wide range of popular titles, both new and retro, and you have a great way to play classics on a bigger screen than your iPhone or iPad.
Add it to your workout routine
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic, at-home workouts have become more popular. If you’re like me, you still do them and are subscribed to a service that provides videos daily or weekly.
Adding an older Apple TV to your workout space is a great idea. You can customize it for your workout routine—such as using the Fitness app for Apple Fitness+ workouts, the Music app for your workout mix, and the YouTube app for at-home sessions.
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What I like about having an Apple TV in my workout routine is how seamlessly it fits into my routine. For example, when I want to set the atmosphere for a session, I can turn on the Apple TV and open the app I need using a single Siri Shortcut or automation.
Using your old Apple TV solely as a media player for your workout routine helps keep it on track. It makes your sessions run more smoothly through various automations and customizations.
The Apple TV is a versatile device that has many benefits. Since it can perform different functions and fit into various scenarios, it offers many ways to repurpose it once it’s replaced.
Operating System
tvOS
Resolution
4K
So instead of tossing your old Apple TV when you get a newer version, give it a second life and let it reach its full potential in one area that fits your routine.
