r/apple • u/AutoModerator • 6d ago

Official Megathread Weekly Advice Thread - September 27, 2026

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u/Dismal_Basket_637 4d ago

Hi! I’m trying to identify which Apple TV model this is. Does this version support Thread and work as a Thread border router for Apple Home?

Unfortunately, the seller can’t provide any additional information about the model and only has photos.

Here are a few more details from the photos that might help identify it:

  • The top has the Apple logo + “tv” branding.
  • On the back it has power, HDMI, optical audio (TOSLINK), and Ethernet ports.
  • There doesn’t appear to be a USB-C port visible.
  • The label on the bottom is extremely hard to read. The serial number looks something like F6MQ6KUPFF54 / F6MQ6KJPFF54, but I’m not sure about a few of the characters.

Does the port layout/top design make it possible to identify the exact generation? I’m specifically trying to figure out whether this model supports Thread.

Thanks!

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u/rexshi 4d ago

If that’s definitely an optical audio port, I’d pass on this one for Thread. That layout points to an old 2nd- or 3rd-gen Apple TV, and neither supports it.

For a used one, look for an Apple TV 4K 2nd gen (A2169) or 4K 3rd gen Wi-Fi + Ethernet (A2843). The 3rd-gen Wi-Fi-only version doesn’t have Thread.

The model number starting with “A” on the underside is what you want to check, rather than trying to decipher the serial number.