Apple's 2nd-gen 4K TV box retains HDMI 2.0 at 18Gbps for 4K@60Hz streaming with Dolby Vision and Atmos passthrough, plus improved Gigabit Ethernet for faster app loading. The single USB-C port handles charging only—not external storage—and the optical TOSLINK output routes audio to compatible receivers without HDMI interference. This generation added Thread mesh networking support for HomeKit devices. Below is the complete port breakdown.
4K HDR streaming media player with HDMI 2.1 (eARC, 18 Gbps TMDS), built-in Gigabit Ethernet, Thread border router, and IEC C8 power inlet. Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Dolby Atmos via MAT 2.0.
Device Information
- Manufacturer
- Apple
- Release Year
- 2021
- Model Number
- A2169
- Category
- Streaming Device
Source: manufacturer product page · Last updated: · How we verify port data →
Available Ports
| Connector | Quantity | Power (PD) | Capabilities | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.1 (Type A – Standard) | 1 | — | — | — | Apple-labeled HDMI 2.1 but limited to 18 Gbps TMDS (no FRL). Supports eARC. No 4K120, no VRR, no ALLM, no QMS. HDMI CEC supported. |
| RJ-45 (Gigabit Ethernet) | 1 | — | — | — | 10/100/1000BASE-T, 1000 Mbps maximum throughput. All units include Ethernet. |
| IEC C8 (Figure-8 Inlet) | 1 | — | — | — | Built-in universal AC power supply (100–240V, 50/60Hz). Uses detachable C7 figure-8 cord. |
Other Apple Streaming Device models with the same ports
Notes & Compatibility
Apple prints HDMI 2.1 on the spec sheet, but the port is hardware-limited to 18 Gbps TMDS, the same bandwidth as HDMI 2.0. The only 2.1 feature actually present is eARC: no 4K120, no VRR, no ALLM, no QMS, no FRL. A Premium High Speed cable is therefore the ceiling and an Ultra High Speed 48 Gbps cable buys nothing. eARC does let this box feed a soundbar or AVR over the single HDMI lead. HDMI CEC works. Every unit of this generation ships with Gigabit Ethernet and there is no Wi-Fi-only variant, unlike the 3rd generation where only one model has the jack. Thread border router for HomeKit and Matter. HDR10, Dolby Vision Profile 5 and HLG, but no HDR10+. Dolby Atmos travels as MAT 2.0, with no lossless TrueHD bitstreaming. Power is a detachable figure-8 cord. Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0. Discontinued October 2022.
