Why Apple TV Should Remain Active: A Shift in Perspective
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The Journey to Embracing Apple TV
A year ago, I boldly claimed that Apple should discontinue the Apple TV. That proclamation was met with disbelief—akin to an unexpected odor in a packed elevator.
“The Apple TV should be canceled,” I asserted, sparking a wave of reactions.
How My Views Have Changed
Since that article, my perspective has undergone a dramatic transformation. I’ve transitioned from skeptic to devotee of the Apple TV, so much so that I find myself contemplating a humorous self-deprecation in the comments of my earlier post. Here’s how my outlook shifted regarding Apple’s compact streaming device.
What I Originally Argued
“I genuinely want to appreciate the Apple TV,” I wrote back in March 2021. I elaborated on my grievances with the device, echoing Walter Isaacson’s renowned quote about Steve Jobs: “I finally cracked it.” I criticized Apple's failure to revolutionize the television landscape, suggesting they had made little impact on viewers.
Looking back, my assessment was not only narrow-minded but also unjust, given that I hadn’t genuinely engaged with the Apple TV for years before drafting that article. I later apologized to those I may have offended—my original article's comments section was quite lively—and committed to fully explore the Apple TV ecosystem.
Taking the Plunge into Apple TV
To genuinely appreciate the Apple TV, I realized I needed to part ways with a long-time service provider.
Farewell to Sky
If you reside in the UK, you are likely familiar with Sky, our leading satellite TV service, which was once partly owned by Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox before being taken over by Comcast in 2018. Sky offers a mix of excellent technology—such as mesh networking and multi-room viewing—but is often let down by its steep pricing and convoluted customer contracts.
Many users have experienced frustrations with varying tariffs and unexpected price hikes after contract renewals, often without adequate notification. After losing track of multiple contracts and facing hidden fees, I made the decision to cancel Sky, paving the way for a deeper dive into the Apple TV experience.
Exploring the Apple TV Ecosystem
With Sky behind me, I sought alternatives for terrestrial television. Thankfully, all five major UK channels—BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5—are accessible through the Apple TV App Store. A simple free account grants access to most of these channels, which feature user-friendly interfaces and excellent picture quality.
For the Sky channels I wished to keep, NOW—Sky’s more affordable product—offered a solution with its straightforward monthly subscription model, compatible with Apple TV. However, the NOW app lacks some of the features and polish of its competitors, focusing only on basic scheduling and lacking discoverability features.
Nonetheless, I have now fully embraced the Apple TV. The benefits are plentiful; the streaming device is exceptionally fast, and the picture quality revitalizes my aging 4K curved television.
How Apple TV 4K Revitalized My Viewing Experience
My previous skepticism was unfounded.
Additionally, I had once dismissed Apple TV+ as “mostly unexciting,” predicting that high-quality shows would eventually grace the platform. I was correct; the selection of must-see series continues to expand. In our household, we have enjoyed productions like The Morning Show, Severance, and The Shrink Next Door, among others. Currently, we are captivated by the compelling narrative of WeWork’s rise and fall, WeCrashed. Apple is clearly investing significantly in these projects, resulting in impressive content.
It’s worth noting, amid the recent discussions regarding Will Smith's controversial moment at the Oscars, that it was an Apple TV+ film, CODA, which won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
My transformation is complete; I now wholeheartedly appreciate everything about the Apple TV. So, please, let’s put the criticism to rest.
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Chapter 2: Useful Tips for Cancelling Apple TV
To learn how to cancel your Apple TV subscription, check out the following informative videos.
This video explains the steps necessary to cancel your Apple TV+ subscription effectively.
In this tutorial, learn how to easily cancel your Apple TV+ subscription and what to consider before doing so.