Apple TV sales have been falling and even their price drop this year has not helped put Apple back on top over Roku and now even the Fire TV. The Apple TV is the oldest device on the market having come out in March 2012, with a slight update in January 2013 that changed some components under the hood.
So what can Apple do to put Apple TV back on top of the game over the Roku, Chromecast, and Fire TV? While we don’t know what Apple will do, here are our recommendations to help put Apple TV back on top.
1 Apps
The Apple TV currently has the fewest services of any of the top 5 devices on the market. Even major services like Amazon are not available on the Apple TV. With the Fire TV and Roku offering thousands of apps, Apple needs to make their device more open to developers.
Currently Apple has just a fraction of the content that many other boxes have.
2 4K
If the Apple TV wants to be competitive it needs to offer 4K. Roku offers a line of 4K streaming TVs and it is rumored that Amazon will be coming out with a new Fire TV soon that is expected to have 4K support. If Apple wants to stay in the game, they have to at least meet the Roku TVs 4K support.
If the Apple releases a 4K Apple TV standalone box before Roku or Amazon it will give them a huge leg up on the competition.
3 It Must Come Out This Year
If Apple has any hope of getting back to the top of the list of streaming devices on the market they must release a new Apple TV this year. Roku has already come out with a new and more powerful Roku 2 and Roku 3. All signs are also pointing to a new Fire TV expected any day now. If Apple waits till 2016 they may be so far behind that it will be almost impossible for them to overtake Roku and Amazon.
While it is easier to switch between streaming boxes than it is a computer or phone, it is still a tough move. As more people buy Rokus and Fire TVs they will be increasingly unlikely to buy a new Apple TV especially if it lacks the apps that the competition offers.
Conclusion
While Apple could regain the top-selling box spot, it is doubtful. (I am not talking for just one month but for a whole year.) They have to move quickly if they have any hope of stunting the phenomenal growth of the Fire TV and the steadily growing juggernaut that is the Roku. They also need to compete not only on brand name but also on the features they offer. No longer just saying we are Apple will put them back on top.
Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.