Apple extended FaceTime calls to the Apple TV 4K with the latest iOS 17 and tvOS 17 releases, so long as you have the right specifications. For an iPhone, that’s simple: you need at least an iPhone XS or XR model or later. However, it’s harder to tell if you have the right Apple TV: you need not just an Apple TV 4K (the HD model isn’t supported), but a second-generation or third-generation Apple TV 4K.
Do you know which you have? There are ways to tell, but I discovered in testing this feature that I had purchased in 2022 an out-of-date (thus cheaper) Apple TV 4K first-generation model–meaning I’m in line for an upgrade, as is everyone else who wants this new FaceTime option.
Find your precise Apple TV 4K model to see if you can use FaceTime with tvOS 17.
Foundry
You can find out which model of Apple TV 4K you have by examining the device, which has faintly printed details in extremely tiny type on its body (use the Magnifier on your iPhone) with the flashlight) or by powering up your Apple TV and going to Settings > General > About. In the About screen look for the Model field. The numbers used for the Apple TV 4K are found at this support note and summarized as follows:
- A1842: Released in 2017, the Apple TV 4K first generation comes with a black Siri Remote (first generation).
- A2169: Shipped in 2021, the Apple TV 4K second generation comes with a silver Siri Remote (second generation).
- A2737 and A2843: Apple opted for two models in 2022: one only supports Wi-Fi for local networking (A2737); the other adds gigabit ethernet (A2843). Both come with a silver Siri Remote that is apparently marked third generation but looks identical to the previous silver one.
(The Siri Remote is called that in countries that support Siri; in other countries, it’s called the Apple TV Remote.)
Ask Mac 911
We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we don’t reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.
Author: Glenn Fleishman, Senior Contributor
Glenn Fleishman’s most recent books include Take Control of iOS and iPadOS Privacy and Security, Take Control of Calendar and Reminders, and Take Control of Securing Your Mac. In his spare time, he writes about printing and type history. He’s a senior contributor to Macworld, where he writes Mac 911.