The Apple TV (3rd Generation/Early 2012) looks identical to the second generation model, but has a more powerful processor and twice the RAM and accordingly is capable of supporting 1080p video and Apple TV Software Update 7.x and AppleTV+ unlike its predecessor which tops out at 720p video and Apple TV Software Update 6.2.1.

The third generation Apple TV makes it easy to rent or purchase movies and TV shows from Apple as well as stream or mirror movies, shows, photos and other content from an iPod, iPhone or iPad as well as from a Mac or PC. It has built-in support for iCloud, Netflix, YouTube and Flickr along with other services.

It is powered by a single core 32 nm Apple A5 processor and connectivity includes HDMI, optical audio, 10/100Base-T Ethernet, a single Micro-USB port "for service and diagnostics" (and hacking), and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking as well as Bluetooth 4 (after the Apple TV 6.1 update).