YouTube Not Available on Third-Gen Apple TV; Here are the Alternative Ways to Stream

Sieeka Khan, Tech Times 04 March 2021, 12:03 pm

The famous streaming service YouTube has been officially discontinued for all third-generation Apple TV boxes. The reason is that the third-generation boxes were released back in 2012, and they didn't have the App Store at the time.

Apple TV streaming alternatives

Users of third-generation Apple TV can no longer access YouTube. If they try and launch the app on their device, they will be greeted with a message that says the Apple TV platform is no longer supported, according to MacRumors.

The reason behind the continuation is understandable. The third-gen Apple TV is old, as it was released back in 2012. It does not run on tvOS, and it does not have an App Store.

Also Read: Apple Fitness Plus: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Set It Up and Get Started

This means that it is almost impossible for video content providers like YouTube to keep supporting it because they can't push updates.

When you try to launch the YouTube app on the third-gen Apple TV, the error message will suggest that you can still show YouTube videos on the third-gen Apple TV through AirPlay, according to Apple Rumors.

AirPlay is a streaming alternative that requires you to use a secondary tablet or phone to work with the Apple TV only being used as a wireless video output.

Since the discontinuation of the streaming app on third-gen Apple TVs, it is obvious that Apple wants its users to upgrade to the newer models, either the Apple TV HD or the Apple TV 4K.

Although the two newer models have the same name, the devices run a different operating system, have different support for their video services, and they both have an App Store where you can use Netflix or YouTube, according to The Verge.

The newest model of Apple TV also supports more than just the typical video streaming app, and it has Apple Arcade games, Apple Fitness+ workouts, and more. But both the Apple TV HD and the Apple TV 4K are pricey, as they start at $149.Third-gen Apple TVs are the cheapest of the bunch, as they only cost around $69.

Although the update on the third-gen Apple TV may push you to purchase an Apple TV 4K, it is best to wait a bit more because the Apple TV 4K is already a couple of years old, and it is already depreciating in value.

For those who want to replace their third-gen Apple TV but are concerned about the newer models' price, you can get a product to hook up to your Apple TV.

You can get an Amazon Fire Stick, which already comes with support for Netflix, Apple TV app, and YouTube.Another option is to get the Roku Ultra.

You can download the Apple TV app, and it lets you get AirPlay and HomeKit too. This means that you can stream contents straight from your iPad or iPhone, just like what you do with your Apple TV.

The Roku Ultra will cost you around $90, but if you wish to get a more affordable one, you can get the Roku Streaming Stick+ which costs around $50, and it also comes with AirPlay support.

If you have these consoles, you may not need to purchase a new TV set, and it will also help you save a lot of money while being able to access YouTube videos.