Apple TV is among the premier streaming devices in the market. Besides 4K support, it gives you access to various subscription services in the Apple brand, like Apple TV, TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, and more. You can also use the App Store to download more apps on your streaming device.
However, some users have experienced no App Store on Apple TV. This guide will show you the most common reasons for the Apple TV app store missing problem and how you can find the App Store on Apple TV.
Read this guide to know more.
Table of Contents
Why is the Apple TV App Store Missing?
Most users that own the newer Apple TV models (fourth generation or higher) will have the latest features and apps, including the App Store.
But, if you own an old-generation Apple TV (third generation or lower), it won’t have the App Store built-in. To update your pre-installed apps on these models, you’ll need to update your Apple TV to its latest software version.
To check which Apple TV device you own, below are some notable features of various Apple TV generations. However, the most important thing to note about your Apple TV is its model number; you can find this in the device’s bottom label or by going to Settings > General > About and finding its model.
Apple TV First Generation
- Model number: A1218
- Released in 2007
- Memory: 40 GB or 160 GB
- Has HDMI and component video (480p or 720p)
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet support
- Has a USB 2.0 port
Apple TV Second Generation
- Model number: A1378
- Released in 2010
- HDMI, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet support
- Has a Micro-USB port
Apple TV Third Generation
- Model Number: A1427 or A1469 for Rev A
- Introduced in 2012
- HDMI (720p or 1080p)
- Has Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a Micro-USB port
Apple TV HD (Fourth Generation)
- Model number: A1625
- Introduced in 2015
- Memory: 32 GB or 64 GB
- HDMI 1.4 (720p or 1080p) and Bluetooth 4.0 support
- Has Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a USB-C port
Apple TV 4K (First Generation)
- Model number: A1842
- Released in 2017
- Memory: 32 GB or 64 GB
- HDMI 2.0a support (2160p, HDR10, and Dolby Vision)
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
- Bluetooth 5.0 support
Apple TV 4K (Second Generation)
- Model number: A2169
- Released in 2021
- Memory: 32 GB or 64 GB
- HDMI 2.1 support (up to 4K60 HDR10, and Dolby Vision)
- Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band) and Gigabit Ethernet
- Bluetooth 5.0 support
Apple TV 4K (Third Generation) Wi-Fi
- Model number: A2737
- Introduced in 2022
- Memory: 64 GB
- HDMI 2.1 support (up to 4K60 HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision)
- Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band) and Bluetooth 5.0 support
Apple TV 4K (Third Generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet
- Model number: A2843
- Introduced in 2022
- Memory: 128 GB
- HDMI 2.1 support (up to 4K60 HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision)
- Wi-Fi 6 (dual-band) and Gigabit Ethernet
- Bluetooth 5.0 support
How to Find App Store on Apple TV
As mentioned earlier, most newer Apple TV generations will have the App Store preinstalled. If you’re wondering how to open App Store on Apple TV, try checking on the Home screen or using the Search app and typing in the keywords app store. Select its app icon to open.
How to Download Apps on Old Apple TV
If you’re using an older-Apple TV generation (third generation or lower), you’ll only have its pre-installed apps to work with. While you cannot download apps on your old Apple TV, one workaround that you can try is using AirPlay to mirror or cast apps from your iPhone or iPad to your streaming device.
Note: To successfully mirror your iPad or iPhone to your Apple TV via AirPlay, ensure that your device is updated to the latest iOS version and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV.
To stream apps from your iPhone to your Apple TV, follow these steps:
- Open the streaming app or service on your iPhone where you want to watch content.
- Find the movie you want to stream and tap the AirPlay icon on the player. If you cannot find the AirPlay button, select Share and choose AirPlay.
- Choose your Apple TV from the list of devices.
- Content from your iPhone will now be mirrored to your Apple TV streaming device.
Final Thoughts
Most newer generations of Apple TV streaming devices will have the latest features and the ability to add more apps via the App Store. If you own an older model of Apple TV, you can only use its pre-installed apps. So, if you want a more customizable and optimized streaming device, it’s best to invest in a new generation Apple TV.
Hopefully, this guide helps you fix the “no App Store on Apple TV” issue and how to find the App Store on Apple TV.