You cannot add apps to old Apple TV. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Apple TV models cannot download or install new apps because they do not have an App Store.
Which Apple TV models have an App Store?
Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD (4th generation and later) are the models that have a traditional App Store where users can browse, search, download, and install apps. Older Apple TV models (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations) do not support the App Store in the same way as newer models and have significant limitations on adding new applications. If you have a 2nd or 3rd generation model, you cannot simply install new apps like you can on a modern device, though you can still add users to Apple TV app on a supported model to personalize the experience, and you may need to sign into Apple TV with T-Mobile to access any bundled streaming services.
What you can do on a 3rd generation Apple TV
While you cannot manually add new apps to this model, you can still access a limited selection of compatible software. To find this content, navigate to the "Featured" section and select "Apps" within the iTunes Store interface. This is the only way to see available services on a 3rd generation Apple TV. You can only update the built-in apps that come pre-installed on the device. The Apple TV (3rd generation) does not have a full App Store experience like newer models, so your options are restricted to what Apple originally included.
Check your Apple TV region for available services
The services shown on your older Apple TV can vary based on your region. To confirm the region of your Apple TV, which may affect available services, you need to get to settings on Apple TV. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Select iTunes Store.
- Select Location.
Once you confirm your region, you may see different built-in apps or channel options appear. This is the only configuration that can influence what you can access on these older models.
Upgrading to get the App Store experience
To get the full App Store experience, you need to consider a newer model like the Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD. These devices allow you to browse, search, download, and install thousands of apps directly. If you want to use streaming services, games, or other applications beyond what your old Apple TV offers, upgrading to a 4th generation or later model is the only reliable solution. The limitations of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation models are hardware-based and cannot be overcome with software updates or workarounds.
