Cracking Open the Apple TV 2012

Apple TV 2012 teardown

\n\tIts release may have been overshadowed by the 3rd generation iPad (launched at the same event), but the 2012 Apple TV should please fans of the Cupertino company’s streaming media player.
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\n\tI cracked open the 2nd generation Apple TV in 2010 and was curious to see the new chips inside the 2012 model. Follow along as I crack open the 2012 Apple TV.
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\n\tFor a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, Apple TV 2012 Teardown: Upgraded processor, wireless chip.
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\n\tPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
\n\tCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Features and price

\n\tThe 2012 Apple TV has a revamped user interface and supports 1080p video, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, iTunes, AirPlay, and Netflix. It lacks some streaming services, such as Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Amazon Instant, and Pandora. The 2012 Apple TV retails for $99 (US)
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\n\tPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
\n\tCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Box contents

\n\tAlong with the actual Apple TV player, the box contains the Apple Remote, power cord, and product documentation.
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\n\tPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
\n\tCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Dimensions and weight

\n\tThe 2012 Apple TV weighs 0.6 pound and measures 3.9″ (wide) x 3.9″ (deep) x 0.9″ (high). Its overall design (both inside and out) is identical to the 2010 Apple TV.
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\n\tPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
\n\tCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Ports

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: 1st generation vs 3rd generation

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Bottom

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the bottom cover

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Internal hardware

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Disconnecting the power supply from the motherboard

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the power supply screws

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the power supply

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Power supply

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: 3.4V 1.75A Power supply - Delta 614-0492

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Disconnecting the status LED from the motherboard

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the motherboard and heatsink screws

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the motherboard and heatsink

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Empty case with status LED still attached

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Motherboard and heatsink

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the heatsink

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Heatsink removed

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Motherboard without heatsink

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the EMI/RFI shields

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Motherboard - Front

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Motherboard - Back

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: A5 package-on-package (PoP) system-on-a-chip (SoC)

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Single-core application processor and DDR2 SDRAM chip sandwiched on top of each other

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: 8GB Toshiba NAND Flash

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Apple 343S0479

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Apple 338S1040

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Broadcom BCM4330 802.11a/b/g/n MAC/Baseband/Radio with Integrated Bluetooth 4.0+HS & FM Transceiver

\n\tThanks to our friends at iFixit, I know that there’s a Broadcom BCM4330 under this shield, which is soldered to the motherboard.

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Delta 8456B-R 1206

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: SMSC LAN9730 Hi-Speed Inter-Chip (HSIC) USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet Controller

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Unknown chip

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Remote IR receiver

Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Completely disassembled