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It Took Apple 8 Years to Listen to Me and Add This Killer Feature to the Apple TV

Apple TV has improved significantly over the years, with many of the features David Katzmaier wished for in 2017 being added. However, one feature, an optical audio output, is still missing.

By David Katzmaier·Aug 24·cnet.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

A 2017 Apple TV box with its remote leaning on it
A 2017 Apple TV box with its remote leaning on itImage: cnet.com

Apple TV has come a long way since 2017, with many of the features David Katzmaier wished for being added. However, one feature, an optical audio output, is still missing.

Why it matters

The Apple TV's evolution is a testament to the company's willingness to listen to its customers and improve its products.

Imagine you have a favorite TV show that you want to watch on your Apple TV. But, you can't because the Apple TV doesn't have a special port to connect your old TV's audio system. That's what David Katzmaier wanted Apple to add to the Apple TV in 2017. And, guess what? Apple finally added it in 2023! Now, you can watch your favorite TV show with better sound quality.

Analysis

The Evolution of Apple TV: A Story of Listening to Customers

In 2017, I wrote an article titled '7 Ways Apple TV Can Get Better' where I listed off features I hoped Apple would add to the streaming device. Fast forward to today, and it's clear that Apple has been listening to its customers. Many of the features I wished for have been added, including an Amazon video app, 4K support, and better TV control. However, one feature remains missing: an optical audio output.

The addition of these features is a testament to Apple's willingness to listen to its customers and improve its products. It's a story that highlights the importance of customer feedback in driving innovation. By listening to its customers, Apple has been able to create a product that is more user-friendly and enjoyable to use.

The Impact of Apple's Listening

The impact of Apple's listening can be seen in the way the Apple TV has evolved over the years. From the addition of new features to the improvement of existing ones, it's clear that Apple is committed to creating a product that meets the needs of its customers. This commitment to customer satisfaction has helped Apple to build a loyal customer base and establish itself as a leader in the tech industry.

The Future of Apple TV

As Apple continues to evolve and improve its products, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Apple TV. Will Apple continue to listen to its customers and add new features to the streaming device? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Apple's commitment to customer satisfaction has been a key factor in its success.

Key points

  • Apple TV has improved significantly over the years, with many of the features David Katzmaier wished for in 2017 being added.
  • One feature, an optical audio output, is still missing from the Apple TV.
  • Apple's commitment to customer satisfaction has been a key factor in its success.
  • The future of Apple TV is uncertain, but it's likely that the company will continue to evolve and improve its products.
The Upside

If Apple continues to listen to its customers and add new features to the Apple TV, it's likely that the streaming device will become even more popular and user-friendly. This could lead to increased sales and a stronger market position for Apple.

The Downside

However, if Apple fails to continue listening to its customers and adding new features to the Apple TV, it may struggle to compete with other streaming devices on the market. This could lead to a decline in sales and a loss of market share.

Originally reported at

cnet.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsapple-tvstreaming-devicecustomer-satisfactioninnovation

Author

David Katzmaier

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 24, 2026

Source

cnet.com

Share

Topics

apple-tvstreaming-devicecustomer-satisfactioninnovation

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