Apple

I switched my parents from a Roku to an AppleTV. I thought it would be easy - they have Macs and iphones. It was not easy. There were many complaints like "The touch-pad is too sensitive." "How many cables do we need? Do you want a picture of the cables?"

A lot of folks will still find it challenging. It's a great product, and if you set it up they'll probably be fine. Good luck!

My dad is 75 and has no problem using the Apple TV or his Firestick in his bedroom. He can’t open his email, but somehow managed to load software onto his Firestick for free movies. Dude has his priorities.

My kids are tech literate and don't like the Apple TV UI. They prefer the Samsung one. 🤢

My dad is 75 and has no problem using the Apple TV or his Firestick in his bedroom. He can’t open his email, but somehow managed to load software onto his Firestick for free movies. Dude has his priorities.

Imho the Apple TV is what you want. I’ve used Rokus, fire sticks, shields, an HTPC and an Apple TV. I alternate between the shield and Apple TV. And only have the shield because sometimes for whatever reason older shows have a better picture with the AI enhanced picture.

Based on being tech support for elderly family, the Apple TV is the best bang for your buck. Sure other things are cheaper, but dealing with having to explain things over and over, explaining how to get apps, etc etc. TVos is a lot like your iPhone in ease of use. If they lose the remote, they can use their phone(the app is literally built into the iOS. All On top of being a top of the line set top box.

i got my parents switched from fire sticks to apple tv’s and they’ve been very happy. they already used iphones and ipads, and apple tv is the same idea with opening apps, hitting a home button, going back to the home screen, and finding another app to open. no ads & no mess. beautiful screensavers. i’ve even got them set up w youtube tv now & they’ve had no issues. i’d recommend it for sure.

I have Apple TV iPhone and Apple Watch as well My iPhone can be used as the remote for the Apple TV. I am able to use voice commands to turn on and off Apple TV. Apple TV support most screaming services been using it for about three years

my grandma is illiterate and is able to watch youtube on it

Apple TV is excellent. I’m not sure how the latest one compares but my one has a remote which acts like a touchpad for you to scroll and select icons, and then you press the trackpad which is also a button to select the chosen icon.

If the latest iteration works this way, they may not get on with it, as I think older folks struggle with the basics of these new fangled things, even more so if they aren’t tech savvy.

Make sure to enable that feature which puts a border to the selected app for better visibility. I just forgot how to do that right now.

I’d go ROKU for one simple reason, the remote. It’s so much easier for the elderly to hold, and feel the buttons.

Follows Apple’s MO of see a pic of what you want and click on it.

It would be a perfect gift. I own 4 of them.

It is a very simple device, assuming they actually have the use for it.

One thing to keep in mind- just because you're a tech-minded person doesn't mean everyone else is or wants to be. Giving a tach gift that someone really has no use for and doesn't want to learn how to use just puts them in an awkward position where they feel almost obligated to use it even though it provides no benefit to their life. Perhaps a framed family photo would bring them more joy😂