Apple TV shares dipped 15 percent in the first quarter of 2017

Apple TV has created a market for itself among loyal Apple fans in the US. It is the fourth mst popular streaming media player. Market research firm Parks Associates has come up with interesting stats about Apple TV's popularity among users.

Apple TV follows the trail of Roku, Amazon's Fire TV and Google Chromecast in the States. Apple TV's market share dipped 15 percent in the first quarter of 2017. The reports come from a survey conducted among more than 10,000 US households.

Roku, on the other hand, gained an estimated 37 percent lead in the same time frame. It was followed by Fire TV and Chromecast at an estimated growth of 24 percent and 18 percent.

Moreover, the Apple TV is more expensive than any of its major competitors retailing at $149. Roku retails at $40, Chromecast starts at $35, and Fire TV at $90.

"Higher-priced devices, such as the Apple TV, have not been able to keep up with low-priced and readily available Roku devices, which can be found at Walmart for as low as $29.99," said Glenn Hower, Senior Analyst at Parks Associates.

In February, it was reported that Apple was testing a new Apple TV with 4K and more vivid colors that could be released this year. The report said the fifth-generation model is codenamed J105.

One of the most desired features is 4K support, and rumors suggest Apple TV fans may soon have that wish granted. This is also the reason why speculations hold strong regarding the declining sale of the current version of Apple TV.

It has been reported that consumers are waiting for a 4K media player and do not want to invest into a system that does not provide the facility.