Apple launched the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K on Friday bringing an upgraded A19 chip, expanded home theater audio capabilities, and a $299 price tag that raises the cost of entry significantly above its predecessor according to iDrop News.
Apple TV 4K Moves to a Single $299 Model
The previous third-generation Apple TV 4K debuted in late 2022 in two tiers: a 64GB Wi-Fi model priced at $129 and a 128GB version with Ethernet for $149 as reported by iDrop News.
With the arrival of the fourth-generation box, Apple eliminated the lower-priced options entirely, leaving a staggering $299 single model that includes 128GB of storage, Gigabit Ethernet, and Thread support by default.
| Apple TV 4K Model | Release Window | Storage & Connectivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-Generation (Base) | Late 2022 | 64 GB Wi-Fi | $129 |
| Third-Generation (High-Tier) | Late 2022 | 128 GB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | $149 |
| Fourth-Generation | November 2026 | 128 GB, Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet | $299 |
A19 Chip Boosts CPU Speed and Interface Responsiveness
Under the hood, the new device features an A19 chip that delivers hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding alongside a 50 percent CPU boost noted by iDrop News. Reviewers note that the tvOS interface feels faster with the A19 chip, offering clear advantages for users who play Apple Arcade titles on their televisions according to MacRumors.
The media streaming experience on tvOS maintains its ad-free design, presenting a clean layout built around large app tiles and a bottom shortcut bar reported PCMag. Network app responsiveness stands out in daily use, with third-party software like Twitch operating without the interface lag observed on competing streaming sticks according to PCMag testing.
The platform supports major services including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Crunchyroll, and Apple TV, while allowing users to mirror screens via AirPlay or connect to local media servers like Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin according to PCMag.
Quad-Speaker Home Theater Setup
Surround sound across four HomePods ranks as a standout feature of the new hardware according to The Verge. Previous models restricted users to two HomePods for virtual surround audio, but the A19-powered version supports a true quad-speaker configuration utilizing four second-generation HomePods, four HomePod mini 2 units, or mixed pairs reported iDrop News.
Testing immersive audio content like pod races in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and chase sequences in Ready Player One yields a convincing room-filling soundstage, though vertical Dolby Atmos height effects remain constrained noted The Verge.
Siri AI Arrives via tvOS Software Updates
Apple Intelligence features arrive via software, with Siri AI available as a beta on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later). Apple confirmed that second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K models will also receive Siri AI support through an upcoming tvOS 27.2.1 update reported MacRumors.
At launch, this beta service will be available in English across the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK according to iDrop News.
Hands-free activation relies on three far-field microphones built into the new set-top box, letting users speak “Hey Siri” without holding the remote according to MacRumors.
The device recognizes up to six distinct users to deliver personalized recommendations, provided the primary home user operates an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad running the latest software noted MacRumors. To function, the setup process requires the user to have a compatible iPhone or iPad for personal context, as stated by MacRumors.
Real-world performance of Siri AI remains mixed during media queries. While direct title requests execute instantly, complex navigational prompts can misfire; testing revealed that asking for live race coverage occasionally triggered music tracks from artists sharing similar names reported The Verge.
Specifically, asking for the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix triggered the song “Hymn of the Racers” by the 1995 group F1, and requesting the São Paulo F1 Grand Prix played the song “São Paulo” by The Weeknd and Anitta, according to The Verge.
New Siri Remote Adds Speaker and Precision Finding
The fourth-generation Siri Remote includes a built-in speaker and ultra-wideband support for Precision Finding, letting users play an audio alert when a remote is misplaced according to MacRumors. While the design of the remote remains unchanged, its new capabilities allow for easier location of the device, as noted by MacRumors.
Precision Finding for the remote requires a compatible iPhone, with Apple restricting the feature to iPhone 17 models and newer (excluding the iPhone 17e), iPhone Air, iPhone Duo, and iPhone 18 Pro devices noted iDrop News. Customers who do not purchase the new streaming box can buy the updated Siri Remote separately for $59 for use with older tvOS-compatible hardware reported iDrop News.
