Apple has introduced the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, bringing Siri AI, built-in far-field microphones, the A19 chip, a smarter Siri Remote and a new four-speaker surround sound setup to the streaming box.
Apple says the new Apple TV 4K is its most immersive home theater experience yet, with major upgrades focused on voice control, performance, smart home functionality and tighter integration with HomePod.
The new model arrives alongside Apple HomeView and HomePod mini 2 as part of Apple’s biggest smart home expansion in years.
The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K introduces Siri AI, Apple’s new conversational assistant powered by Apple Intelligence. Siri appears in a full-screen interface when users are searching for movies and TV shows, while responses during playback appear in a smaller overlay to avoid obscuring what is on screen.
Users can ask follow-up questions about what they are watching, search for shows using conversational requests and, with a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, use personal context for requests such as finding a show someone recommended in a message.
Apple TV 4K now includes three far-field microphones built directly into the box, allowing users to say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” without touching the remote.
Apple uses advanced echo cancellation to separate a user’s voice from the sound coming from the television or speakers, allowing voice commands to work while content is playing.
The new Apple TV 4K is powered by the A19 chip. Apple says CPU performance is up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation, while GPU performance is up to twice as fast.
A19 also includes a dedicated AV1 decoder, which can stream high-quality video more efficiently while using less bandwidth.
Apple has kept the familiar Siri Remote design but added Find My support with Precision Finding and the ability to make the remote play a sound.
The new remote is also compatible with Apple TV HD and earlier Apple TV 4K models, meaning existing Apple TV owners can buy it separately.
For the first time, Apple TV 4K can create a four-speaker surround sound setup using HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation). The system uses matching front and rear pairs and automatically works out where each speaker is positioned in the room before calibrating timing and levels.
Apple describes the setup as its most immersive home theater audio experience to date.
Apple TV 4K remains a home hub for Apple Home, with support for automations, guest mode, Thread and secure local processing of HomeKit Secure Video.
Apple Intelligence can now generate descriptions of camera activity and summarize Home notifications. Compatible doorbell alerts can appear directly on the television, allowing users to see and talk to a visitor or unlock a supported smart lock without leaving what they are watching.
The new Apple TV 4K continues to support Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+ and thousands of third-party apps. Continuity Camera allows FaceTime calls on the television using an iPhone or iPad camera.
Apple has also added more control over how iCloud photos appear on the television, including personalized Memories, Slideshows and Portrait screen savers without exposing an entire photo library.
Apple TV 4K (4th generation) costs $299 in the U.S. and £299 in the UK. Pre-orders are open now, with availability beginning Friday, November 13.
Siri AI is available in beta at launch in English in the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the UK. The feature also requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad configured for a supported language for personal-context requests.
For more coverage of Apple’s new Home lineup, including HomeView and HomePod mini 2, download The Apple Post app on iPhone and iPad.