Apple has finally updated its Apple TV 4K after four years, bringing a faster processor, hands-free Siri controls and a redesigned Siri Remote that should be much harder to lose.
The fourth-generation streaming box looks almost identical to its predecessor, but the biggest changes are happening inside. Apple has upgraded the processor from the A15 Bionic to the A19 chip, promising 50% faster CPU performance and twice the GPU performance for apps and games.
Perhaps the most useful addition is a new set of far-field microphones with echo cancellation, allowing users to summon Siri without reaching for the remote. It’s a similar setup to the HomePod, effectively giving the Apple TV hands-free voice control even without a separate smart speaker in the room.
The upgrade also brings support for Siri AI, allowing users to ask more conversational questions and receive answers through a compact on-screen overlay. That includes questions such as where a particular TV show was filmed or whether a film is suitable for a 15-year-old, with Siri now able to draw on broader knowledge and personal context.
Apple has also updated the Siri Remote with Find My support, including Precision Finding, making it easier to track down a misplaced remote.
Audio is getting attention too. The new Apple TV 4K can create a four-speaker surround sound setup using four HomePod mini 2 speakers, which automatically calibrate their positioning, timing and volume. Second-generation HomePods are also supported, provided the front and rear speaker pairs match.
Connectivity has received a boost, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 replacing Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Thread support remains, allowing the Apple TV to continue working as a smart home hub alongside Apple’s new HomeView device.
Apple has also simplified the lineup. Instead of offering separate Wi-Fi and Ethernet versions, there’s now just one model with 128GB storage and Ethernet connectivity.
The new Apple TV 4K is available to pre-order in the US and 29 other countries for $299/£299, with availability starting 13 November.
While the design hasn’t changed much, the combination of hands-free Siri, faster performance and improved HomePod integration makes this a more substantial upgrade than its familiar appearance suggests.
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