Apple just launched a new Apple TV 4K, the fourth generation of the product. Here’s how the new Apple TV 4K compares to the previous, third-gen model from 2022.
Performance: A19 chip vs A15 Bionic
The new Apple TV 4K has an A19 chip, the same chip that debuted in the iPhone 17 last year.
The third-gen Apple TV 4K from 2022 includes an A15 Bionic chip that first shipped in 2021. So any sort of chip upgrade would have been a big one, but A19 is an especially sizable leap with several years worth of improvements.
Apple says the new chip “delivers up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to 2x faster GPU performance,” which results in “greater responsiveness, faster navigation, and smoother animations.”
A19 also has a new, dedicated AV1 decoder which enables “more efficient, high-quality streaming while using less bandwidth.”
Siri AI, plus hands-free Siri interactions with far-field mics
Siri AI debuts in the new Apple TV 4K, but Apple says it’s also coming to the second and third generation models. Presumably Siri AI will be more responsive on the latest hardware with A19, but it’s great that users won’t have to upgrade just to get the new Siri.
Apple says Siri AI supports features like “personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, and the ability to take even more systemwide app actions.” Some example queries include:
- “What Apple TV shows won at the Emmy Awards this year?”
- “Where was Pluribus filmed?”
- “Is this appropriate for a 15-year-old?”
- “Play the show Alinda recommended.”
One exclusive upgrade with the fourth-gen Apple TV 4K is that it includes a three-microphone array with voice isolation built right into the box itself for hands-free interactions.
This enables you to say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to interact with the assistant. You’ll no longer have to press the button on the Siri Remote, though that’s still an option too.
Upgraded Siri Remote with Precision Finding
The Siri Remote has been upgraded to include Find My support with Precision Finding.
If you’ve ever used Precision Finding to locate a lost AirTag or another device, you’ll know how valuable this experience should prove for the Siri Remote.
When you lose the Siri Remote, you’ll be able to get guided, step-by-step directions to its location. And thanks to a new built-in speaker, you can even play a sound on the remote to help you find it.
You can order the new Siri Remote here for $59, it’s compatible with older Apple TV 4K models so you won’t have to buy a whole new Apple TV to get it.
New four-speaker surround sound feature with HomePods
If you have several HomePods in your house, or plan to invest deeply in the Apple Home ecosystem, the fourth-gen Apple TV 4K has a new surround sound feature.
Using either HomePod mini 2 or HomePod 2, Apple TV 4K will support a four-speaker surround sound experience. Apple says, “The four speakers work together with Apple TV 4K to intelligently recognize their position in the room so audio timing and levels are automatically calibrated to the space.”
You can also mix and match HomePods, as long as they’re in matching pairs. For example, you can use a HomePod 2 front pair and a HomePod mini 2 rear pair—or opt for four of the same model.
Internal storage: 128GB standard vs 64GB
Apple used to sell Apple TV 4K in two models: one with 64GB storage and a more expensive 128GB model.
With the fourth-gen Apple TV 4K, 128GB is the standard storage configuration. There are no options to pay more for higher storage. It’s still unclear how necessary the extra storage is, but perhaps we’ll see tvOS 27’s Smart Downloads feature resurface soon.
Connectivity upgrades
Top comment by Silky Jay 5000
I was looking to see if they would support pass-through audio, and maybe lock it to this new hardware as it was kind of rumored last week on other sites. I’m not seeing that, so all this is a pass for me.
There are several connectivity improvements with the new Apple TV 4K. On the wireless front, you get the following:
- Wi‑Fi 7, up from Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 6, up from Bluetooth 5.0
- Thread (previously limited to 128GB model)
It’s expected that these upgrades are due to the inclusion of Apple’s N1 wireless chip, though that hasn’t officially been confirmed.
Additionally, Gigabit Ethernet is now included standard on all models. Previously, it was excluded from the base 64GB model that most people bought.
Are you planning to upgrade to the new Apple TV 4K? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple TV 4K accessories
- AirPods Pro 3 (now only $199, down from $249)
- Anti-slip silicone case for Siri Remote, AirTag compatible
- TotalMount for mounting Apple TV
- iPhone Continuity Camera mount for Apple TV
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