Apple's fourth-generation Apple TV 4K replaces the 2022 model with a faster A19 chip, built-in microphones for hands-free Siri, support for four-speaker HomePod surround sound and an updated Siri Remote. It keeps the same compact black design and familiar viewing features, but its $299 price makes the upgrade decision less straightforward for existing owners.

The new Apple TV 4K is available to pre-order with 128GB of storage and is scheduled to arrive on November 13, 2026. The third-generation model is discontinued, although discounted stock may remain available.

Price, storage and connectivity

The 2026 model comes in one configuration: 128GB with Wi-Fi and Ethernet. It also includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread networking as standard.

The 2022 Apple TV 4K offered a 64GB Wi-Fi-only version and a 128GB model with Ethernet and Thread. It used Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Its original US prices were $129 for 64GB and $149 for 128GB, but Apple raised those prices before discontinuing the product. The final price for the 128GB model was $249, making the new Apple TV $50 more expensive by that comparison.

That premium also brings twice the storage compared with the older entry-level model, along with Ethernet and Thread connectivity.

A19 chip brings its biggest gains to graphics

Apple says the A19-powered Apple TV 4K delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice the GPU performance compared with the A15 Bionic in the 2022 model.

The newer chip is built using a third-generation 3nm process and adds hardware-accelerated ray tracing, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, GPU Neural Accelerators and MetalFX denoised upscaling. It also supports an updated display engine and image signal processor, plus a dedicated AV1 hardware decoder.

These changes are most relevant to gaming and particular media playback needs. Their everyday effect on standard streaming is less clear, since both generations retain the same maximum viewing resolution and HDR support.

Hands-free Siri and HomePod surround sound

The new Apple TV 4K has three far-field microphones with voice isolation, allowing users to say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” without picking up the remote. Echo cancellation lets the microphones work while audio is playing. The 2022 model relies on the microphone in its Siri Remote or another compatible device.

The new model can also create a four-speaker HomePod surround setup with two matching front speakers and two matching rear speakers. This requires HomePod mini 2 or second-generation full-sized HomePod speakers. Older HomePod and first-generation HomePod mini models do not support this arrangement.

Apple also supports a Whole Room Audio mode that distributes sound across four HomePod speakers, which is designed for more even music or sports playback rather than directional home theater.

What changed with the Siri Remote?

The fourth-generation Siri Remote keeps the same general controls but adds more precise locating features. It supports Find My Precision Finding on compatible newer iPhones, uses Bluetooth Channel Sounding and includes a speaker that can play a sound.

The remote weighs 69.6 grams, compared with 66 grams for the previous version. It can also be purchased separately for $59 and works with the third-generation Apple TV 4K, earlier Apple TV 4K models and Apple TV HD.

For most third-generation owners, keeping the existing box is the sensible choice. The strongest reasons to upgrade are hands-free Siri, a planned four-speaker HomePod system, specific AV1 playback needs or interest in the A19's gaming capabilities. If finding the remote is the main problem, buying the $59 replacement remote costs considerably less than replacing the entire Apple TV.