Apple TV 4K 4th Gen upgrade brings A19 speed and AV1 decoding

Apple’s new Apple TV 4K refresh aims to narrow the gap between streaming and a true home cinema setup. The 4th Gen model includes Siri AI, hands-free voice control, and a more responsive system, with availability starting November 13. It carries a $299 price in the US and £299 in the UK; the 3rd Gen remains available only from retailers at varying prices.

The big changes for everyday use come down to three things: a smarter voice assistant, expanded audio options, and faster performance. Apple describes Siri AI as significantly more capable and conversational, which translates to asking it to locate a show, check a title’s suitability for a family, or pulling up context about a film when you’re linked to an iPhone that understands your preferences.

The remote also gets a lift. It includes three far-field microphones, so you can talk to Siri without pressing a button, and Find My support to ring the remote if it’s misplaced. The previous generation required a button press to wake Siri on the remote.

Audio advantages are in the spotlight with support for pairing up to four HomePod Mini 2 speakers. Apple says the system uses room awareness to align timing and levels, creating a more balanced sound across a space. If you already own HomePod Minis, you can use them with the Apple TV 4K to form a multi-speaker setup without buying a separate soundbar system.

Under the hood, the 4th Gen runs on Apple’s A19 chip, which Apple says delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice the GPU performance versus the 3rd Gen. It also adds an AV1 video decoder, which helps with higher-quality streams at lower bandwidths.

Both generations can still act as smart-home hubs, letting you control compatible devices directly from your TV. The 4th Gen expands on automations and adds camera activity summaries and more context-aware notifications thanks to the built-in Siri AI.

Should you upgrade? If you value hands-free voice, faster responsiveness, and a flexible multi-speaker setup, the 4th Gen offers clear benefits. If you’re happy with your current experience and don’t need the new voice features, the 3rd Gen remains a serviceable option through retailers at a lower price point, depending on availability.