With a higher price and a stronger chip, the latest Apple TV 4K adds processing power but still omits a few fan-favorite features critics hoped to see.
Apple just refreshed its streaming box, the Apple TV 4K. The new model costs $300 in the U.S. for the 128GB version and drops the cheaper 64GB option. It brings a faster processor, built-in Find My remote support, and an AV1 decoder for better streaming quality. Critics note two expected features aren’t highlighted: audio passthrough and 120Hz support. If you’re mostly watching streaming apps and care about speed and Find My, the upgrade may be worth it. If you want the ultimate home theater capabilites, you may want to wait or compare with other streamer options.
The big surprise this week isn’t a new streaming service, but a new Apple TV 4K box. Apple announced the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, and the biggest headline is the price tag: $300 for the 128GB model with Wi‑Fi and Ethernet. The cheaper 64GB option is gone, and there’s no discount to temper the premium this time around.
On the inside, Apple promises more power. Reviewers note a faster chip and a smoother overall feel in use, which should help with app loading and navigation. The box also gains built-in Find My remote support, a feature that makes locating the remote less of a hunt in couch cushions. And there’s an updated AV1 decoder, which techies will appreciate for higher-quality streaming from apps that support the format.
Yet not everything fans hoped to see made the cut. The Verge’s take points to missing or unconfirmed items that could have helped justify the higher price, like audio passthrough so a home theater receiver could decode raw audio streams, and support for higher frame rates such as 120fps for gaming and certain streaming workflows. If you’re building a premium home theater, those omissions stand out against the device’s premium price.
So who should consider the new Apple TV 4K? If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem and want a faster box with Find My integration and better streaming efficiency, it could be a decent upgrade. If you’re hunting for the most feature-packed streamer for a large home theater setup, you’ll want to weigh whether the price and the missing capabilities are worth it for you right now.
The device ships with a faster processor and doubled storage options for the top end, plus Find My remote support that helps you track the controller more easily. It also includes an updated AV1 decoder, which can improve video quality on supported apps without increasing bandwidth or data usage. These are concrete steps that matter for everyday use, faster navigation, smoother app launches, and crisper video on services that support AV1.
At $300 in the U.S. for the 128GB model, the new Apple TV 4K sits at a premium tier among streaming devices. If you’re comparing to other streamers on the market, that price tag is notably higher than most budget options and even some midrange competitors. The lack of a cheaper entry model means you’re committing to a higher upfront cost if you want the latest box with the newest silicon and features Apple touts.
Some enthusiasts say the box would be more compelling with features like audio passthrough, which lets a home theater receiver handle audio decoding, and support for 120Hz output for certain games and high‑frame‑rate video. The absence of these capabilities, at least as highlighted in early reviews, is the sticking point for people who want the Apple TV 4K to double as a serious gaming box or as a centerpiece for a high-end cinema setup.
If you mainly use streaming apps, watch in standard 4K, and value smooth control and easy Find My integration, the new Apple TV 4K could feel worth the upgrade. If your setup relies on the latest audio formats and you want every frame of gaming, you might pause and compare with other streamers that offer those capabilities at similar or lower prices.
Apple will start shipping the new Apple TV 4K with the stated configuration soon. If you’re deciding between this model and a cheaper streamer, consider whether the increased processing power and AV1 support align with your typical viewing services and the gear you already own.
No. Apple has removed the 64GB option and is only offering the 128GB Wi‑Fi plus Ethernet model at $300 in the U.S.
It includes a faster processor, 128GB storage, Find My remote support, and an updated AV1 decoder for improved streaming efficiency.
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