The new Apple TV 4K costs $299, ships on November 13, and swaps the old A15 chip for the iPhone 17’s A19. If your current box still feels fine, you can probably skip it. If it lags or you want hands-free Siri, it’s worth a look.
Apple announced it on October 13 alongside a refreshed Siri Remote. Here’s what changed and who should care.
Here are the facts you need first.
- Price: $299 for the only configuration, with 128GB of storage.
- Ship date: November 13, with pre-orders open now.
- Chip: A19, with a dedicated AV1 decoder.
- Siri Remote: $59 separately, and it works with older Apple TV models.
The short version is a faster box with better wireless, and a remote you can finally find in the couch.
What the A19 chip actually gets you
The 2022 model ran an A15 Bionic. The new one uses the A19, which Apple says delivers up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to 2x faster GPU performance.
In daily use, that means snappier menus and less waiting when you jump between apps. It also helps with games and the new Siri features.
The AV1 decoder is a quiet but useful addition. AV1 is a video format that streaming services use to save bandwidth, so more of your video can play smoothly without taxing the chip.
New Apple TV 4K vs the 2022 model
This table shows the changes that matter most when you compare the two boxes side by side.
| Feature | 2022 model | New model |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A19 (up to 50% faster CPU, up to 2x faster GPU) |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB only |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 6 |
| Ethernet | Only on the 128GB model | Gigabit Ethernet on every unit |
| Thread | Only on the 128GB model | Standard |
The tidy part is the lineup. Apple dropped the 64GB version, so everyone now gets Ethernet and Thread, which used to be reserved for the pricier model.
According to 9to5Mac, the wireless upgrades are likely thanks to Apple’s N1 chip, though Apple hasn’t confirmed that.
The Siri Remote finally has a way to be found
The updated Siri Remote adds Find My support with Precision Finding. Your iPhone or Apple Watch can guide you to it step by step, and a built-in speaker can play a sound.
It costs $59 and works with older Apple TV models, including Apple TV HD and earlier Apple TV 4K units. It ships November 13 as well.
That’s a cheap fix if you don’t want a new box. If you only lose remotes, you may not need to upgrade at all.
Siri gets smarter, and hands-free
Siri AI debuts on the new box and is also coming to the second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K. So an older unit still gets the main software upgrade.
The new model adds a three-microphone array with voice isolation. You can say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” without pressing the remote’s button.
If you want that hands-free setup, it’s a hardware reason to upgrade. It’s also a good match for the smart home hardware Apple showed off, like the LG accessories Apple helped design.
Better speakers, with a catch
The new Apple TV 4K supports four-speaker surround sound with HomePod mini 2 or HomePod 2 speakers. They must be used in matching pairs.
That means you can’t mix one HomePod mini 2 with one HomePod 2 for surround. It’s worth checking before you buy speakers.
We covered what people expected before the launch in our earlier rumor roundup. Pricing and the A19 chip have now been confirmed.
Who should upgrade, and who should wait
The A19 is a big jump over the A15, but streaming apps don’t demand much. If you mostly watch Netflix and YouTube, your current box likely handles it.
You’ll feel the difference most if you play Apple Arcade games, use many smart home controls, or run a busy home network. Wi-Fi 7 and built-in Ethernet help there.
The 128GB storage matters if you install lots of apps and games. Streaming boxes cache more than people expect, so extra space avoids annoying clean-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the new Apple TV 4K cost?
It costs $299 for the single 128GB model. The Siri Remote is sold separately for $59.
When can you get the new Apple TV 4K?
Pre-orders are open, and it ships on November 13, the same day as the new Siri Remote.
Will older Apple TV models get Siri AI?
Yes, Apple says it’s coming to the second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K.
Can I use the new Siri Remote with my old Apple TV?
Yes. Apple says it works with Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K, and it’s sold separately.
My take: if your 2022 Apple TV 4K works well, buy the $59 remote and wait. Upgrade to the $299 box if you’re still on an older unit, want Wi-Fi 7, or want hands-free Siri. If you only need the basics, a discounted 2022 unit is still a fine buy.
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