Apple TV snobs, rejoice! For Ternus hath blessed us this day with new hardware. (Alas, it doth come at a cost.)
Apple today unveiled a much-needed update to the Apple TV 4K—emphasis on update. This is strictly an internal refresh, but it’s the first in nearly five years. And for those who love their Apple TV box and refuse to use anything else—we’re out there and there are dozens of us!—it might land like a glass of water in the desert. Let’s take a look at what’s new.
It’s Faster
This isn’t the splashiest new feature or the one Apple led with when announcing the new Apple TV 4K, but by far the thing Apple TV users wanted more than anything was a faster a chip. The current generation Apple TV 4K includes the A15 Bionic chip that first shipped in 2021. It has held up rather well inside the Apple TV over the years, but it has started to show its age with the last couple of major software updates. Playback is fine, but hangups and lag popping up in menus and interactions have become common occurrences.
The new Apple TV 4K gets the A19 chip and the difference should be dramatic. Apple says the Apple TV 4K delivers up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and 2x faster GPU performance than the previous generation.
Another benefit is that the A19 chip includes a dedicated AV1 decoder for more efficient streaming while using less bandwidth. Major services like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime have all adopted AV1 in some way so playback on those platforms should improve with this new box.
It’s Got Built-in Microphones
Apple has also added a new way to interact with Apple TV 4K. The box now has three far-field microphones built in, allowing you to control what you’re watching and ask questions with “Hey Siri” without the remote.
It’s Got Siri AI
Thanks to the chip upgrade, the Apple TV 4K also features the new Siri AI capabilities. Apple has built a full-screen experience for Siri AI, allowing you to use Siri to its full capabilities. That includes personal context queries and home control, but also some new media features like asking questions about a show or movie currently on your TV, or asking for recommendations, and even asking it to play movies recommended to you by a friend over messages or email.
It Should Be Easier to Find the Remote
Apple has also updated the Siri Remote, adding Find My support with Precision Finding and an option to play a sound on the remote for locating it faster when it falls between the couch cushions.
It’s Got Four-Speaker HomePod Surround Sound
While the current generation Apple TV 4K can pair with two HomePods to create a pretty solid home theater experience, Apple is expanding that to support two HomePods and two HomePod mini 2 units.
Apple says this four-speaker surround sound system features dynamic audio timing and levels that automatically calibrate to your space. To get this setup, you’ll either need four HomePod mini 2 units, or you’ll need two second-generation HomePods and two HomePod mini 2 units.
Pricing and Availability
The new Apple TV 4K is priced at $299. Pre-order is available today and the box starts shipping November 13.
