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The 2026 Apple TV 4K (4th generation) is a meaningful upgrade over the 2022 third-generation box, but not because basic picture quality changed. The new model adds an A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI, a Find My-capable remote, Wi‑Fi 7, AV1 decoding and a four-speaker HomePod surround mode. If you mainly stream 4K HDR and already own the 2022 model, the older box still covers the essentials and remains eligible for tvOS 27. Upgrade for the new interaction, networking, codec and audio features.
What is new in the 4th-generation Apple TV 4K?
Apple’s 2026 refresh keeps the familiar Apple TV experience but changes how you control it and how it fits into a home theater. The box is scheduled to be available in stores on November 13, 2026, at a U.S. launch price of $299. Apple lists one 128GB configuration.
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| Feature | Apple TV 4K (4th generation, 2026) | Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A19 | A15 |
| Apple performance claim | Up to 50% faster CPU and up to 2x faster GPU than the previous generation | Baseline for Apple’s comparison |
| Storage | 128GB | 64GB Wi‑Fi or 128GB Wi‑Fi/Ethernet |
| Wireless networking | Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be), 2×2 MIMO | Wi‑Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Voice control | Three far-field microphones with voice isolation and Siri AI | Siri through the remote |
| Remote location | Find My with Precision Finding and a sound option | No Find My locating feature listed |
| Video codecs | AV1, VP9, HEVC, H.264 and MPEG‑4 | VP9, HEVC, H.264 and MPEG‑4; AV1 is not listed |
| Maximum output | Up to 2160p/60fps | Up to 4K/60fps |
| Home theater | Four matching HomePod speakers can form front and rear pairs | Existing Apple TV/HomePod audio features |
A19 performance and AV1 decoding
The A19 is the largest internal performance change. Apple claims up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to twice the GPU performance versus the previous generation. Those are vendor “up to” figures, not independent benchmark results, so they should be treated as a ceiling rather than a guaranteed gain in every app or game.
The chip also has a dedicated AV1 decoder. AV1 can deliver high-quality video at lower bandwidth than some older codecs, which may help services that use AV1 or households with constrained connections. The benefit depends on whether a streaming service supplies an AV1 stream and on your network conditions; it does not automatically improve every title.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
How hands-free Siri AI works
Three far-field microphones with voice isolation are built into the new box. You can speak to Siri from across the room without holding the remote. Siri AI can search conversationally, answer follow-up questions about a program, and control supported Home accessories.
Personal context is available through a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. Siri AI on Apple TV 4K is a beta feature on the second-generation Apple TV 4K and later, and setup requires that compatible iPhone or iPad. Language and region support are limited at launch, and Apple says features and content can vary by country and hardware.
The new Siri Remote can be found
The fourth-generation Siri Remote keeps the clickpad layout and USB‑C charging, but adds Find My support. Precision Finding can guide you toward the remote, while a sound option helps locate it when it is under a cushion or in another room. This is a convenience upgrade rather than a change to navigation, so it matters most in households that regularly misplace the remote.
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- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Four-speaker HomePod surround sound
For the first time, Apple says Apple TV 4K can build a four-speaker surround system from two matching pairs: a front pair and a rear pair of HomePod (2nd generation) or HomePod mini 2 speakers. The speakers calibrate timing and levels to the room.
The Apple TV is only one part of this setup. You need four matching speakers, all sold separately, plus a compatible television and room layout. Mixing HomePod generations or using fewer than four speakers does not create the announced four-speaker arrangement.
Networking, ports and supported formats
The 4th-generation specification includes Wi‑Fi 7 with 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 6, Thread, Gigabit Ethernet and HDMI 2.1. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and output up to 2160p at 60 frames per second. Listed video formats are AV1, VP9, HEVC, H.264 and MPEG‑4.
Rank #3
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
The box requires an HDMI cable; budget for a compatible HDMI 2.1 cable if you do not already have one. HDMI 2.1 does not make the Apple TV a 120fps device: Apple’s stated maximum output remains 4K/60fps.
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What the 2022 Apple TV 4K still offers
Apple sold two third-generation configurations in 2022:
- Model A2737: 64GB, Wi‑Fi only.
- Model A2843: 128GB, Wi‑Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and Thread.
Both use HDMI 2.1, support 4K/60 HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision output, and include Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 and the third-generation Siri Remote. The 128GB Ethernet model is the closer comparison for buyers who need wired networking; the 64GB model is the lower-capacity, Wi‑Fi-only option.
Rank #4
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Home hub and camera features
Both generations can serve as a home hub for automations, guest mode, Thread and HomeKit Secure Video processing. The new model adds Apple Intelligence-generated camera activity descriptions and summarized notifications. These functions require compatible cameras, an iCloud+ plan where applicable and supported regions, so they are not universal benefits of every Apple TV installation.
Setup and total cost
- Connect the Apple TV 4K to a television or receiver with an HDMI cable.
- Connect power and complete tvOS setup with an Apple device or the on-screen process.
- For Siri AI, use a compatible Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad and confirm that your language and region are supported.
- For wired networking, connect the Gigabit Ethernet port to your router; otherwise join Wi‑Fi 7.
- For four-speaker surround, pair two matching front speakers and two matching rear speakers, then allow room calibration to set timing and levels.
The advertised U.S. launch price is $299 for the 128GB fourth-generation model. Add the HDMI cable if needed, and remember that four HomePod speakers are a separate, potentially substantial purchase. No verified current street price is established here for the discontinued 2022 models, so compare the actual discount before choosing one.
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Choose the 4th generation if:
- You want conversational, hands-free Siri AI instead of speaking into the remote.
- You regularly lose the remote and want Find My and Precision Finding.
- You have AV1-enabled streaming services, a busy wireless network or a reason to prefer Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
- You want the new four-speaker HomePod surround arrangement.
- You need the A19’s additional graphics headroom for demanding apps or games.
Keep or buy the 3rd generation if:
- Your priority is dependable 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, HDMI 2.1 and Apple ecosystem integration.
- You do not need microphones, remote locating, AV1 or four-speaker surround.
- You can obtain the 64GB or 128GB 2022 model at a meaningful discount.
Software support and regional limits
The 2022 third-generation Apple TV 4K remains eligible for tvOS 27, so buying or keeping it does not mean giving up current software support. Earlier Apple TV models are no longer software-supported. Siri AI, camera summaries and some content remain dependent on language, country, compatible hardware and Apple account requirements; check those constraints before paying for an upgrade.
Verdict
The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K is a feature-driven upgrade, not a mandatory replacement for every 2022 owner. Its strongest reasons to buy are hands-free Siri AI, the findable remote, Wi‑Fi 7, AV1 decoding and four-speaker HomePod surround. If those features do not solve a problem you have, the 2022 Apple TV 4K still delivers the core 4K HDR experience and current tvOS support at a lower price.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
