The new device introduces a full-screen, conversational Siri AI experience designed to help users search for and discover movies and TV shows. It also features built-in far-field microphones for hands-free voice control, allowing users to interact with Siri without reaching for the remote.
Apple TV 4K (4th generation) is available for pre-order from today, with in-store availability beginning November 13. In India, the device is priced at Rs 39,900.
“The new Apple TV 4K is our most immersive home theatre experience yet,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
“With Siri AI, finding something to watch becomes a full-screen, conversational experience, and with built-in far-field microphones, it’s completely hands-free. Pair it with HomePod for the best surround sound setup we’ve ever offered, and it makes managing your Apple Home accessories easier than ever,” he added.
Apple TV 4K Gets New Siri AI Experience
The new Apple TV 4K introduces an enhanced version of Siri powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence. The assistant offers improved conversational capabilities, personal context understanding, broader world knowledge and the ability to perform more actions across the system.
Users can ask Siri questions about films, television shows and entertainment, with responses displayed through a full-screen interface featuring artwork and relevant recommendations.
For instance, users can ask which Apple TV shows won Emmy Awards in a particular year or where a specific series was filmed. Siri can also answer questions about whether a show is appropriate for a particular age group.
When users ask follow-up questions while watching content, responses appear in a compact overlay to minimise interruptions.
With an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, Siri can also use personal context to respond to requests such as playing a show recommended by a contact.
The device features three far-field microphones and advanced echo cancellation technology, enabling hands-free “Hey Siri” recognition even when audio is playing.
Siri AI is available as a beta on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later). At launch, it supports English in the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the UK.
A19 Chip Promises Faster Performance
The new Apple TV 4K is powered by Apple's A19 chip, which delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice the GPU performance compared with the previous generation, according to the company.
The improved processing capabilities are designed to provide faster navigation, smoother animations and greater responsiveness.
The A19 chip also includes a dedicated AV1 decoder, enabling more efficient, high-quality video streaming while using less bandwidth.
The updated Siri Remote retains its familiar design but adds Find My support with Precision Finding, along with an option to play a sound to help users locate a misplaced remote.
Four-Speaker Surround Sound With HomePod
Apple is expanding the home theatre capabilities of Apple TV 4K with support for a four-speaker surround sound setup.
Users can pair the device with four HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers. Apple says the system can recognise the speakers' positions in a room and automatically calibrate audio timing and levels to suit the space.
For setups using HomePod (2nd generation), the front and rear speaker pairs must match.
The new configuration builds on Apple's existing integration between Apple TV 4K and HomePod, offering users a more immersive audio experience.
Apple TV 4K as a Smart Home Hub
The new Apple TV 4K also serves as a home hub, enabling users to control compatible smart home accessories remotely and automate everyday tasks.
With a compatible doorbell, notifications can appear directly on the television, allowing users to see who is at the door, communicate with visitors and control connected accessories without interrupting their viewing experience.
Apple Intelligence also enhances HomeKit Secure Video with generated descriptions of camera activity and summarised notifications.
The device supports automations, guest mode and secure local processing of HomeKit Secure Video. Built-in Wi-Fi and Thread connectivity enable it to connect with compatible smart home accessories.
Users can also ask Siri AI to control accessories and activate or deactivate smart home scenes hands-free.
Entertainment, Gaming and Fitness Features
Beyond streaming, Apple TV 4K provides access to Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade and games available through the App Store.
Users can stream Apple Originals through the Apple TV app, alongside supported live sports content, including Formula 1 in the US, Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball.
The device also supports FaceTime calls through Continuity Camera and allows users to view photos on a television.
Apple has introduced additional photo customisation options, enabling users to create personalised Memories and slideshows or use Portraits as screen savers without making their entire iCloud photo library visible.
A new screen saver shuffle feature automatically rotates between categories to refresh the viewing experience.
Privacy and Sustainability
Apple said the new Apple TV 4K was designed with privacy and security in mind. The A19 chip incorporates Secure Exclaves, which isolate microphone data processing from the rest of the system.
Siri requests can be processed on-device or through Apple's Private Cloud Compute infrastructure. The company said data processed through Private Cloud Compute is neither stored nor made accessible to Apple or other parties.
HomeKit Secure Video footage remains end-to-end encrypted and inaccessible to Apple.
The device also incorporates recycled materials, including 100% recycled gold plating and tin solder in Apple-designed printed circuit boards, recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and a thermal module made with 80% recycled aluminium. The Siri Remote enclosure uses 100% recycled aluminium.
Apple said the product's paper packaging is entirely fibre-based and designed to be recyclable, supporting the company's goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by 2030.