New Features and Enhancements

Apple has announced a new version of its Apple TV 4K during its Welcome Home event in New York City. This version introduces innovative features, such as far-field microphones for hands-free interaction with Siri and integration of the Find My app within the remote control.

Pricing and Specifications

The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K will retail for $299, marking a significant increase over the previous generation’s launch price and surpassing the cost of the existing top-tier model, which is now being retired. Key specifications include:

• 128GB of storage
• Ethernet connectivity
• Support for Thread and Matter protocols
• Upgraded to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6

Pre-orders for this refreshed model start today, October 13th, with availability set for November 13th.

Performance and AI Integration

Equipped with the A19 chip, first introduced with the iPhone 17, the new Apple TV 4K provides enhanced AI capabilities for Siri. The voice assistant will be available in beta mode, supporting natural language features across multiple regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others. Users can engage Siri for recommendations by simply asking, “What are the best nature docs on Apple TV right now?”

While Siri will not vocalize its responses, answers will be displayed on-screen, enabling users to seamlessly search for content or general knowledge queries with ease.

Enhanced Audio Capabilities

The latest Apple TV model also expands on audio features, allowing users to connect up to four HomePod speakers—this includes the newly announced HomePod Mini 2. The supported audio configuration options are:

• Four HomePod second-gen speakers
• Four HomePod Mini 2 speakers
• A combination of two HomePod second-gens and two HomePod Mini 2s

This feature allows for a more immersive surround sound experience as the speakers automatically calibrate with the Apple TV, optimizing audio levels based on their placement in the room.

Discover the Remote’s New Functionality

One of the highly anticipated features is the Find My capability integrated into the Siri Remote. Users can now use Siri to help locate the remote by triggering a ringing sound, or alternatively, utilize the Find My app on their iPhone to pinpoint its location. This functionality employs Bluetooth channel sounding, enhancing tracking without requiring ultra-wideband technology.