Four years of waiting, and the new Apple TV 4K arrives at $299. Announced on October 13, 2026, it brings an A19 chip, hands-free Siri through three microphones, Wi-Fi 7 and 128GB of storage. Pre-orders are open, with deliveries starting November 13.
Should you replace your current box? Most second and third generation owners can wait, since Siri AI is coming through tvOS 27.2 anyway. You could buy the $59 Siri Remote instead if its tracking features are what you need.
You see, $299 is more than double the previous model’s $129 starting price at launch. Here is what you get.
| Detail | What you get |
|---|---|
| Announced | October 13, 2026 |
| Price | US $299, GBP 299, EUR 349 |
| Storage | 128GB, with one model available |
| Chip | A19, CPU gains up to 50%, GPU performance up to twice as fast |
| Siri | Siri AI and three far-field microphones |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Gigabit Ethernet, Thread and Bluetooth 6 |
| Pre-orders | Open in the US and 29 other countries and regions |
| In stores | November 13, 2026 |
| New Siri Remote | $59 separately, with Find My and Precision Finding |
| Older models | Siri AI through the tvOS 27.2 beta on second generation Apple TV 4K onward |
What Apple Announced on October 13
Apple announced the new Apple TV 4K without a live event, alongside the $299 HomeView and $149 HomePod mini 2. Your last Apple TV hardware update was back in October 2022. Here is the background to that wait.
Apple marketing executive Bob Borchers described it as the company’s strongest home theater offering yet. Bloomberg reportedly attributed the delay from an intended 2024 launch to Siri AI development. Apple has not confirmed that explanation.
New Apple TV 4K Specs and Features Explained
Your $299 buys faster hardware, built-in voice control and support for more HomePod speakers. Some features require other Apple devices, though. Here is what each addition means for you.
The A19 Chip and Faster Graphics
You get the same A19 chip used in the iPhone 17. Apple claims CPU performance up to 50% above the previous model and graphics performance up to twice as fast, though independent Apple TV benchmarks are still unavailable. A dedicated AV1 decoder helps supported streams retain high video quality while using less bandwidth.
Siri AI on Your TV Screen
You can ask about this year’s Emmy-winning Apple TV shows, see full-screen results and ask follow-up questions through an overlay during playback. Personal requests, such as playing a friend’s recommended show, need a compatible Apple Intelligence iPhone. The tvOS 27.2 beta requires the home owner to have an Apple Intelligence iPhone or iPad running current software with Siri AI enabled. Server features have daily caps, with paid extra access planned later.
Talking to Siri Without the Remote
You can say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” without a remote or HomePod, with echo cancellation helping the three microphones hear you during playback. Apple says Secure Exclaves isolate microphone processing, while requests run locally or through Private Cloud Compute. Depending on your region, hands-free Siri supports Mandarin Chinese, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Norwegian and Swedish. Siri AI itself initially supports English only.
Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet and Thread on Every Unit
You no longer need to choose a more expensive version to get Ethernet and Thread. Every fourth generation unit includes both, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The third generation restricted Ethernet and Thread to its 128GB model.
Four HomePods for Surround Sound
You can use four HomePods for surround audio, compared with two previously. HomePod mini 2 and second generation HomePod work, provided each front and rear speaker pair uses matching models. Automatic calibration adjusts timing and audio levels.
How the 4th Gen Stacks Up Against Your 3rd Gen
The new Apple TV 4K adds hardware features, but several familiar capabilities carry over. Compare these differences before replacing your current box.
| Feature | Apple TV 4K 3rd gen (2022) | Apple TV 4K 4th gen (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $129 or $149 | $299 |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A19 |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB only |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Ethernet | 128GB version only | Included |
| Thread | 128GB version only | Included |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 6 |
| AV1 decode | Unavailable | Supported |
| Far-field mics | None | Three |
| HomePod surround | Two speakers | Four speakers |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1, up to 4K60 | HDMI 2.1, up to 4K60 |
| Siri AI | Supported through tvOS 27.2 beta | Supported |
| Weight | 7.3 oz | 7.6 oz |
You still get a maximum of 4K at 60 frames per second, without 4K120. Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG remain supported, and the design is largely unchanged apart from the centered front status light.
Is the New Apple TV 4K Worth Buying for You
The price gives you the biggest reason to pause. Your current model matters more than how long Apple took to replace it. Here is how we would judge the purchase.
If You Have a 3rd Gen Model
You can probably keep it. Siri AI arrives through tvOS 27.2, and a HomePod used for Apple TV audio can already receive Siri requests. Built-in microphones and four-speaker audio need to matter enough to justify $299.
If You Have a 2nd Gen Model
You have a modest reason to upgrade for newer hardware. Siri AI alone does not justify replacing your 2021 box, since it remains eligible. Keep it unless the new hardware meets a specific need.
If You Have a 1st Gen or Apple TV HD
You have the strongest case for upgrading. Neither model supports tvOS 27, so you cannot get Siri AI on either. Replacing your box gets you the newer software and hardware together.
If You Are Buying Your First Streaming Box
You need to decide whether Apple’s device features justify $299. The Google Streamer 4K costs $149.99, giving you a much cheaper alternative. Choose Apple if those extra features are worth the difference to you.
Which Older Apple TV Models Get Siri AI
You can get Siri AI without buying the latest box. Start by checking whether your current model qualifies.
- Apple TV HD. You cannot install tvOS 27 or get Siri AI.
- Apple TV 4K first generation. You cannot get tvOS 27 or Siri AI.
- Apple TV 4K second generation, 2021. You qualify with the required software and companion device.
- Apple TV 4K third generation, 2022. You qualify under the same requirements.
Your hardware is only part of the check. You also need to meet these requirements.
- Software. Install the tvOS 27.2 beta for Siri AI.
- Companion device. The home owner needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone or iPad running current software with Siri AI enabled.
- Language and region. Initial support covers English in the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the UK.
- EU availability. Siri AI is initially unavailable on iOS and iPadOS in the EU, affecting the required companion device.
- Usage allowance. Server-based features have daily caps, with paid extra access planned later.
The $59 Siri Remote Is the Cheap Upgrade
You might not need a $299 box to fix the part of your Apple TV experience that bothers you. You can buy the fourth generation Siri Remote on its own for $59 and pair it with Apple TV HD or any Apple TV 4K model. Here is what you get for the smaller purchase.
The design stays familiar, including USB-C charging. The main additions help you locate a missing remote, although the most precise tracking requires a compatible iPhone.
- Find My. You can locate the remote through Apple’s Find My features.
- Precision Finding. Direction and distance guidance requires an iPhone Duo, iPhone Air or iPhone 17 or later, excluding iPhone 17e, running current iOS.
- Sound alerts. Apple’s announcement says the newest remote can make a sound to help you find it.
- USB-C charging. You recharge the remote through the same connector used on the previous version.
- Bluetooth 6. The new remote updates its wireless connection while retaining infrared support.
There is one detail to check before buying for sound alerts alone. Apple reserves sound alerts for its latest remote in the launch announcement, but a footnote on the product page includes models from the second generation onward. Those statements conflict, so support on older remotes remains unclear.
You see, a remote upgrade and a box upgrade solve different problems. Buy the remote if finding it is your main frustration, but remember that it does not add the new box’s three far-field microphones. Siri AI eligibility still depends on your Apple TV model and the required companion device.
How to Pre-Order and What It Costs Outside the US
You can already pre-order, with orders opening on October 13 in the US and 29 other countries and regions. There is just one 128GB version, so you do not need to compare storage tiers. Here is how to place your order and account for the extras.
- Open Apple’s online store or the Apple Store app. Select the fourth generation Apple TV 4K.
- Choose the 128GB model. Wi-Fi 7, Gigabit Ethernet and Thread come included, with no cheaper configuration announced at launch.
- Choose how to pay. In the US, Apple lists Apple Card Monthly Installments at $49.83 per month across six months.
- Check your HDMI cable. The package contains the box, fourth generation Siri Remote and power cord, but you buy an HDMI cable separately if you need one.
- Select delivery or collection. Deliveries and in-store availability begin on Friday, November 13, 2026.
| Region | Price |
|---|---|
| United States | $299 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 299 |
| Eurozone | EUR 349 |
Buying your first Apple TV? Remember that the included remote means you do not need to add the separate $59 purchase. Your HDMI cable is the missing item to check before checkout.
Apple’s current specifications page lists only the fourth generation. Retailer checks dated October 13 still found third generation stock, so you may have another buying option while supplies last. Check the actual listing before deciding, since those prices and stock levels are time-sensitive.
What We Still Don’t Know
You have Apple’s specifications and sales dates, but several questions remain unanswered. A pre-order does not give you independent evidence of every performance claim. These are the details worth checking before you commit.
- RAM capacity. Reports suggest 8GB, up from 4GB, but Apple has not confirmed that figure. Treat it as an unconfirmed specification rather than a reason to buy.
- Future Siri AI charges. Apple plans to charge for access beyond the daily allowance on server features. You do not yet have a price for that extra access.
- More languages and EU availability. Siri AI begins with English support in eight countries. There is no confirmed timetable yet for additional languages or for the initial EU restrictions ending.
- Third generation stock and prices. October 13 retailer checks found units available, but you cannot assume those offers will remain. Reports about earlier price changes also conflict.
- Independent performance results. Current comparisons use iPhone results for the A15 and A19 as a rough reference. They do not tell you exactly how the new Apple TV performs.
- A cheaper future version. Apple has announced one $299 configuration. You have no confirmation that a lower-priced model will follow.
That last point matters if you were hoping for a replacement near the third generation’s original starting price. You can judge the announced product today, but a cheaper version remains an unanswered question. Waiting for reviews gives you more evidence without depending on an unannounced model.
What to Watch Before November 13
You have a month between the announcement and store availability to make your decision. The next useful information should come from tvOS 27.2 progress, independent reviews and retailer offers. Here is what to watch as November 13 gets closer.
Check how the tvOS 27.2 release develops, especially if Siri AI is your main reason for considering an upgrade. Then look for Apple TV tests that assess the actual box rather than borrowing results from iPhones using the same chips.
Apple’s other home products have dates to remember too. HomePod mini 2 starts shipping on October 30, while HomeView arrives on November 13. If you want four-speaker HomePod audio, account for the required speakers when judging your purchase.
Have a third generation box? Keep using it, check your Siri AI requirements and consider the remote separately. With a second generation model, wait for reviews unless the built-in microphones or new audio support meet a need you already have.
If you own Apple TV HD or a first generation 4K model, compare the new box with any remaining third generation offers. Your older hardware cannot get tvOS 27 or Siri AI. If this is your first streaming box, compare Apple’s $299 price with the $149.99 Google Streamer 4K before ordering.
There is no need to decide simply because Apple finally released an update. Choose the purchase that improves how you use your TV, and let the coming reviews help you judge the rest.
FAQs
You pay $299 in the US, GBP 299 in the UK or EUR 349 in the Eurozone for the single 128GB model. A fourth generation Siri Remote comes included. If you need an HDMI cable, you purchase that separately.
You can buy it in stores from Friday, November 13, 2026, with deliveries beginning that day too. Pre-orders opened on October 13. You can order through Apple’s online store or its shopping app.
You qualify if you own a second generation Apple TV 4K or a newer model and meet the software requirements. The home owner also needs a compatible Apple Intelligence iPhone or iPad with Siri AI enabled. Apple TV HD and first generation Apple TV 4K are excluded.
You do not need a HomePod because the fourth generation box has three microphones built in. They listen for the supported Siri wake words, with echo cancellation helping during audio playback. Language support varies by region and differs from Siri AI availability.
You can pair the fourth generation remote with Apple TV HD or any generation of Apple TV 4K. It costs $59 when bought separately. Precision Finding additionally requires one of the supported iPhones running current iOS.
You cannot choose a 64GB fourth generation model because Apple has announced only a 128GB configuration. That version includes Ethernet and Thread as standard. Apple has not confirmed a cheaper alternative for later release.
