Apple has simplified the new Apple TV 4K lineup by offering a single configuration with 128GB of storage and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity as standard. The previous entry-level 64GB option has been discontinued.
The device is priced at $299 in the US and ₹39,900 in India. Pre-orders are available through Apple’s website and Apple Store app, while sales are scheduled to begin on November 13.
The price represents a significant increase over the previous generation, which launched in 2022 at $129 for the 64GB model and $149 for the 128GB Ethernet version in the US. The higher price could make the new model a harder sell for users who primarily need a device for streaming movies and television shows.
Apple is instead positioning the latest Apple TV 4K as a more capable entertainment and smart home hub, with AI-powered features and upgraded processing designed to justify the premium.
A19 Chip Delivers Faster Performance
The new Apple TV 4K is powered by Apple’s A19 processor, replacing the A15 Bionic chip used in the 2022 model.
According to Apple, the A19 delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice the graphics performance of the previous generation. These improvements should help the device navigate menus more quickly, run demanding applications smoothly and handle games available through Apple Arcade.
The chip also includes a dedicated AV1 decoder. This allows compatible streaming services to deliver video using the AV1 codec, which can provide efficient compression and help reduce bandwidth requirements while maintaining image quality.
The device supports 4K video output at up to 60 frames per second, along with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR and HLG. Dolby Atmos is supported for compatible audio systems.
For users with compatible televisions and projectors, support for 21:9 displays also expands the possibilities for cinematic viewing.
Siri AI Enables Hands-Free Voice Control
One of the most important additions is Siri AI, Apple’s updated conversational assistant powered by Apple Intelligence.
The new Apple TV 4K includes three far-field microphones, allowing users to interact with Siri without picking up the remote or using a nearby HomePod. Advanced echo cancellation helps the device recognise voice commands even while audio is playing.
Users can ask Siri to find shows, discover films, explore related content and answer questions about what they are watching. For example, someone could ask for award-winning comedies or request information about a show’s filming location.
Siri AI can also provide contextual suggestions and follow-up answers, making content discovery more conversational than traditional search menus.
The feature is designed to work with supported Apple devices and software configurations. Apple says Siri AI is available as a beta on Apple TV 4K models from the second generation onward, with launch availability in selected markets, including India, in English.
Updated Siri Remote Adds Find My Support
Apple has retained the familiar design of the Siri Remote but added features intended to make it easier to locate when misplaced.
The updated remote supports Find My with Precision Finding on compatible devices and can play a sound to help users locate it. This addresses a common frustration for people who frequently lose their remotes between sofa cushions or around the living room.
The remote also retains its existing controls for navigation, playback and Siri interaction. Apple says the new remote is compatible with Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K devices, with Find My support available on second-generation and newer Siri Remotes.
Four HomePod Speakers Create a Surround Sound System
The new Apple TV 4K expands Apple’s home theatre options by supporting up to four compatible HomePod speakers.
Users can combine four HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (second-generation) speakers in matching pairs, with two speakers at the front and two at the rear. The system can calibrate audio timing and levels to help create a more immersive surround sound experience.
The speakers can also be mixed between the two supported models, provided each front or rear pair uses matching speakers.
For private listening, users can connect up to two pairs of compatible AirPods and take advantage of Spatial Audio.
These capabilities make the Apple TV 4K more appealing to people already invested in Apple’s audio ecosystem, although building a four-speaker setup adds significantly to the overall cost.
Smart Home Controls and Privacy
Apple is also expanding the Apple TV’s role as a smart home hub. The device supports Thread connectivity and can control compatible accessories and scenes through the Home app.
With compatible doorbell cameras and smart locks, users can see who is at the door and potentially unlock it directly from the television interface.
Apple Intelligence can also generate descriptions of activity detected by supported security cameras and summarise notifications, helping users understand what happened without reviewing every recording.
The A19 chip includes Secure Exclaves, isolated processing environments designed to protect sensitive microphone data. Siri AI can use on-device processing or Apple’s Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, which the company says is designed to preserve privacy when requests require cloud processing.
Some advanced camera features require compatible equipment and an eligible iCloud+ subscription.
Is the New Apple TV 4K Worth ₹39,900?
The new Apple TV 4K is considerably more powerful than its predecessor, but its price makes it a premium purchase.
For users who mainly stream Netflix, Apple TV+ and other video services, less expensive streaming devices may provide sufficient functionality. The A19 processor, AV1 decoding and hands-free Siri may not justify the additional cost for everyone.
However, the new model offers more value to households that use Apple Arcade, HomeKit accessories, HomePod speakers and other Apple devices. Its faster hardware, AI-powered search and expanded home theatre features make it more versatile than a conventional streaming box.
The ₹39,900 price will likely be the biggest obstacle for prospective buyers in India. Still, Apple is clearly aiming to make the Apple TV 4K more than a streaming accessory by turning it into a central component of the connected home.
With pre-orders now open and retail availability scheduled for November 13, the new Apple TV 4K brings meaningful upgrades, but buyers will need to decide whether its additional capabilities justify the premium.
