Apple today launched a new $299 Apple TV 4K streaming device, with an updated chip, integration with the updated version of Siri AI for content discovery, and mics that allow users to issue voice commands directly without using the remote.
The refreshed Apple TV 4K comes with an updated A19 chip to enable various AI features. Hardware-wise, the new streaming box comes with three far-field microphones, allowing users to talk to Siri without a remote or a paired HomePod.
The company said that users can now have a four-speaker surround sound experience with Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 or HomePod 2 speakers.
The remote also gets a welcome update: It now includes a small speaker. This helps users easily find the remote control if it gets lost in the nooks and crannies of the couch or if they leave the remote control in another room while doing some work. (Apple added a way to find the remote with Siri and Find My in 2023, but it relied on showing directions in the app rather than an audible sound.)
With Siri AI now rolling out on all Apple platforms, the big draw for Apple is to use it for better personalization and content recommendations. On Apple TV, viewers can ask questions like “Which Apple TV shows won at this year’s Emmy Awards?” to search for content, or request more information about shows with questions like “Where was ‘Pluribus’ filmed?”
Rivals Google and Amazon have also added AI for content suggestions in recent years.
The device is not updated as often as other Apple hardware, because this long-term upgrade comes four years after the launch of Apple TV 4K in 2022. Bloomberg reported that the company wanted to launch the new device in 2024, but delays in the launch of AI-powered Siri forced Apple to also push the launch of new home devices.
Consumers can pre-order the new Apple TV 4K starting today, and the device will be available on November 13.
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