Apple TV 4K 2022 vs. 2026: All the differences compared
Apple unveiled the fourth generation of Apple TV 4K early last week. Equipped with the A19 chip, the device features integrated microphones for hands-free Siri control, HomePod surround sound with four speakers, and an updated Siri Remote. It replaces the third-generation Apple TV 4K introduced in 2022 and offers some internal improvements, while retaining the basic design and most of its entertainment features.
The new model costs €349/$299 and has 128GB of storage. Siri AI will also be available on the third-generation model, and the new remote can be purchased separately for existing devices. Apple states that the assistant will be available as a beta version with tvOS 27.2 on second-generation Apple TV 4K models and newer. Features include voice search for entertainment, follow-up questions, and providing personalized context via a compatible, paired device.
The key hardware advantage of the new model is direct voice input via the device’s microphones; access to the voice assistant itself is shared. Whether an upgrade is worthwhile therefore depends on which hardware changes you will actually use.
Apple TV 4K configurations, connectivity, and price
The differences in configuration, connectivity, and pricing between the third and fourth generation Apple TV 4K are as follows:
| Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) | Apple TV 4K (4th generation) |
| 64GB model: Wi-Fi only; 128GB model: Wi-Fi and Ethernet | Single 128GB configuration with Wi-Fi and Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 6.0 |
| Gigabit Ethernet only available on the 128 GB model | Gigabit Ethernet as standard |
| Thread networking only available on the 128GB model | Thread network as standard |
| 199 Euros/$ for 64 GB; 249 Euros/$ for 128 GB | $299 for 128 GB |
| Published on November 4, 2022 | Available from November 13, 2026 |
Apple increased the price of the previous model in June 2026. A direct comparison of the new model with the original launch price of its predecessor therefore does not take this price increase into account. Compared to the final price of the corresponding 128GB model, the new Apple TV costs €100/$50 more. Compared to the previous entry-level configuration, it is €150/$100 more expensive and offers twice the storage space as well as Ethernet and Thread connectivity.
A15 Bionic vs. A19
The A19 chip brings a significantly more modern chip architecture to the Apple TV. Apple states that the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K offers the following improvements over the third-generation model:
- Up to 50% faster CPU performance.
- Up to double the GPU performance.
The following table lists the capabilities of two chip architectures.
| A15 Bionic Chip | A19 chip |
| Manufactured using TSMC’s 5nm process (N5P). | Manufactured using TSMC’s third generation 3nm process (N3P). |
| Dynamic caching | |
| Software-based ray tracing | Hardware accelerated ray tracing |
| Mesh shading without the newer dedicated hardware acceleration | Hardware accelerated mesh shading |
| Dedicated neural accelerators in each GPU core | |
| 16-core Neural Engine | Updated 16-core Neural Engine architecture |
| Display module and image signal processor | Updated display engine and image signal processor |
| Dedicated AV1 hardware decoder | |
| Up to 4x multisample anti-aliasing | Up to 8x multisample anti-aliasing |
| Maximum texture dimensions for 1D, 2D and cube map files: 16,384 pixels | Maximum texture dimensions for 1D, 2D and cube maps of 32,768 pixels. |
| Universal texture compression | |
| MetalFX noise reduction upscaling function | |
| Depth limit test |
The A19 chip features a significantly more powerful GPU than the A15 Bionic. Dynamic caching manages the fast on-chip GPU memory according to the workload. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading enable more advanced graphics processing capabilities, while GPU neural accelerators provide dedicated hardware for machine learning calculations.
While improvements to the GPU will be particularly beneficial for gaming, it is unclear to what extent the full range of improvements to the chip architecture will make a significant difference for Apple TV.
Hands-free calling with Siri and HomePod Audio
The new microphones and expanded HomePod support represent some of the most significant functional differences between the two devices:
| Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) | Apple TV 4K (4th generation) |
| No built-in microphone included; microphone only in the Siri Remote. | Three built-in far-field microphones with voice isolation, plus the microphone in the Siri Remote. |
| Siri voice input via the remote control or another compatible device | Direct hands-free activation with “Siri” or “Hey Siri” with echo cancellation during audio playback. |
| HomePod TV audio through a single speaker or a stereo pair | HomePod surround sound with four speakers based on matching front and rear speaker pairs. |
| Automatic positioning, timing and level calibration for the four-speaker system | |
| The “Room Sound” mode distributes the sound across four HomePod speakers. |
For a four-speaker configuration, you need a HomePod mini 2 or a regular second-generation HomePod. You can use four identical speakers or combine two identical front speakers with another identical pair of rear speakers. For example, two HomePod 2s can serve as front speakers and two HomePod mini 2s as rear speakers.
The first generation of full-size HomePods and the original HomePod mini speakers are excluded from this new four-speaker configuration. Owners of existing devices should therefore factor in potential speaker replacements or expansions when calculating the cost of an upgrade.
Whole Room Audio serves a different purpose than directional home theater sound; it distributes the sound more evenly throughout the room, for example for music, sports, and more.
Siri’s hands-free support also has its own language requirements. Apple lists Mandarin Chinese, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Norwegian, and Swedish, subject to regional availability.
Siri Remote (4th generation)
The fourth-generation Siri Remote retains the familiar design and controls while making it easier to locate a misplaced remote:
| Siri Remote (3rd Generation) | Siri Remote (4th Generation) |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 6 |
| Nearby search via iPhone with proximity guidance | “Where is?” using the “Precise Search” function on a compatible iPhone |
| Bluetooth channel tone for precise location tracking | |
| Built-in speaker to play a sound to locate the remote control | |
| 66 grams | 69.6 grams |
The older remote control already supported nearby location tracking with an iPhone. The new remote control additionally offers precise location determination and an audible alarm. The precise location tracking uses Bluetooth Channel Sounding, enabling accurate positioning without a UWB chip.
For precise location tracking, you need an iPhone 17 or later (excluding iPhone 17e) or an iPhone Air or iPhone Duo with the latest software. Alternatively, you can ask Siri to locate the remote using the Apple TV’s built-in microphones and have it play a sound from the remote.
The new Siri Remote is available separately for 69 euros/59 US dollars and works with the third generation Apple TV 4K, all previous Apple TV 4K models, and even the Apple TV HD.
Design, dimensions and weight
Both generations retain the compact black casing and the Apple logo. The most significant visible changes involve the microphone hardware and the repositioned front light.
| Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) | Apple TV 4K (4th generation) | |
| Width | 93 mm | 93.24 mm |
| depth | 93 mm | 93.24 mm |
| Weight | Wi-Fi: 208g Wi-Fi + Ethernet: 214g | 217 g |
| Statusleuchte | Rechts | Mitte |
| Verpackung | At least 90% fiber-based packaging | 100% fiber-based packaging |
The new box weighs three grams more than the previous Ethernet model and nine grams more than the model that only uses Wi-Fi. The centrally located light on the front also indicates when the integrated microphones are listening for commands.
Should you upgrade from the third generation Apple TV 4K?
Most owners of a third-generation Apple TV 4K should keep their existing device. For standard streaming through TV speakers, a soundbar, or an AV receiver, the new model offers no additional features. The maximum resolution and HDR support remain unchanged. The availability of Siri on the older hardware further reduces the need for a device upgrade.
The most important reason to upgrade is if you’re planning a four-speaker HomePod system. If you already own two second-generation HomePods and want separate rear speakers, the new Apple TV allows for a configuration your current model doesn’t offer. Factor in the cost of additional or replacement speakers when deciding whether to upgrade.
The hands-free function is another practical reason to consider it if you regularly use Siri and want to speak directly to the device. It’s likely more useful if the Apple TV is located directly in the living room, rather than if it’s installed in a separate cabinet or rack.
AV1 hardware decoding may justify an upgrade for a specific media library or playback workflow. Gaming enthusiasts will certainly appreciate the newer GPU architecture, but the benefit depends on the games available for tvOS and the developers’ hardware utilization.
If you constantly have to search for the remote, buying the Siri Remote separately for $59 is $240 cheaper than buying a new Apple TV. This option gives you the new remote features while allowing you to continue using your existing device.
Should you buy the third or fourth generation model?
When buying new, the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K is the better choice if the price difference is small or if you want to use its exclusive features. Compared to Apple’s later price of €249/US$249 for the older 128GB model, the €100/US$50 price difference is easier to justify, especially when the first sales and discounts arrive.
Nevertheless, a scaled-down third-generation model remains a worthwhile purchase. The older model is particularly attractive if the savings are substantial and you have no interest in a four-speaker HomePod sound system.
If you need Ethernet or want Apple TV to provide its own Thread networking capabilities, choose the 128GB third-generation model or the fourth-generation model. This will save you significantly more money than the older model.
