Apple TV 4K 2022 vs. 2026 Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared

Apple unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K in early November 2022, replacing the third-generation model from 2022. This new device boasts several significant improvements and new features over its predecessor, though the basic design and most entertainment functionalities remain the same. Priced at $299, the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K comes with 128GB of storage, a jump from the 64GB option in the older model.

A noticeable hardware advantage is the direct voice input through the box's built-in microphones, offering hands-free Siri functionality. The updated Siri AI will be available in beta on second-generation and later 4K models, providing conversational entertainment searches, follow-up questions, and personal context through compatible devices.

The A19 chip of the new Apple TV 4K introduces substantial improvements over the A15 Bionic chip in the third-generation model. These enhancements include up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice the GPU performance. Apple claims the new hardware delivers more advanced graphics-processing capabilities like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading.

The A19 chip also features dedicated Neural Accelerators in each GPU core, compared to the software-based ray tracing in the A15 Bionic. Display engine and image signal processor upgrades, along with a dedicated AV1 hardware decoder, further contribute to the improved visual experience.

One of the most impactful changes for users is the enhanced audio capabilities. The new fourth-generation Apple TV 4K features a three-built-in far-field microphone array with voice isolation and the Siri Remote's microphone. These microphones enable direct hands-free activation of Siri, including echo cancellation while audio is playing.

Furthermore, the new Apple TV 4K supports four-speaker HomePod surround sound, providing whole-room audio distribution for a more immersive audio experience. This setup requires HomePod mini 2 or second-generation full-sized HomePod speakers, offering flexibility in speaker arrangements such as combining two full-sized HomePods with two HomePod mini 2 units or two full-sized HomePods and two HomePod mini 2 units.