Apple TV 4K (2026) review: Speed, Siri, and seriously expensive

The latest Apple TV 4K, introduced four years after its predecessor, arrives with upgraded audio capabilities, a personalized AI assistant named Siri, and a hefty price tag that may be difficult to justify. This fourth-generation streaming device has been shipping for four years and continues to offer a wide range of features that can be updated via software.

Despite user requests, Apple maintained the same design for the new Apple TV 4K, keeping it a squircle-shaped black puck with glossy sides and a matte top. The status light has been moved to the center, and there are three far-field microphones, one on the front, left, and right. The device now supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, but only one model is available, eliminating the need for distinct versions based on Ethernet, Thread, and storage capacity.

Apple's A19 chip, a significant upgrade from the A15 Bionic, delivers up to 50% faster performance and offers native AV1 decoding, enhancing content quality while reducing data usage. The new Siri Remote includes Precision Finding and audio feedback, allowing users to locate it using Precision Finding, which utilizes Bluetooth 6 technology for centimeter-level precision.

Additionally, four HomePod speakers, including the new HomePod mini 2, can be paired to deliver exceptional audio quality for a unique surround sound experience.