New Apple TV 4K: Everything New & Should You Upgrade?
MacRumors walks through what is new on the 2026 box and discusses who should upgrade.
Apple · 2026
Apple TV 4K (4th generation, 2026)
Apple's 2026 streaming box adds the A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7 and hands-free Siri, but still tops out at 4K 60 Hz.
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Where to buy
List $299
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The verdict
This is a polished, ad-free streamer for people deep in the Apple ecosystem, but early coverage questions whether it is worth buying over the 2022 model, since both are limited to 4K at 60 frames per second and the new features are modest. Wait for full reviews if you are weighing it against cheaper streamers or the older box.
The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K replaces the 2022 model with an A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, three built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a new Siri Remote that can be located with Find My. It plays Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos, and acts as a smart home hub. It is sold in a single 128 GB configuration with Ethernet. Apple lists it for pre-order with sales starting on 13 November 2026, so independent hands-on reviews are still limited.
Strengths
- A19 chip is claimed by Apple to give up to 50 percent faster CPU and up to 2x faster GPU than the previous generation.
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Atmos support in a single box.
- Three built-in microphones allow hands-free Siri without picking up the remote.
- New remote can be found with Find My and, on newer iPhones, Precision Finding.
- Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Gigabit Ethernet are all included.
Weak spots
- Video output is capped at 4K and 60 frames per second, which disappoints some home theater and gaming buyers.
- Reviewers and owners say the upgrade over the 2022 model is modest for pure streaming.
- Much more expensive than the previous generation and than most rival streamers.
- Only one configuration is offered, so there is no cheaper Wi-Fi-only option.
Great for
- iPhone and HomePod owners who want a smart home hub and tight Apple integration
- Buyers who want a fast streamer without the ads of cheaper rivals
- Anyone upgrading from a first or second generation Apple TV 4K
Skip if
- Owners of the 2022 model who stream only and are happy with it
- Anyone who needs 120 Hz output
Full specifications
From the manufacturer unless noted. Shown for this model.
Device
- Form factor
- Box
- Platform
- tvOS
- Storage
- 128 GB
- Remote
- Siri Remote (4th generation) with touch-enabled clickpad, USB-C charging, IR transmitter and Find My with Precision Finding
- Voice control
- Siri, with a three-microphone array in the box for hands-free usesource
Video
- Maximum resolution
- 4K
- Maximum refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- HDR formats
- HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Audio
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
Connections
- HDMI version
- HDMI 2.1 (output up to 4K 60 fps HDR)
- Ethernet
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO
- Power
- Built-in power supply, 100V to 240V AC
Primary source: apple.com
Setup notes
- HDMI output is up to 4K 60 fps HDR; Apple lists ARC/eARC and Quick Media Switching support.
- Four-speaker HomePod surround needs HomePod mini 2 or second-generation HomePod speakers, per Engadget.
- Precision Finding for the remote needs a newer iPhone, per Apple and Engadget; Find My sounds work more widely.
- Siri AI is described by Apple as a beta feature on tvOS 27.2 and needs an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone or iPad.
Video reviews
Each video was checked to exist and to be about the Apple TV 4K (4th generation, 2026).
New Apple TV 4K (2026): You Had ONE JOB, Apple!
A critical first look at the 2026 box, framed around an area where the reviewer feels Apple fell short.
Apple TV 4K Gen 4 vs Gen 3: The Ultimate Home Theater Deep Dive!
What the Frick? -Tech, Home Theater & Audio
A home theater focused comparison of the fourth and third generation boxes.
What reviewers found
Summaries in our own words. Follow the link to read each review in full.
A spec comparison rather than a hands-on test. It lists the new chip, AV1 decoding, Wi-Fi 7, microphones and HomePod surround, but concludes that streaming-only users get little extra since both generations stop at 4K 60 fps.
Read the originalEarly-look news piece highlighting the A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI, a remote that can be located by voice, and support for a four-HomePod surround setup as the headline changes.
Read the originalAn opinion column from a long-time Apple TV user who is skipping this generation, arguing the changes do not justify the much higher price and noting that many fans online agree.
Read the original
What owners are saying
From Reddit and forums, paraphrased with a link to the original discussion. Community reports are anecdotal.
Argues most complaints are about the price rise and a small step up from the previous generation, not about a bad product; the device still stands out for privacy and lack of ads.
Read the originalFrustrated that the new box costs far more yet adds few features, and that it has HDMI 2.1 but no 120 Hz output despite a chip that could support it.
Read the originalCalls the price steep but expects the newer chip and networking to keep the box fast for many years, so an owner of a first-generation unit may upgrade.
Read the original
Questions
Is this the same as the 2022 Apple TV 4K?
No. The 2022 model is the third generation with an A15 chip and Wi-Fi 6. This 2026 box is the fourth generation with an A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and built-in microphones.
Does it support 120 Hz?
Apple lists HDMI output up to 4K at 60 frames per second, and Engadget notes both the 2022 and 2026 boxes stop at 4K 60 fps.
When can I buy it?
Apple's product page shows pre-orders open with availability starting on 13 November 2026.
Does the new remote work with older Apple TVs?
Engadget reports the new Siri Remote is sold separately and works with all Apple TV 4K models plus the Apple TV HD, though some features need newer hardware.
More streaming devices
Sources for this page
Last reviewed Nov 9, 2026. Released November 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.