I ordered a new 4th Gen Apple TV 4K last night without watching either the launch video or reading the specs. I was excited. Now I’ve read the specs, I’m not excited. It seems like a very similar product. At least, until you dig deeper and also remember that the previous generation was boosted with notable firmware bumps after launch.
The new Apple TV 4K costs $299 / £299, $100 more than before, and ships on 13 November. It looks 99% identical to the 2022 model, and its headline feature, Siri AI, is also coming to the two previous generations. That makes it a poor upgrade from the third-generation Apple TV 4K, which I always said was an excellent product and perhaps Apple’s best-value product. It always was WAY more than a simple streaming box.
What’s new for athletes
Apple announced nothing for indoor training. Bluetooth 6 doesn’t automatically mean more sensor connections, and Apple hasn’t said whether the two-sensor limit is gone. Until someone tests it, Zwift riders still need the Companion app or a bridge to connect a third sensor.
- The A19 gives Zwift, Rouvy and MyWhoosh considerably more room for better graphics, if the developers use it. Perhaps smoother gameplay on crowded Zwift rides.
- Ethernet on every unit suits trainers that connect over the network, which saves at least one Bluetooth slot. Many of us already have that.
- The far-field microphones let you talk to Siri without taking your hands off the bars. Hardly a killer feature.
New Apple TV 4K (Gen 4) features in detail
Apple announced the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K on 13 October, and it ships on 13 November. The case is unchanged, so almost all changes are inside. The list runs from the most important change to the least.
- The A19 chip is up to 50% faster than the A15, with up to twice the graphics performance, and probably has 8GB of RAM. Why? The older model was more than adequate.
- Siri AI arrives, but it also comes to the 2021 and 2022 models.
- Far-field microphones let you talk to Siri without the remote; the remote was always rubbish, so using audio without pressing a button is a bonus. Then again, you can already do that with your iPhone linked to a TV4K.
- The remote works with Find My and can play a sound. This is a good change, but it’s just the remote!
- Four HomePods can now provide surround sound. That should make your stereo music sound twice as good 😉
- Every unit has Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Gigabit Ethernet. Meh. Mine already has Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5 is sufficient. Bluetooth 6 is needed for precision finding, and I suppose by 2030 we will all have Wi-Fi 7 unless AI finishes us off before then.
- AV1 decoding gives a better streamed picture at lower bitrates.
- There is one 128GB model, at $100 more than the previous one.
- The status light now sits in the centre of the front.
How my predictions did
In January I published what to expect from the 4th gen Apple TV. I got most of the hardware right, but I got the product line and price wrong. The 120Hz claim in that post’s title was also wrong, at least for now.
- Right: I got the post-September launch, the A19, 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread on every model and no 8K, camera, speaker or haptics right. The A19 says this device is built to last 5 or more years.
- Probably right: I predicted 8GB of RAM, which Apple hasn’t confirmed.
- Right: I said the microphones would move to the box, but the remote kept its own.
- Wrong: The box outputs 4K60, not 4K120; though that could change.
- Wrong: The box isn’t a Wi-Fi access point, and Apple gave the home hub role to HomeView.
- Unknown: Nobody knows yet whether the box has a fan or Vision Pro control.
- Raised, not predicted: Dolby Vision 2 hasn’t arrived, and more Bluetooth channels and a larger app size limit are still unknown.
What software could add later?
The A19 has far more power than a streaming box needs, so the chip is rarely what holds a feature back. The HDMI hardware, licensing and Apple’s own choices are the real limits. Siri AI coming to the 2021 and 2022 boxes shows that Apple will add big features through software.
- Likely: More Bluetooth sensors would let a smart trainer, heart rate strap and power meter all connect directly in Zwift.
- Likely: Apple added lossless audio passthrough hooks in tvOS 26, though Dolby TrueHD is more likely than DTS.
- Likely: The 4GB app size limit is a store policy, so raising it needs no new hardware.
- Likely: Vision Pro integration would be a software change.
- Possible: The Neural Engine could isolate dialogue in real time, as Audio Mix does on iPhone.
- Possible: Apple Intelligence could generate subtitles and translations for shows that have none.
- Possible: Ray tracing could improve game graphics if developers use it.
- Possible: The port could carry 1080p at 120Hz and possibly variable refresh rate for games.
- Possible: Dolby Vision 2 needs a Dolby licence more than new silicon.
- Unlikely: Apple has always left upscaling to the TV.
- Unlikely: Apple has given the hub role to HomeView, so the box is unlikely to become a Wi-Fi access point.
- Blocked: Apple’s spec sheet rules out 8K with HDMI 2.1.
- Blocked: A fan, camera or speaker would have to be in the box already.
Take Out
If you are strapped for cash, a lot of cheap 3rd-gen TV4K boxes will soon hit eBay, probably for less than $50. That is a great price for an awesome streaming device that is about 1000 times easier to use than any TV maker’s remote. Also an awesome device to use with Zwift…just sayin’. Mine old one is going to do that when the new one arrives, freeing up an under-used Mac Mini.
But even the old model is WAY more than a streaming box. It already shows your Apple Home devices (and my Google Home ones routed through starlinghome.io); it works great for FaceTime, using the iPhone as a continuity camera and the TV as a large display. It already plays music and games well, admittedly not high-end games. The screensavers linked to your Photos are great, and the Wi-Fi LAN and Matter connections are more than quick enough. OK, the remote control is rubbish, but I sometimes use my Watch or iPhone as the remote (still a bit rubbish, but clever).
As it stands, that’s all almost anyone needs. There’s no need to spend $300 on the new model. Or at least not yet.
Apple TV 4K (4th generation)
Apple's fastest streaming box answers Siri hands-free from across the room, plays surround sound through four HomePods and helps you find a lost remote.
Apple also sells it directly: buy Apple TV 4K from Apple (US) or from Apple UK.
Quick answers
When is the Apple TV 4K 4th generation released?
Apple announced it on 13 October 2026 and opened pre-orders the same day. It goes on sale on Friday 13 November.
What's the difference between the Apple TV 4K 4th gen and 3rd gen?
The 4th gen adds the A19 chip, far-field microphones for hands-free Siri, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, AV1 decoding, surround sound from four HomePods and a remote you can find with Find My. Picture and sound output are unchanged, and the only model now has 128GB and Ethernet.
Does the new Apple TV 4K support 4K at 120Hz?
No. Apple limits HDMI output to 4K at 60fps, and the HDMI hardware lacks the faster signalling that 4K at 120Hz needs.
Can the new Apple TV 4K connect more than two Bluetooth sensors in Zwift?
Apple hasn’t said. The box has Bluetooth 6, but the old two-sensor limit is set in software, so plan to use the Zwift Companion app or a bridge until someone tests it.
Does the new Apple TV 4K pass through Dolby TrueHD or DTS audio?
Not at launch. Apple lists Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos only. TrueHD passthrough could arrive later via software, but DTS would require a licence Apple has never obtained.
Is the new Apple TV 4K worth the price?
At $299 / £299, it’s only worth it if hands-free Siri, four-HomePod surround sound, or faster gaming matters to you. Siri AI also comes to the 2021 and 2022 boxes, so owners of those keep the headline feature.
Last Updated on 15 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who supports it.
Support the site: Follow (free, fewer ads) · Subscribe (paid, ad-free) · Buy Me A Coffee ❤️
Written by real people, with AI assistance. Fact-checked and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
