Reservations opened on 13 October, with the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K due in Spain on 13 November for €349. Its new surround setup pairs four HomePod mini 2 speakers or four second-generation HomePods.
Reservations opened on 13 October, the day Apple announced the device at its “Welcome home” event. The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K arrives in Spain on 13 November for €349. Apple set the US price at $299 and said it would launch there and in 29 other countries and regions.
The biggest change to the audio setup is support for four HomePod speakers. Owners can pair four HomePod mini 2 units or four second-generation HomePod speakers. The front pair must be the same model, as must the rear pair. The speakers detect their positions in the room, then adjust audio levels and timing automatically.
That gives Apple TV a four-speaker role without changing the Siri Remote.
The A19 chip delivers up to 50 per cent faster CPU performance and up to twice the graphics performance compared with the previous generation, according to Apple. The previous Apple TV 4K used the A15 Bionic chip. This is the device’s first major update in roughly four years. A dedicated AV1 decoder is designed to improve streaming efficiency and picture quality while reducing bandwidth use. Apple also says the faster chip makes navigation and animation smoother.
The Siri Remote adds Precision Finding through Find My. It can also play a sound to help owners locate it. Apple says the device can process some microphone data separately using Secure Exclaves built into the Apple TV 4K and its A19 chip.
As an Apple Home hub, the device uses Wi-Fi and Thread to manage connected accessories. It also supports automations and guest access. Compatible doorbells can send notifications to a television, while protected HomeKit video uses end-to-end encryption.
Apple TV 4K provides access to Apple Fitness+ and Apple Arcade. It also runs App Store apps and supports FaceTime through Continuity Camera. Users can customise how iCloud photos appear, then create screen savers from memories or portrait slideshows using an iPhone or iPad.
Apple says several components use recycled materials. Its printed circuit boards contain recycled gold and tin. Magnets use recycled rare earth elements, while the thermal module and Siri Remote casing use recycled aluminium.
