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After four years, Apple is releasing a new Apple TV 4K, outwardly almost identical to its predecessor. The differences lie within: a new chip, microphones, faster Wi-Fi, and surround sound with four HomePods. However, the third generation is still perfectly adequate for pure streaming.
On October 13th, Apple unveiled the 4th generation Apple TV 4K with the A19 chip. It replaces the 3rd generation from 2022 with the A15 Bionic chip and costs €349 in Germany. Pre-orders have been available since October 13th, and the new model will be available in stores on November 13th.
This comparison is based on Apple's technical specifications for the new model and the datasheet for the 3rd generation. All articles about the box are compiled on the Apple TV 4K page.
Key Facts at a Glance
- According to Apple, the A19 is up to 50 percent faster in CPU performance and up to twice as fast in graphics performance as its predecessor.
- New features include three microphones, allowing Siri to be addressed without a remote control, also in German.
- WLAN 7, Bluetooth 6, Ethernet and Thread are included in the only model, which is now only available with 128 GB.
- Apple explicitly introduces surround sound with four HomePods in the new model.
- Siri AI is not a reason to switch: it will also be available on the 3rd generation, but will not be launched in Germany for the time being.
The data in comparison
| Apple TV 4K (4th generation) | Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) | |
|---|---|---|
| Published | 2026 | 2022 |
| Chip | A19 | A15 Bionic |
| Memory | 128 GB | 64 GB (Wi-Fi) or 128 GB (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) |
| Microphones | three, for Siri via voice | none |
| Wi-Fi | WLAN 7 | WLAN 6 |
| Bluetooth | 6 | 5.0 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit, always | Gigabit, only on the 128GB model |
| Thread | Yes | only on the 128GB model |
| HDMI | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| video | up to 4K at 60 fps, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, AV1 | up to 4K at 60 fps, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Infrared | Receiver and transmitter | Recipient |
| Weight | 217 g | 208g (WiFi), 214g (WiFi + Ethernet) |
| Price in Germany | 349 euros | Last price: €229 (Wi-Fi), €299 (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) |
The prices for the 3rd generation have been in effect since Apple's price update on June 25th. The dimensions remain unchanged; both boxes are 31 millimeters high and approximately 93 millimeters wide and deep.
More power, but not in terms of image quality
Apple directly compares the A19 to its predecessor: up to 50 percent more CPU performance and up to twice the graphics speed. This primarily benefits games; the chip makes little difference for movies and TV shows.
In terms of image output, both models are very similar. Both output 4K at up to 60 frames per second, both support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and both connect to the TV via HDMI 2.1. New to the A19 model is the AV1 video codec.
Microphones and room acoustics are the real innovations
The new Apple TV 4K has three microphones with echo cancellation. This allows you to activate Siri with "Hey Siri" or "Siri," even while a movie is playing. According to Apple, this works, among other things, when tvOS is set to German. On the previous model, Siri could only be activated via the button on the remote.
Apple first tested surround sound with four HomePods in the tvOS 27.2 beta. Now, Apple has officially introduced it with the new Apple TV 4K: two stereo pairs at the front and rear, consisting of either a HomePod mini 2 or a second-generation HomePod. Apple does not mention compatibility with older Apple TV models.
What both models have in common
Siri AI on Apple TV doesn't require a new device. Apple specifies the 2nd generation Apple TV 4K as the minimum model; the 3rd generation will also receive the feature. At launch, Siri AI will run as a beta with tvOS 27.2, only in English, in eight countries; Germany is not among them.
The new 4th generation Siri Remote is also not an exclusive accessory. Apple sells it separately, and it works with Apple TV HD and all Apple TV 4K models. A new feature is that it can be located using "Find My" with Precise Search and plays a sound – however, Precise Search only works with iPhone 17 or later, iPhone Air, or iPhone Duo, not with the iPhone 17e.
For whom is the switch worthwhile?
Apfelpatient especially recommends upgrading if you own the 3rd generation 64GB version without Ethernet. The new model offers several features that were previously missing: Ethernet, Thread for smart home accessories, and double the storage capacity. For those who play a lot of games or want to use Siri without a remote, the A19 chip and microphones represent a significant improvement.
Those who own the 128GB model and primarily stream won't lose any picture quality. Surround sound with four HomePods is the factor that could tip the scales – but only for those willing to buy four compatible speakers. Siri AI plays no role in the decision as long as it hasn't launched in this country.
Which generation of TV-watchers are you from, and would the surround sound offered by four HomePods be a reason for you to upgrade? Let us know your reasoning in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions: Apple TV 4K with A19 vs. A15
The 4th generation has the A19 instead of the A15 Bionic, three microphones for voice-activated Siri, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and always Ethernet and Thread. In terms of video output, both are very similar: 4K at 60 frames per second, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDMI 2.1.
This is most likely to benefit owners of the 64GB version without Ethernet, gamers, and anyone who wants to use Siri without a remote or surround sound with four HomePods. Those with the 128GB model, especially those who primarily stream, won't experience any loss in picture quality.
In Germany it costs 349 euros. There is only one model with 128 GB, Ethernet and Thread.
It can be pre-ordered since October 13th and will be available in stores on November 13th.
Yes. Apple specifies the 2nd generation as the minimum model. At launch, Siri AI will run as a beta with tvOS 27.2 only in English in eight countries; Germany is not among them.
Yes. Apple sells the 4th generation Siri Remote separately; it works with the Apple TV HD and all Apple TV 4K models.
Yes. Three microphones recognize "Hey Siri" or "Siri," even while a movie is playing. This works with German as one of the tvOS languages. On the 3rd generation, Siri only works via the remote control.
