Apple Announces Fourth-Generation Apple TV 4K at $300 With AV1 and HomePod Surround

Apple has introduced its fourth-generation Apple TV 4K streaming device, updating the hardware line for the first time since 2022. As part of the rollout, Apple discontinued the lower-tier 64GB Wi-Fi-only configuration, leaving a single 128GB model with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity priced at $300, according to reporting from The Verge .

The updated box introduces several hardware additions, including faster processing and a dedicated AV1 decoder designed to handle higher-efficiency video streams on supporting platforms like Netflix. Apple also added integrated far-field microphones directly on the set-top unit for hands-free Siri commands, along with Find My tracking support for locating misplaced remotes.

On the audio side, Apple introduced software capabilities that allow users to pair matching sets of HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini 2 smart speakers to serve as front and surround channels. The configuration targets multi-speaker setups akin to offerings from Sonos and Bose.

Despite the $300 price tag—which stands at more than double the cost of mainstream alternatives from Roku, Google, and Amazon—the hardware omits several capabilities sought by home theater enthusiasts. The unit lacks true audio passthrough, relying on Apple's Continuous Audio Connection system instead of allowing external audio/video receivers to directly decode raw audio bitstreams.

Video output remains capped at 60 frames per second. While the box supports 24fps output to permit 5:5 pulldown on native 120Hz displays for film playback, it excludes native 120fps output, limiting high-frame-rate local game streaming through tools like Moonlight. Apple also omitted physical expansion ports such as an auxiliary HDMI passthrough input or a digital optical audio output.