The fourth generation of the Apple TV 4K arrives to reaffirm Apple's position in the streaming device market, but with a new focus on deepening integration within its ecosystem. The new device, priced at $299, carries fundamental improvements in internal hardware, yet it faces criticism regarding its high cost compared to competitors and the maturity of its integrated artificial intelligence features.
A Technical Upgrade Under a Familiar Shell
Externally, the device does not differ much from previous versions, but the real power lies within. The device is equipped with the A19 processor (used in the iPhone 17), ensuring superior speed in the user interface. Apple has also increased the default storage capacity to 128GB, eliminating the lower-cost 64GB option, a decision that may not serve users looking for budget-friendly choices.
Improvements also included the aluminum remote control, which now supports the Find My feature, making it easier to locate via the phone app if it is lost between sofa cushions or in other rooms.
A Revolution in Surround Sound via HomePods
The ability to connect four HomePod speakers is one of the most prominent new features. This setup allows for the creation of an immersive surround sound system that exceeds the capabilities of traditional television speakers. Through a simple calibration process that takes minutes, the system can adjust sound distribution to suit the room's space.
Despite the excellent performance in sound distribution and identifying center channels, the 3D audio experience (Dolby Atmos) still lacks full depth in overhead coverage, as the sound effect remains confined to the horizontal plane rather than being a comprehensive sound blanket.
Artificial Intelligence in the Experimental Stage
The device integrates Apple Intelligence technologies via the Siri assistant, allowing it to understand the user's personal context. For example, Siri can search the user's messages to find the name of a TV show mentioned in a previous conversation and play it directly. However, this system still suffers from instability; instances of failure to recognize voice or confusion in executing commands related to live streaming have been noted, indicating that the AI features are still in a development (Beta) stage and need further refinement.
What Changes Practically?
For users immersed in the Apple ecosystem, this device represents the ideal "hub" for the smart home, especially if they already own HomePod speakers. The real change is not in the way of streaming, but in how the living room is transformed into a complete home theater through seamless wireless connectivity between devices.
But for the average user or enthusiasts, the absence of features like Audio Passthrough and support for a 120Hz refresh rate makes the high price ($300) difficult to justify, especially with much cheaper alternatives from Google or Amazon that provide basic streaming functions with high efficiency.