Apple unveiled its third-generation Apple TV 4K streaming device, promising faster performance, HDR10+ compatibility, expanded storage, and more – all while lowering the starting price to $129 from $179 for the previous-generation model.
The new Apple TV 4K comes in two flavors: Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi), which costs $129 and has 64 GB of storage, and Apple TV 4K (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), which costs $149 and has Gigabit Ethernet capability and 128 GB of storage. The products are available for pre-order and will begin shipping on Friday, November 4.
The new Apple TV 4K utilizes the company’s A15 Bionic chip, which delivers CPU performance up to 50% quicker than the previous generation of Apple’s 4K streaming devices and graphics processing unit performance up to 30% faster for “even smoother gameplay,” according to the tech giant. It also uses a USB-C port for charging, rather than the proprietary Lightning connector used by prior generations. The Siri Remote for Apple TV 4K now charges via USB-C as well.
According to the business, the new Apple TV 4K versions support HDR10+ as well as Dolby Vision, “creating the eye-popping details and bright colors envisioned by content creators.” For immersive audio, the devices also support Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 7.1, and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.
Even at $129, the Apple TV 4K is more expensive than the Roku Ultra 4K ($100) and Google’s Chromecast with Google TV dongle with 4K ($50). With the introduction of the new Apple TV 4K, the company has phased out the legacy Apple TV HD streaming device, which was debuted in 2015.
“Apple TV 4K is the ultimate way for Apple users to enjoy their favorite entertainment on the biggest screen in the home, and it is now more powerful than ever,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s VP of worldwide product marketing.
“The new Apple TV 4K is unlike anything else out there, given its seamless connection to other Apple devices, ease of use, and access to amazing Apple content. It offers something for everyone in the family to love.”
Despite its improved performance, Apple claims that the third-generation Apple TV 4K consumes roughly 30% less power than the previous model. According to the business, the efficiency benefits of A15 Bionic reduce the need for an internal fan, resulting in a more compact design and contributing to a 25% reduction in carbon footprint over the previous generation.
Customers may view series and films from the Apple TV+ subscription service, as well as more than 100,000 movies and programs to buy or rent, and memberships to leading streaming services, using the Apple TV app on the new streaming devices.
The Apple TV 4K devices, like earlier generations, can also stream Apple Music, a subscription service with over 100 million songs, and display images from the iCloud Shared Photo Library.
New improvements coming to the Apple TV this autumn via the updated tvOS 16 include Siri enhancements, which the firm claims will make it easier for customers to control Apple TV and interact with the results. Siri for Apple TV has been completely redesigned, and it will be able to recognize a specific user’s voice, allowing them to access their movies, shows, music, games, and apps and resume where they left off.
Users can get personalised recommendations by utilizing the Siri Remote and asking “What should I watch?”
Apple also unveiled the next-generation iPad Pro, which will be powered by the company’s M2 chip, as well as a newly redesigned iPad in four colors with a larger 10.9-inch display.
Customers who purchase a new Apple TV 4K, iPhone, iPad, or Mac are eligible for three months of free Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade, according to the company.
