The updated streaming box adds hands-free microphones, four-speaker surround sound and a remote that sounds an alert when misplaced.
Apple unveiled an updated Apple TV 4K streaming box priced at $299 on October 13, 2026, introducing hands-free microphones, four-speaker audio pairing, and an overhauled Siri AI assistant, TechRadar reported.
Higher pricing and retired models
The new hardware comes in a single configuration for $299, £299 in the United Kingdom, and AU$449 in Australia. That is $100 more than the prior generation’s entry price, Engadget reported. Earlier in 2026, price increases had brought the previous Apple TV 4K to $199 without Ethernet and $249 with Ethernet. Apple is sunsetting those earlier units. The $299 cost matches Apple’s newly announced HomeView device, which incorporates its own display and speakers. Visually, the box retains a black square shape with curved edges and an Apple logo on top. Under the hood, it runs on an A19 processor designed to speed up application launches.
Siri AI and hands-free microphones
Apple refreshed the device around Siri AI as part of an expansion into smart home technology. Built-in far-field microphones on the box let users issue voice commands across a room without holding a controller. The system pulls personal context from a user’s connected iPhone to search for content mentioned in text conversations and group messages. When answering queries, Siri puts visual information into a corner of the television display so playback continues without obstruction. At launch, Apple TV 4K supports Siri AI in eight countries: Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
A remote that rings when lost
The fourth-generation Siri Remote includes an internal speaker to help people find it when misplaced under furniture or in cushions. Users can speak aloud to the room, asking where the remote is, and the streaming unit picks up the voice command through its microphones before triggering a chime on the remote. For visual tracking, owners of an iPhone 17 or newer, iPhone Air, or iPhone Duo can open the Find My application, select Devices, and follow Precision Finding directions. The updated controller also works backward with the Apple TV HD and earlier Apple TV 4K units. The prior remote version sold for $59, £59, and AU$89.
Surround sound across four HomePods
For television audio, the box expands previous limitations that allowed only two HomePods to connect as a stereo pair. The new model connects with up to four speakers to build a surround sound setup. Supported hardware includes second-generation HomePod units and second-generation HomePod mini devices, while first-generation HomePods do not work with the feature. Owners can combine two front HomePod 2 speakers with two rear HomePod mini 2 units, or run four identical speakers. Setting up an Apple TV 4K with four HomePod mini 2 units costs $895, £895, or AU$1,365. Pairing the box with two HomePod 2 speakers and two HomePod mini 2s totals $1,295, £1,295, or AU$2,005. Choosing four full-sized HomePod 2 speakers brings the hardware cost to $1,695, £1,695, or AU$2,645.
When the box hits stores
Preorders for the Apple TV 4K started on October 13, 2026. Apple will release the device to retail shelves and begin customer shipments on November 13, 2026.
