Apple Updates Apple TV 4K for Siri AI With New Remote and Audio Upgrades

Siri AI at the center

Apple has refreshed the Apple TV 4K as part of its broader smart home push, and the headline change is full support for Siri AI. The assistant is primarily used for content discovery, but it can also answer general questions directly on screen. Instead of spoken audio responses, answers are displayed in the corner of the TV so they do not block whatever is playing.

The box now includes far-field microphones of its own, which enables a fully hands-free Siri experience that does not require the remote. Apple also said the new Apple TV 4K leverages information from the user's iPhone, allowing requests such as "Play that show Jeff texted me about," with the streaming box understanding the reference.

Remote upgrades

The accompanying remote has practical improvements as well. Users can now ask Siri where the Apple TV remote is, and the accessory will play a sound to help locate it. Find My support remains available for finding the device too.

Four-speaker audio

On the audio side, the Apple TV 4K now supports four HomePod speakers configured as a surround sound setup. Previously, only two speakers could be used as a stereo pair. Apple notes the configuration requires either the second-generation HomePod or HomePod mini 2, or two of each.

Pricing and availability

The new Apple TV 4K will cost $299, which is $100 more than the starting price of the previous version. It is available for pre-order starting today, and the device hits store shelves on November 13.

Sources: Engadget