GoKawiilApple TV 4K (2026) adds A19 chip, far-field mics, four-HomePod surround support
Apple's new Apple TV 4K replaces the 2022 model's A15 Bionic chip with an A19, which Apple says is up to 50 percent faster at CPU tasks and twice as fast at graphics, alongside doubled RAM, AV1 decoding, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The box now has three built-in mics for hands-free Siri, and a new $59 remote adds Precision Finding for compatible iPhones. The system also now supports four HomePods as a surround setup, up from the previous two-speaker stereo limit.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The upgrades target streaming quality, voice convenience and home-audio ambition rather than a radical redesign, suggesting Apple sees the set-top box as a hub tying together its wider device ecosystem. The $100 price gap raises the question of whether casual viewers need these gains, while households already invested in HomePods or newer iPhones may find the added features more compelling.
- New A19 chip offers up to 50% faster CPU and 2x graphics performance over the 2022 A15 model
- Built-in far-field mics enable hands-free Siri without holding the remote
- Up to four HomePods can now be paired for surround sound, versus a stereo-only limit before
Apple TV 4K (2022, 3rd generation) — This is the exact model the article compares against the new 2026 version, making it a smart pick if you want solid 4K HDR streaming and strong app support without paying for the latest chip upgrades. It remains a capable streaming box for most home theater setups, especially if Siri voice-activation-while-playing isn't a priority for you.
See Apple TV 4K (2022, 3rd generation) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Luke James, 2026-10-13
Published there as: “Apple TV 4K 2022 vs. 2026: What's new and is it worth the $100 jump?”
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