Apple has introduced a updated version if its streaming device Apple TV 4K as part of a broader launch of new smart home gadgets.
On Tuesday, the company introduced the latest Apple TV 4K, priced at $300 and available November 13. The new price point is significantly higher than prior models of the device, some of which started as low as $100.
But for $300, Apple is promising streamers a lot of new features, including the ability to use their Apple TV 4K as a new hub for other smart devices in the home, including a new line of security cameras, smart door locks, doorbells and thermostats made in partnership with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.
The new Apple TV 4K introduces Siri AI, a redesigned version of Apple’s voice assistant powered by Apple Intelligence. The feature allows viewers to search for television programs and movies through conversational requests displayed in a full-screen interface.
Viewers can ask Siri to identify award-winning programs, recommend similar titles or answer questions about shows they are watching. During playback, responses appear in a smaller overlay intended to avoid interrupting the program.
Siri AI can also use personal information from a compatible iPhone to locate content recommended by friends or mentioned in messages.
The device also includes three far-field microphones, allowing viewers to control playback and search for programming without using the remote. Apple said advanced echo cancellation helps recognize voice commands while television audio is playing.
“The new Apple TV 4K is our most immersive home theater experience yet,” Bob Borchers, Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing at Apple, said in a statement. “With Siri AI, finding something to watch becomes a full-screen, conversational experience, and with built-in far-field microphones, it’s completely hands-free.”
The device uses Apple’s A19 processor, which the company says delivers up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and twice the graphics performance of the previous generation. It also includes a dedicated AV1 decoder, supporting more efficient video compression and potentially reducing bandwidth requirements for compatible streaming services. Many streaming services like Netflix and YouTube support the AV1 codec and have started rolling out video encoded in the format to more devices over the past few years.
Apple has updated the Siri Remote with Precision Finding through its Find My system, allowing users to locate the remote or trigger an audible alert.
The new Apple TV 4K also supports four-speaker surround sound configurations using HomePod mini 2 or second-generation HomePod speakers. The system automatically calibrates audio based on speaker placement, although front and rear speaker pairs must match.
Beyond entertainment, the device serves as a smart home hub, supporting connected cameras, doorbells and other accessories. Apple Intelligence can generate descriptions of recorded camera activity and summarize notifications.
On the smart home side, Apple introduced HomePod mini 2, a $149 smart speaker scheduled for release October 30. It features updated audio processing and supports the new Apple TV 4K surround sound configuration. Siri AI capabilities will arrive through a future software update. Another product, called Apple HomeView, combines a seven-inch touchscreen, speakers and smart home controls with entertainment applications and FaceTime. Tabletop and wall-mounted versions will cost $299 when they become available November 13.
Rounding out the smart home announcement are new smart locks, security cameras, doorbells and thermostats made in partnership with LG and Schneider that are part of a product grouping called Apple Home Collection. Apple said the devices work with its Apple Home app and via Matter, which links up with third-party built products shipped by Amazon, Google, Samsung and others.
“Apple Home Collection makes it easy to choose smart home accessories with confidence,” said Matthew Costello, Apple’s Vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Working closely with industry leaders LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, we designed every accessory to work seamlessly with Apple Home, so managing your home is simple, reliable, and private.”
The devices pair seamlessly with Apple’s iPhones, just as the company’s headphones and earbuds do today. Marketing images released by Apple show that the devices will be labeled as LG or Schneider, depending on the gadget.
LG is contributing a video doorbell, floodlight camera, outdoor camera and indoor camera to Apple Home Collection, while both LG and Schneider are making smart thermostats for the home. Apple said data collected by smart products made by LG and Schneider is encrypted and not sent to any of the three companies.
Apple is offering professional installation of its LG and Schneider-built smart home devices through a partnership with ADT. Its smart home devices start at $200 for the smart thermostat or LG-built indoor camera and go up to $400 for the LG-built floodlight camera.
More Stories
- Apple raises price of Apple TV, Apple One bundle
- Apple to launch enhanced video podcasts experience within Podcasts app
- FTC chair accuses Apple News of bias against conservative outlets
- Apple brings Google Cast support to Android version of Apple TV app
- U.S. Mobile accuses Apple of “predatory” ask to support Apple Watch
