What is the Apple TV 4K?

The Apple TV 4K is a compact TV box that connects to a compatible HD or UHD television or monitor via HDMI. Once connected, the Apple TV 4K transforms the television or monitor's display into a hub for streaming, entertainment, and smart home management. 

At the core of the experience is the A19 chip, delivering faster app launches and smoother navigation. A dedicated AV1 decoder supports efficient, high-quality streaming of compatible content. There's also Wi-Fi 7 support for those seeking even greater speeds. 

Immersive viewing

Apple TV 4K brings a more immersive home-theatre experience to compatible TVs and audio systems. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, delivering a vivid 4K picture with greater detail and realism for compatible films and programmes. Dolby Atmos complements the picture with multidirectional sound, while Enhance Dialogue brings speech forward, making quieter conversations and whispered lines easier to follow. Subtitles can also appear automatically at relevant moments, so you can keep track without having them on all the time.

The Apple TV app provides access to exclusive Apple Original films and series, as well as supported third-party streaming services, while the App Store extends the experience with additional apps. It’s worth noting that availability varies by service and region, and some content requires a subscription.

More natural control with Siri AI

Powered by Apple Intelligence, Siri AI offers a more conversational way to access entertainment on the Apple TV 4K. The Apple TV has three built-in far-field microphones that use advanced echo cancellation to pick up voices amid background noise, so you can speak to Siri without reaching for the Siri Remote.

With Siri AI, you can ask broad questions, refine your requests with follow-ups or find content using contextual details rather than stating an exact title. If your Apple TV 4K is connected to an iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Intelligence, Siri AI can draw on personal context to interpret requests such as playing a programme previously recommended by a contact. You can also ask questions during playback, such as asking where a movie was filmed. The responses appear in a compact overlay to provide relevant information while minimising disruption to what is happening on screen.

More than streaming

The Apple TV 4K offers entertainment that pushes the boundaries of traditional TV, with an array of Apple apps.

The SharePlay function lets you stream shows and movies with your friends. With SplitView, you can see eachother while you watch the show together, and share reactions to any plot twists as they happen. 

With Apple Music, you can enjoy songs and live radio on your TV. Apple Music Sing adds real-time lyrics and adjustable vocals, transforming your TV into an interactive music experience and even letting you use your iPhone as a microphone.

The Fitness app can transform your viewing space into a workout space when used with a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch. If you participate in a Fitness app workout while wearing a compatible Apple Watch or earbuds, you'll be able to see metrics like your heart rate and the number of calories you've burned on your TV. Learn more about the Fitness app on the Apple TV 4K here. 

Apple Arcade brings compatible games to your TV, with multiplayer support that lets different players retain their progress, access leaderboards, and send invitations. Compatible PlayStation and Xbox Wireless controllers can also be connected for a more familiar console-style experience.

One connected experience

The Apple TV 4K becomes more versatile when used alongside other Apple devices. For example, an iPhone can control playback and volume from its Lock Screen or Control Centre, while its Face ID can simplify purchases and app access. The FaceTime app uses Continuity Camera to connect to the camera and microphone on a compatible iPhone or iPad. This brings video calls to the TV, giving conversations more room and making it easier for several people to get involved from the same living space. Learn more about Continuity Camera compatibility here. 

The compatibility options extend far beyond convenience. When connected to the Apple TV 4K, your television or monitor's audio can expand beyond any built-in speakers, with HomePod compatibility. The Apple TV 4K can support a four-speaker surround sound setup using HomePod (second-generation) or HomePod mini 2 speakers. These speakers work with the Apple TV to recognise their positions in the room and automatically calibrate sound timing to the space, creating a more immersive home-theatre experience. Alternatively, connecting compatible AirPods offers a private listening experience with Spatial Audio, which creates an immersive surround sound effect. A second pair can also be connected so two people can listen together, with separate volume controls for each listener.

At the heart of the smart home

Beyond entertainment, the Apple Home tab on the Apple TV 4K's Control Centre serves as a smart home hub. This allows you to monitor and control your household's Apple Home cameras from the convenience of your TV. For added convenience, you can even use Siri AI on your Apple TV to control compatible smart home accessories. 

With a compatible video doorbell, notifications can appear on the TV when somebody arrives. You can see and speak to the visitor, then control supported accessories, such as unlocking a connected door lock, without leaving what you’re watching.

It’s also possible to access recorded household camera footage from your Apple TV. With the required setup and an eligible iCloud+ plan, Apple Intelligence can generate descriptions for recordings and summarise notifications, helping you stay updated without manually reviewing every recording.

You can even create automations, known as Apple Home scenes, with your Apple TV 4K. For example, you could create an automation that dims the lights and sets the temperature when you start watching TV.