Apple TV 4K 2026: A19 Chip, Microphones and AI Siri – All the New Features

TVS News KI redaktionell betreut präsentiert Apple TV 4K 2026: A19 Chip, Microphones and AI Siri – All the New Features.

Apple has refreshed its streaming box: The Apple TV 4K arrives in a fourth generation with the A19 chip, three microphones built directly into the housing, and an AI-powered version of Siri. That's according to French tech outlet Frandroid, reporting around the WWDC conference where Apple is officially unveiling the device.

For you, this mainly means: You no longer have to pick up the Siri Remote to pause a movie, change the volume, or search for a show. The microphones in the housing hear you directly – much like a smart speaker.

On top of that, there's hardware decoding for the AV1 video codec. That pays off especially if you watch a lot of YouTube or Netflix, because AV1 delivers the same picture quality at a lower data rate – fewer stutters on a slow internet connection.

What Apple Changed About the Box

Frandroid sums up the new features in three points: a new processor, a new audio input path, and a new codec standard. It sounds dry, but it has very practical consequences – from faster app launches to better voice recognition when the TV is cranked up loud.

The A19 Chip: More Power from iPhone to Couch

The A19 powers today's iPhones and delivers noticeably more computing power compared to the A-chips in older Apple TV models. In practice, that means: games and demanding apps launch faster, AI features run directly on the device, and tvOS responds more smoothly. How much more performance exactly remains unspecified by Apple so far – a first test will need to show that.

Three Microphones in the Housing: Siri Without the Remote

Microphones built directly into a box aren't a new concept – HomePod, Echo, and Nest Hub have been doing it for years. What's new is that Apple is now integrating them into the Apple TV. That means Siri understands you even when the Siri Remote is wedged between the couch cushions, your phone is out of reach, or you come in from the kitchen with your hands full. How well the recognition actually works during loud movie scenes or with music in the background remains to be seen – Frandroid provides no real-world data on this.

AV1 Decoding: Why Your Streaming Could Run Better

AV1 is a royalty-free video codec that Google, Netflix, Amazon, and other major providers are increasingly adopting. It compresses video more efficiently than older formats like H.264 or H.265 – same picture, smaller file, lower data rate. A dedicated hardware decoding unit offloads the main chip, keeps power consumption low, and ensures the picture doesn't have to keep rebuffering even on a weak Wi-Fi connection.

What Remains Open

Frandroid so far mainly delivers the core facts: chip, codec, microphones, new Siri. What's missing are the price, exact release date, supported HDMI standards, and whether Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are still on board. Apple plans to add these details during the WWDC conference.

Bottom Line: Who Is the New Box Worth It For?

If you're still using an older Apple TV HD or a second-generation Apple TV 4K, the jump will be noticeable – faster chip, modern codec, more convenient voice control. If you already own a recent Apple TV 4K, you can sit tight until prices and full specs are confirmed before deciding to switch.

Added Value for You

• Apple Deutschland
• Official Apple Support