Same black box, totally different device: 2022 vs. 2026 Apple TV 4K

The 2022 Apple TV 4K (third generation) arrived as a more compact, fanless refresh that lowered the entry price while adding the A15 Bionic chip, HDR10+ support, and optional Ethernet/Thread. Four years later, the 2026 Apple TV 4K (fourth generation) keeps the same compact black square form factor, but shifts the product into a higher price tier as a smarter home theater and smart-home hub, powered by the A19 chip, built-in far-field microphones, Wi-Fi 7, and new multi-speaker capabilities.

Both units share nearly identical dimensions and a passive-cooled, palm-sized design. The 2022 models measure roughly 1.2 × 3.66 × 3.66 inches and weigh about 7.3 ounces (Wi-Fi) or 7.5 ounces (Wi-Fi + Ethernet). The 2026 model is listed at 1.22 × 3.67 × 3.67 inches and 7.6 ounces. The exterior remains a minimalist black box with an etched Apple logo; the meaningful physical additions on the 2026 unit are the three-microphone array for hands-free voice control and standard Gigabit Ethernet on every unit.

The 2022 Apple TV 4K uses the A15 Bionic (introduced in the iPhone 13 line), which Apple positioned as delivering up to 50 percent faster CPU and 30 percent faster GPU performance than the prior A12-based model, along with 4 GB of RAM. The 2026 model moves to the A19 chip (from the iPhone 17 family). Apple claims up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to twice the GPU performance versus the A15, with reports indicating roughly 8 GB of RAM to support on-device Apple Intelligence features. The result is snappier navigation, smoother animations, more headroom for games, and the processing power needed for Siri AI. Both remain limited to 4K output at up to 60 fps over HDMI 2.1; neither supports 4K 120 Hz.

The 2022 generation offered two variants: a $129 Wi-Fi model with 64 GB and a $149 Wi-Fi + Ethernet model with 128 GB (the latter also adding Thread). The 2026 model simplifies to a single configuration: 128 GB with Gigabit Ethernet and Thread included, priced at $299. Streaming apps and most media still rely primarily on the cloud, so the storage difference matters most for offline content or large game downloads.

The 2022 models use Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0; Ethernet and Thread were exclusive to the higher-storage version. The 2026 model upgrades to Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 6, and includes both Gigabit Ethernet and Thread on every unit. Wi-Fi 7 brings wider channels and multi-link operation that can improve stability on congested networks when paired with a compatible router, though real-world gains depend on the rest of the network. Both support HDMI 2.1 with eARC, IR for control, and the usual AirPlay and HomeKit features.

Core video output remains 4K HDR at up to 60 fps on both, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, plus Dolby Atmos audio. The 2026 model expands codec and format support: it adds hardware decoding for AV1 and VP9 (helpful for more efficient streaming on services that use them), Dolby Vision Profile 8.1 in addition to Profile 5, HDMI Quick Media Switching for smoother format changes, and broader 21:9 cinematic aspect-ratio support. A new exclusive feature is four-speaker surround sound using matching pairs of HomePod mini 2 or second-generation HomePod speakers; the system auto-detects speaker positions and calibrates timing and levels. The 2022 model lacks this multi-speaker HomePod configuration.

Both ship with a Siri Remote that uses USB-C for charging and supports IR/CEC TV control. The 2022 remote is the third-generation version (Bluetooth 5.0). The 2026 remote is the fourth generation (Bluetooth 6) and adds Find My support with Precision Finding plus the ability to play a sound so it can be located under cushions. The new remote can also be purchased separately for $59. It works with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models. The 2026 Apple TV itself adds three far-field microphones with voice isolation and echo cancellation, enabling hands-free “Hey Siri” or “Siri” commands even while content is playing—something the 2022 hardware cannot do.

Both run modern versions of tvOS and support the Apple TV app, Apple Arcade, Fitness+, FaceTime via Continuity Camera, HomeKit hub duties, and Siri. Siri AI (the more conversational, Apple Intelligence-powered assistant with personal context, full-screen results, and follow-up questions) arrives as a beta on the 2022 model (and the 2021 model) via a later tvOS update, but the 2026 hardware is better optimized for it thanks to the faster chip, extra memory, and dedicated microphones. The 2026 model also gains enhanced smart-home capabilities such as Apple Intelligence-generated descriptions and summaries for HomeKit Secure Video cameras. Core streaming, AirPlay, and app experiences remain broadly comparable, with the newer hardware simply feeling more responsive.

At launch the 2022 models started at $129 (64 GB Wi-Fi) and $149 (128 GB with Ethernet/Thread). The 2026 model is a single $299 configuration. That is a substantial increase — roughly double the original entry price and roughly $150 more than the prior 128 GB model — even accounting for later price adjustments on the older unit. Buyers of the 2022 model who primarily stream video, use basic Siri, and have no need for the newest wireless standards or four-HomePod surround will still find their box capable for years. The 2026 unit makes the most sense for those who want hands-free voice control, the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, AV1 efficiency, multi-speaker HomePod audio, maximum responsiveness, or deeper Apple Intelligence integration in the living room.

In short, the 2022 Apple TV 4K refined an already strong streaming box at a more accessible price with a solid performance jump and optional wired connectivity. The 2026 model preserves the familiar form and core 4K HDR/Dolby experience while adding meaningful generational gains in processing power, wireless standards, on-device microphones, codec support, and multi-speaker audio—positioned as a premium home-theater and smart-home device rather than a low-cost streamer.
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Pricey, but they will last for many years. $299 over 5 years is $59.80/year or $4.98/month. We’ve already ordered multiple units.

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