Siri AI will run on more than the new Apple TV 4K. Apple has confirmed that the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) and every model after it can use the new assistant, so owners of the 2021 and 2022 boxes can get it without paying $299 for the new hardware.
Apple’s announcement says that Siri AI is available as a beta on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later). It is the only compatibility line in the announcement, and it comes after all the details about the new model.
Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) and later will get Siri AI in beta
Three Apple TV 4K models are on the list:
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), released in 2021
- Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), released in 2022
- Apple TV 4K (4th generation), the new model that ships November 13
Apple’s wording does not cover the original Apple TV 4K from 2017 or the Apple TV HD. Both fall outside “2nd generation or later,” so owners of those boxes would need to upgrade to get Siri AI on their TV.
On Apple TV 4K, Siri AI shows full-screen results with poster art pulled from the Apple TV app, along with follow-up suggestions. While a show is playing, you can ask questions in a compact overlay, such as where it was filmed or whether it suits a 15-year-old. Siri AI can also control smart home accessories and turn scenes on and off.
Siri AI arrives with tvOS 27.2, which Apple labels a beta. The third tvOS 27.2 beta is already out, though Apple has not given a release date for the final update.
Siri AI needs an Apple Intelligence iPhone or iPad and launches in eight countries
Apple says the owner of the home in the Home app needs an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad on the latest software, with Siri AI turned on and set to a supported language. Requests that use personal context, such as asking Siri to play a show someone recommended, also need that paired device.
Launch markets are the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the UK, all in English. Apple adds that Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU in iOS or iPadOS, and the Apple TV setup depends on one of those devices.
Requests on Apple TV 4K can run on-device or through Private Cloud Compute. Features that rely on server-side models carry daily usage limits, and Apple says expanded access will cost a fee in the future.
Hands-free Siri and four-speaker surround sound stay exclusive to the new model
Apple ties two features to the new Apple TV 4K hardware. Its three far-field microphones handle hands-free “Hey Siri” and “Siri” requests, with echo cancellation that picks out a voice while audio is playing. Four-speaker surround sound requires the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) with matching front and rear pairs of HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers.
Older boxes rely on the Siri Remote for Siri AI. The new Siri Remote is sold separately and works with Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K, so it can be added to an older setup.
The A19 chip in the new model delivers up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to 2x faster GPU performance than the previous generation. Apple has not said how Siri AI performs on the older boxes.
The Apple TV 4K (4th generation) costs $299 and ships Friday, November 13.
