Apple TV 4K (2nd generation): what it still does in Apple Home

Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) came out in the UK in the second half of May 2021, from £169. Apple’s model number is A2169. Apple no longer lists it on its UK Home lineup, but it is still supported by tvOS 27, and it has both Thread and an Ethernet port.

What it can still do in Apple Home

• Home hub. At launch Apple said Apple TV 4K “can be used as a home hub to control HomeKit accessories”, and that it shows HomeKit cameras and doorbell notifications on the television. An Apple TV becomes a hub when you add it to a room in the Home app.
• Thread. Apple’s specifications list Thread, with the note “Compatible with HomeKit or Matter-enabled Thread accessories only.”
• Matter. That same note is Apple’s statement on Matter for this model: its Thread radio works with Matter-enabled Thread accessories.
• Current software. Apple says Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) is supported by tvOS 27.
• Siri AI. Apple says Siri AI is available as a beta on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later), in UK English at launch. Apple’s list starts with this model.
• Cameras. Apple says HomeKit Secure Video is analysed on the home hub device, an Apple TV 4K or HomePod. See HomeKit Secure Video explained.

What Apple does not list for it

• Sensors. Apple’s specifications list none.
• The October 2026 Home update. Apple says its updated Home architecture requires every Apple device that accesses the home to use the latest software. Apple does not say which existing hubs it supports.

Specifications

The A12 Bionic chip, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MIMO and simultaneous dual band, Bluetooth 5.0, Thread, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 and an IR receiver.

What replaces it

Apple TV 4K (4th generation), at £299. Apple lists Thread networking technology and Gigabit Ethernet for it, with the A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

If yours works, it already has Thread, Ethernet, tvOS 27 and the Siri AI beta. The 4th generation adds a newer chip and newer radios. If you want a second hub rather than a new television box, HomePod mini 2 is £149.

For the model that followed it, see Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet.

Specifications