Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi: what it still does in Apple Home

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) came out in the UK on 4 November 2022, from £149, in two configurations. This page covers the Wi-Fi model. The other one, the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model, has an Ethernet port and Thread. Apple no longer lists either on its UK Home lineup.

Apple gives the Wi-Fi model the number A2737 and the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model A2843.

What it can still do in Apple Home

• Home hub. In 2022 Apple said Apple TV 4K, as a home hub, “securely connects to compatible smart home accessories”, lets you control your home while away and makes accessories run automatically. An Apple TV becomes a hub when you add it to a room in the Home app.
• Matter. Apple called both configurations “an essential building block for Matter”.
• Current software. Apple says Apple TV 4K (3rd 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.
• Cameras. Apple says HomeKit Secure Video is analysed on the home hub device, an Apple TV 4K or HomePod.

What Apple does not list for it

• Thread. Apple’s specifications list Thread for the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model only, and Apple names that model as a Thread-enabled home hub. Apple does not state that this model has no Thread. It does not list it. Apple says Thread accessories require a Thread-enabled home hub, so if you use Thread accessories, rely on a hub that lists Thread.
• Ethernet. Apple lists Gigabit Ethernet for the other model only.
• 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 A15 Bionic chip, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, 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.

If you only want to add Thread and keep this Apple TV for watching, the cheapest Apple hub that lists Thread is HomePod mini 2 at £149.

Specifications