Apple TV 4K (4th generation): the home hub under the television

Apple TV 4K (4th generation) is Apple’s new streaming box, and it is a home hub. Apple sells one model in the UK, with 128GB and Gigabit Ethernet, for £299. Apple’s UK release date is 13 November 2026.

What it does in Apple Home

Apple calls it “a smart home hub that can automate — and give you remote access to — all of your home’s compatible connected accessories.” An Apple TV becomes a home hub when you add it to a room in the Home app.

• Remote access and automations. Control your accessories from the Home app on your other Apple devices when you are out, and set accessories and scenes to run on their own.
• Thread. The specifications list “Thread networking technology”, for HomeKit- or Matter-enabled Thread accessories.
• Matter. Apple says you “can connect more accessories than ever with Matter”.
• On the TV. With a compatible doorbell, a notification appears on the screen. You can see who is at the door, speak to them and unlock the door without stopping what you are watching.
• Cameras. It processes HomeKit Secure Video locally, with camera activity descriptions and summarised notifications from Apple Intelligence. See HomeKit Secure Video explained.
• Guests. Apple lists guest mode among its home features.

Siri AI

Siri AI is available on Apple TV 4K in UK English at launch. Apple calls it a beta, in tvOS 27.2. You can use it to control accessories and turn scenes on or off hands-free. Apple says Siri AI needs the owner of the home to have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad with Siri AI turned on. The box has a three-microphone array with voice isolation.

Specifications

The A19 chip, 128GB, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 and an IR receiver. It is 31mm high, 93.24mm square and weighs 217g. The box contains the Siri Remote (4th generation) and a power lead.

Who should buy it

Buy it if you want a streaming box for the main television and a hub in the same purchase. Of the four current Apple hubs it is the only one whose specifications list Ethernet, so it is the one to choose if you can run a cable to the router.

How it differs from the other Apple hubs

Apple HomeView is the same price and also has Siri AI in UK English at launch as a beta. It has its own screen, a camera and room sensors, and does not need a television. Apple lists no Ethernet port for it.

HomePod mini 2 at £149 is the cheaper hub. It has a temperature and humidity sensor. Apple lists no room sensors for Apple TV 4K.

The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is no longer on Apple’s UK lineup. This model replaces it.

Specifications