Apple has announced that Siri AI will come to several older Apple TV 4K models, a welcome surprise for owners who aren't ready to spend $300 on a new streaming box. The feature will be available as beta software on units going back to the second-gen Apple TV 4K, released in 2021.
The update will ship as part of tvOS 27.2 this fall. Apple has not given an exact release date, but the new Apple TV 4K goes on sale November 13, so the update should arrive on or before that day.
It is still unclear how much of Siri AI the older boxes will support. They were not designed with the assistant in mind and lack the processing power of the upcoming model. The new Apple TV 4K includes far-field microphones for hands-free control without a remote, while older units have no built-in microphones and rely on their remotes. It is also unknown whether older boxes will access all of the smart home controls offered in tvOS 27.2. Engadget has asked Apple for clarification and will update the story when it responds.
Apple announced several other smart home products alongside the redesigned Apple TV 4K. These include a smart home hub called Home View, a refreshed HomePod mini speaker, and a lineup of standard smart home devices such as a lock, cameras, and a doorbell.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing