Here's what's new with the 2021 Apple TV 4K
Given that the previous-gen Apple TV 4K went live way back in 2017, an update was long overdue… and the Cupertino giant delivered at its Spring launch event, with the all-new Apple TV 4K 2021 model going live.
Now in its 6th-generation, the new Apple TV 4K doesn’t stray too far from the previous model design aesthetics, with the improvements all on the inside and, of course, on your TV screen.
Packing Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, the latest-gen Apple smart streaming box is capable of high frame rate HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision video, enabling fast-moving action at 60fps.
Of course, there’s hardly any content that streams at this sort of rate – aside from vids you’ve taken yourself on a iPhone 12 Pro – but Apple states it is “working with leading video providers around the world, including FOX Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Red Bull TV, and Canal+.”
The good news on the smart home front is that, as with the HomePod Mini, the new Apple TV 4K boasts a Thread radio, so will make an excellent HomeKit Hub.
Read our guide to Thread to find out exactly why this is important.
Sticking with connectivity and it’s also got WiFi 6 on board, as well as – of course – being an AirPlay enabled device that is capable playing a part in an Apple multi-room music system.
A neat new feature is you’ll be able to use your iPhone’s light sensor to help set the correct color balance for your Apple TV’s output.
While the box itself hasn’t changed, there’s welcome news that Apple has improved the awful Apple TV remote. The new Siri Remote has a circular control pad that is also capacitive so can handle gestures as well.
You can actually buy the remote on its own for £55 and its backwards compatible with the previous-generation Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD boxes.
It will, of course, be the one you get in the box with the 2021 Apple TV 4K model; as well as being included with the Apple TV HD, going forward, which remains on sale.
The new Apple TV 4K is £139; it goes on sale later this month.
It wasn’t all good news on the Apple TV front though – it was also confirmed that Ted Lasso has been renewed for a 2nd-season.
