Common sense
Siri AI launched publicly on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even Apple Watches running OS 27 last month, and it’s been really refreshing to have a virtual assistant that can actually help. The Apple TV 4K 4 finally embraces this AI-powered foundation, making its smart TVs smarter than ever. Naturally, most users will want to replace classic Siri with Siri AI in their living rooms, prompting them to purchase the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K.
But here’s the thing: Siri AI isn’t actually exclusive to the Apple TV 4K 4. With the tvOS 27.2 update, the company will also make it available to second- and third-generation models released in 2021 and 2022.
As long as you’ve paired the device with a compatible iPhone or iPad, you’ll get the same core set of updated AI tools on your old Apple TV 4K. These include having richer conversations with Siri, performing more complex tasks, leveraging your personal context, and analyzing what’s on your screen.
If you have a third-generation Apple TV 4K, you’ll get the new Siri AI.
Foundry
already listening
To make Siri AI more accessible, Apple TV 4K 4 integrates always-on microphones, saving you from having to search for your Siri Remote to activate the voice assistant. This allows you to control the TV hands-free by saying the keywords “Siri” or “Hey Siri.” But what if I told you that I’ve been using Siri on my Apple TV 4K 3 for years without touching the remote?
While the Apple TV 4K 3 and earlier models do not independently listen for wake words, there is an official workaround that works reliably. If you rely on a HomePod or a HomePod stereo pair for Apple TV 4K audio output, your smart speakers already detect when you call Siri using your voice and, by default, make your requests to the paired Apple TV 4K. For example, I yell “Siri, turn on my TV” and then “Siri, start YouTube” all the time, and it successfully opens the app on the big screen, even though the command is processed on the HomePod itself.
Old TV, new remote control
Speaking of finding the Siri remote, the new Apple TV 4K comes with a fourth-generation Siri remote that features proper Find My support. This allows you to precisely locate it and have it beep using your iPhone, like an AirTag. It’s a massive improvement over the existing location feature, which can’t always identify the whereabouts of the lost remote.
