Apple TV 4K (2026) vs. 2022: Is the $429 Upgrade Worth It?

Apple has updated the Apple TV 4K for the first time in four years, adding a faster A19 chip, hands-free Siri AI and new home theatre features. But at $429 CAD in Canada, is the 2026 model worth buying if you already own the 2022 version?

The fourth-gen Apple TV 4K was announced Tuesday, replacing the third-gen model from 2022. It’s a significant hardware upgrade, but some of its biggest software features are also coming to older models.

Apple TV 4K (2026) vs. 2022: Specs Compared

Here’s how the two generations compare, including Canadian launch pricing and the features that matter most.

Source: Apple TV 4K (2026) technical specifications and Apple TV 4K (2022) technical specifications. Performance gains are based on Apple’s claims.

A19 Chip Brings More Speed, But Do You Need It?

The biggest hardware improvement is the move from Apple’s A15 Bionic chip to the A19. Apple claims the new processor delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance and twice the graphics performance of the 2022 model.

That should help with Apple Arcade games, app loading and general navigation. There’s also a dedicated AV1 decoder for more efficient video streaming, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

However, both devices already support 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos. We’re a bit surprised Apple hasn’t bumped the 2026 model beyond 60 fps. If you mainly watch Netflix, YouTube or Apple TV, the faster processor alone probably isn’t enough reason to replace a perfectly good streaming box.

Siri AI Is Coming to the 2022 Model, Too

Apple is making Siri AI a major selling point of the new Apple TV 4K, but the feature isn’t exclusive to the latest hardware.

The company confirmed that Siri AI will also work on second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K devices, bringing conversational searches, entertainment recommendations and questions about what you’re watching to existing owners.

What the 2026 model adds is hands-free Siri through three built-in far-field microphones. You can say “Hey Siri” from across the room without picking up the remote, even while something is playing.

The new Siri Remote also supports Precision Finding and can play a sound when misplaced. Better yet, Apple says the updated remote works with older Apple TV models and can be purchased separately.

Four HomePods for Surround Sound

Home theatre enthusiasts get another reason to consider upgrading, as the 2026 Apple TV 4K supports a four-speaker HomePod surround sound setup.

Owners can pair four HomePod mini 2 or second-generation HomePod speakers, using matching front and rear pairs. Apple says the speakers automatically calibrate their positioning, timing and audio levels for the room. That’s $800 CAD and you may be considering Sonos speakers instead to work with your Apple TV.

The 2022 model already supports a stereo HomePod pair and Dolby Atmos, so this addition matters most to people planning a larger Apple-based speaker setup.

Is the Apple TV 4K (2026) Worth $429?

The biggest sticking point is the price. Apple’s 2022 model originally started at $179 CAD, while the new Apple TV 4K costs $429 CAD. That’s a $250 difference compared with the previous generation’s entry-level launch price, and more than twice the price.

For most people who already own the 2022 Apple TV 4K, we’d recommend keeping it. You still get excellent 4K streaming, Dolby Atmos and access to Siri AI, without spending hundreds of dollars on new hardware. Siri AI is not a game changer when you compare it to AI agents like Muse or Grok Bot.

The 2026 model makes more sense if you want hands-free Siri, faster gaming performance, Wi-Fi 7 or Apple’s new four-HomePod surround sound setup.

Pre-orders are open now in Canada, with availability starting November 13.

Are you planning to upgrade to the new Apple TV 4K, or is your 2022 model still doing everything you need?