Published 12:40 14 Oct 2026 GMT+1

You might not need to buy Apple's latest $299 TV device to unlock biggest AI feature

Siri AI will be available on the new Apple TV 4K

Rikki Loftus

Earlier this week, Apple announced that its new Apple TV 4K would soon be hitting the shelves, with it expected to become available next month.

But despite the 4th generation of the Apple TV coming with a $299 price tag, it turns out that you might not need to make the purchase to unlock the device’s biggest AI feature.

The tech giant unveiled its latest version of the TV yesterday (October 13), with pre-orders open now and the device expected to launch on November 13.

New AI feature coming to the Apple TV 4K

As part of the announcement, Apple shared that the device will feature Siri AI, which is an entirely new version of the company’s digital assistant that is powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence.

This week Apple announced that its new Apple TV 4K (Apple)

The company states that this feature will transform ‘how users search for, discover, and enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows through a full-screen Siri AI experience’.

Apple continues: “With built-in far-field microphones, Apple TV 4K also lets users talk to Siri completely hands-free.”

However, if you own an older Apple TV and are reluctant to make the switch then fear not, because you might not need to buy the latest edition in order to gain access to Siri AI.

This is because Apple’s official announcement confirms that Siri AI will be available as a beta on the Apple TV 4K for 2nd generation or later.

This will be available at launch in various countries including the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK in English.

Bob Borchers, who is the Apple vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said: “The new Apple TV 4K is our most immersive home theater experience yet.

Siri AI will be available on the new Apple TV 4K (Apple)

“With Siri AI, finding something to watch becomes a full-screen, conversational experience, and with built-in far-field microphones, it’s completely hands-free. Pair it with HomePod for the best surround sound setup we’ve ever offered, and it makes managing your Apple Home accessories easier than ever. Now, alongside HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and Apple Home Collection, it’s part of the most connected Apple Home we’ve ever built.”