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For most new buyers, choose the Apple TV 4K (4th generation). It is Apple’s current model, with the new A19 chip and updated Siri features. Choose the older Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) 128GB Wi‑Fi + Ethernet model only when you specifically need a documented 128GB capacity and a built-in Ethernet port, and its discounted price makes the older hardware worthwhile. Apple has not published the 4th-generation storage capacity or confirmed an Ethernet port on the official pages reviewed, so do not assume that the new model is 64GB, 128GB, or Ethernet-equipped.
The short buying answer
- Buy the 4th generation if you want the current hardware, do not require a known storage figure, and are happy using its confirmed built-in Wi‑Fi.
- Buy the 3rd-generation 128GB Wi‑Fi + Ethernet model if 128GB is a firm requirement or you need a documented wired network port. It also includes Thread networking.
- Buy the 3rd-generation 64GB Wi‑Fi model only if it is substantially cheaper and your use is primarily streaming over wireless networking. It has the least storage and does not include Ethernet.
The decision is less about choosing between “64GB and 128GB” on the new Apple TV than many buying guides suggest. Apple’s current product pages do not state a 4th-generation capacity, so the old storage labels cannot be carried forward.
What is current: Apple TV 4K (4th generation)
Apple announced the Apple TV 4K (4th generation) on October 13, 2026. Preorders opened that day in the United States at $299, with store availability beginning November 13, 2026. The new model uses an A19 chip, adds Siri AI, and has three far-field microphones for voice interaction. Apple also introduced a redesigned Siri Remote with Find My support.
Apple reports performance of up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to twice the GPU performance compared with the previous generation. Those are Apple’s stated maximum improvements, not an independent benchmark, and actual gains depend on the app or game. The release also identifies a dedicated AV1 decoder, built-in Wi‑Fi and Thread, and support for a four-speaker HomePod setup.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
Apple vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing Bob Borchers described it as “our most immersive home theater experience yet.” That positioning matters if you are deciding whether an older discounted unit is worth buying: the 4th generation is not merely a storage refresh, but a new platform with updated processing and voice features.
Apple TV 4K options compared
| Model | Storage documented by Apple | Networking | Hardware notes | Price and timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K (4th generation) | Not stated on the reviewed official pages | Built-in Wi‑Fi and Thread confirmed; Ethernet port not confirmed | A19 chip, Siri AI, three far-field microphones, dedicated AV1 decoder, redesigned Siri Remote with Find My | $299 U.S. preorder; available November 13, 2026 |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), Wi‑Fi | 64GB | Wi‑Fi only | Older-generation platform | Current price not stated; remaining stock may be discounted |
| Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), Wi‑Fi + Ethernet | 128GB | Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and Thread | Older-generation platform | Current price not stated; remaining stock may be discounted |
The third-generation capacities and connectivity are Apple’s documented specifications. The absence of a 4th-generation storage figure is a publication gap, not evidence that the new device has no storage or that it uses one of the older capacities.
How much storage do you need?
For streaming apps
Storage mainly affects how many apps, games, and locally cached files the box can retain. A household that installs a modest set of streaming services and uses the Apple TV primarily for video playback may not need 128GB. Streaming does not mean an entire movie library is permanently stored on the device; the service delivers the content over the network.
That practical pattern is why the 3rd-generation 64GB model can be adequate for a simple streaming setup, provided you do not also need Ethernet. It is a use-case judgment, not a claim that every 64GB buyer will have the same free space after updates and app caches.
For games and a large app library
Games can occupy considerably more space than lightweight streaming apps, and a device used by several people may accumulate more titles, profiles, and cached data. If you already know that you want a documented 128GB Apple TV, the 3rd-generation Wi‑Fi + Ethernet model is the only capacity explicitly identified in Apple’s specifications among these choices.
Rank #2
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound for immersive, room-filling sound - 1080p HD high-quality video for fluid, crisp video
- Apple A8 chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics, for even better game and app experiences than ever before
- Smooth, easy voice search by asking the Siri Remote - Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your device on your TV
- Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ - Watch the latest hits from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
- More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music - Private listening using up to two sets of AirPods
For the 4th generation
Do not buy the 4th generation on the assumption that it contains 64GB or 128GB. Apple’s Store and product information reviewed for this guide identify the model and its price but do not publish a storage capacity or a second storage tier. Wait for an official technical specification if a capacity requirement is non-negotiable; otherwise, select it for its current hardware and accept that Apple has not stated the number.
Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and Thread: what changes in practice?
Wi‑Fi
Wi‑Fi is the simplest choice when the Apple TV is close to a capable router and you want fewer cables. The 3rd-generation 64GB model is Wi‑Fi only. Apple confirms built-in Wi‑Fi on the 4th generation, so wireless networking is an established option for the current product.
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Placement and local network conditions matter more than the label alone. A television in a room separated from the router by thick walls, floors, or long distances can experience buffering or inconsistent game-streaming latency even when the broadband plan is fast.
Ethernet
A wired Ethernet connection can make the network path more predictable when the router is nearby or a cable run already exists. It is also useful in congested wireless environments and in installations where you want the Apple TV to remain on a stable wired link.
The 3rd-generation 128GB Wi‑Fi + Ethernet model explicitly includes Ethernet. Apple’s 4th-generation release and Store information reviewed here confirm Wi‑Fi and Thread but do not describe an Ethernet port or an alternate wired configuration. If a physical network jack is essential, choose the documented 3rd-generation Ethernet model rather than guessing that the new box includes one.
Rank #3
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Thread
Thread is a low-power networking protocol used by compatible smart-home accessories. Apple documents Thread support on the 3rd-generation 128GB Wi‑Fi + Ethernet model and confirms built-in Thread on the 4th generation. The 3rd-generation 64GB Wi‑Fi specification does not list Thread, so do not treat all third-generation configurations as equivalent.
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The 4th-generation Apple TV 4K is listed at $299 in the United States for preorder on October 13, 2026, and Apple says it becomes available on November 13, 2026. That is the reference price for a current model, not a temporary sale price.
Apple has not provided a current price for either third-generation configuration in the information used here. Older units may appear at a discount while inventory remains, but the discount has to compensate for older hardware and the possibility of limited availability. Compare the actual price of a remaining 3rd-generation unit with $299 rather than assuming that every older listing is a bargain.
There is no published 4th-generation storage surcharge to compare because Apple has not announced a second storage tier. A seller listing a “64GB” or “128GB” 4th-generation device should be treated as unverified until Apple publishes matching specifications.
Requirements and cables before you order
Apple’s Store requirements call for the following:
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Rank #4
- DESIGNED IN THE USA.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Deluxe Apple TV mount and mounting hardware. (Apple TV 4K, remote, and HDMI cable are not included.)
- PERFECT for wall-mounted televisions: Attaches Apple TV to the back of your television (or to a wall near your television).
- COMPATIBLE with ALL Apple TV generations and models. (This mount is compatible with Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi and Apple TV 4K Wi-Fi + Ethernet. This mount is compatible with all 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 Apple TV models.)
- HEAT MANAGEMENT – Ventilation channels allow cool air to flow under your Apple TV.
- A television with HD capability or better.
- An HDMI cable for HD streaming.
- A compatible HDMI cable for 4K HDR streaming; Apple specifically calls for a Dolby Vision-compatible HDMI cable when that format is required.
- Either a wireless network or wired Ethernet.
- Broadband internet access.
HDMI and USB‑C cables are sold separately. Check your existing cable before ordering: having a 4K television does not automatically mean an old or unsuitable HDMI cable will deliver every HDR mode. If you are buying the 3rd-generation Ethernet model, you will also need an Ethernet cable long enough to reach the router or network switch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A decision process that avoids the common mistakes
- Decide whether a wired port is mandatory. If the Apple TV must connect by Ethernet, the documented choice is the 3rd-generation 128GB Wi‑Fi + Ethernet model. The 4th-generation Ethernet situation is not confirmed in the reviewed Apple material.
- Decide whether 128GB is mandatory. If yes, select the documented 3rd-generation 128GB model and verify the seller’s exact configuration. If no, continue.
- Choose current hardware or a discounted older unit. Choose the 4th generation for the A19 platform, new Siri features, updated remote, and current support direction. Consider the 3rd-generation 64GB Wi‑Fi model only when its lower price is important and wireless networking is suitable.
- Check the listing details. Confirm generation, storage, and networking in the product description. Do not rely on a generic “Apple TV 4K” title, because the three configurations do not have the same storage or network hardware.
- Budget for cables. Add a compatible HDMI cable, and an Ethernet cable if you select the wired model.
Setup steps after delivery
- Connect the Apple TV to an HDMI input on the television, then connect power. Use a compatible HDMI cable for the resolution and HDR format you intend to watch.
- Turn on the television and select the HDMI input used by the Apple TV.
- Follow the on-screen setup prompts to choose language, region, Apple Account, and privacy settings.
- Open Settings > Network. Select the available Wi‑Fi network and enter its password, or connect Ethernet first and confirm that the wired connection is recognized.
- Install required streaming apps and sign in. Keep the device close enough to the router for a stable wireless signal if you selected a Wi‑Fi configuration.
- Test playback with a known 4K HDR title. If the picture is limited to HD, check the television input mode and HDMI cable before changing network settings.
Troubleshooting the choice you made
Video buffers or apps lose connection
On a Wi‑Fi model, test the Apple TV in the same room as the router. If performance improves, the issue is likely wireless coverage or interference rather than storage. A wired connection is the more predictable remedy when an Ethernet-capable model and a practical cable route are available.
The television shows HD instead of 4K HDR
Verify that the television input supports the desired format, then replace an unsuitable HDMI cable with one compatible with 4K HDR and Dolby Vision where applicable. Apple lists the cable as a requirement; a network upgrade will not correct an HDMI limitation.
You cannot find a 4th-generation storage number
That number is not stated on the official pages covered here. Do not infer it from a retailer’s old 3rd-generation listing. If a precise capacity is part of your purchase requirement, use the documented 3rd-generation 128GB model or wait for Apple’s technical specification.
You ordered the wrong third-generation configuration
Check the label or order details for “Wi‑Fi” versus “Wi‑Fi + Ethernet.” The 64GB model is Wi‑Fi only; the 128GB model is the one that adds Ethernet and Thread. Storage and connectivity are tied to the configuration, not interchangeable options after purchase.
Who should buy each model?
Choose Apple TV 4K (4th generation) when
- You want Apple’s current model and its A19-based performance.
- You value the new Siri AI features, three far-field microphones, or Find My support for the redesigned remote.
- Wi‑Fi works for your room and you do not require a published storage figure or Ethernet port.
- You are comfortable buying at the $299 U.S. preorder price and waiting for November 13 availability.
Choose Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) 128GB Wi‑Fi + Ethernet when
- You need a documented 128GB capacity.
- You need built-in Ethernet for a wired installation.
- You want Thread on a configuration for which Apple explicitly lists it.
- The remaining-stock price is meaningfully below the current model.
Choose Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) 64GB Wi‑Fi when
- Your usage is a straightforward streaming setup.
- You do not need Ethernet or the documented Thread support associated with the 128GB configuration.
- The lower price is more important than having the current-generation processor and features.
Final verdict
The safest default is the Apple TV 4K (4th generation): it is the current product and brings the A19 platform, faster claimed CPU and GPU performance, Siri AI, a redesigned remote, and confirmed Wi‑Fi and Thread. The one important qualification is that Apple has not published its storage capacity or confirmed Ethernet on the reviewed official pages.
If your buying decision depends on facts Apple has already documented—128GB storage, a built-in Ethernet port, and Thread—buy the 3rd-generation 128GB Wi‑Fi + Ethernet model, provided the remaining-stock price is attractive. The 3rd-generation 64GB Wi‑Fi model is the budget wireless option, not a substitute for the 128GB Ethernet configuration.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
