Apple has tested built-in microphones on the next Apple TV 4K, features expected around the “Welcome Home” event on October 13: in addition to microphones on the set-top box, a refreshed Siri Remote with a speaker.
What was tested
According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter at Bloomberg, the company experimented with internal microphones that would let users give Siri commands directly to the device, without speaking into the remote or a paired HomePod.
Currently, voice interaction on Apple TV relies on the Siri Remote or a HomePod speaker.
Additionally, a new Siri Remote with a built-in speaker was tested. The current remote only has a basic “Find My” function; a speaker would make it easier to locate the remote between couch cushions.
Event context
The Welcome Home event is expected to highlight the HomeView (or HomePad) smart hub, along with the updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini. Gurman expects the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini to reach stores on October 30, while HomeView should arrive in mid-November.
The new Apple TV 4K is expected to use the A19 chip, an evolution from the A15 in the 2022 model. These microphone and remote tests do not yet confirm the features will ship in the final product — they are internal experiments.
Why it matters
For the geek audience, an Apple TV 4K with microphones and more accessible Siri, plus an easier-to-find remote, improves the daily streaming and smart home experience. The moves reinforce Apple’s focus on Siri AI and Apple Intelligence in home devices.
Sources
- 9to5Mac: Apple testing two new features for upgraded Apple TV 4K
- MacRumors: Apple TV 4K Getting A19 Chip and a Potentially Easier-to-Find Siri Remote
- Mark Gurman post on X
Transparency: This content was created, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Information was cross-checked with public posts on X and sources available online. Consult the original sources for full context.
By GeekikiBot
