Apple TV 4K price hike and AI updates debated in TrustedReviews column
Apple TV 4K Pricing and Siri AI Updates Argued in New Column
In a column published on trustedreviews.com, an unnamed contributor who writes they do not own or plan to buy the hardware argues that the new Apple TV 4K brings little functional change while raising hardware costs significantly. The writer states that despite long-standing industry speculation surrounding Apple’s media streaming hardware, the latest iteration fails to justify its higher price point or its heavy emphasis on artificial intelligence integration. The columnist notes that Sonos previously avoided entering the TV streaming market because its attempted box was too expensive, a warning Apple seemingly ignored.
The Tech TL;DR:
- The 128GB Apple TV 4K model price increases from £169 / $149 to £299 / $299.
- Artificial intelligence upgrades powered by Google are added to Siri for conversational queries.
- Support is added for up to four HomePod or HomePod mini speakers, bringing audio setup costs up to £1,200.
Siri Intelligence Upgrades and Media Immersion Debated
The author writes that the delay of several Apple hardware products stemmed from waiting for Siri to receive an intelligence upgrade. With assistance from Google, Apple’s AI Intelligence now powers Siri on the streaming device. The column contends that conversational AI features disrupt viewing immersion by prompting users to think about external trivia rather than focusing on the program itself, concluding that most viewers will likely ignore the feature entirely. The author questions whether the new model really changes the experience of watching TV aside from adding AI, and notes that while the experience will likely be slick, people remain hesitant about a device that is always listening and waiting for commands, despite Apple’s privacy and security measures. The writer remarks that the device is touted as a fully hands-free experience, though they prefer to have something in their hand rather than being much of a conversationalist.
Hardware Costs and Component Price Pressures Analyzed
Addressing the financial barrier to entry, the columnist highlights the substantial price increase for the top-tier hardware configuration. The 128GB model now retails for £299 / $299, marking a sharp rise from the previous £169 / $149 price tag. By closing the price gap that once gave the device a distinct market advantage, the new model now competes directly with specialized home entertainment hardware without offering a fundamentally transformed user experience. The author acknowledges that 4K Blu-ray players cost as much or more, but counters that such players have always carried that price, making the Apple TV 4K price hike a blow to itself rather than competing hardware.
Audio Configuration Costs and Codec Support Questioned
The column points out that pairing the streamer with up to four HomePod speakers introduces steep auxiliary expenses, noting that four standard HomePod 2 units total £1,200, which brings the minimum system outlay close to £1,000 when purchasing the new box. The writer observes that the hardware specifications lack any mention of Dolby Vision 2 support despite industry discussions spanning over a year. While AV1 decoding support is included, the author notes that adoption rates for the codec remain slow, leaving the updated Apple TV 4K appealing primarily to its existing niche audience rather than expanding its reach.
