New Apple TV 4K (2022): Should I Upgrade

Last month, Apple announced the new Apple TV 4K (2022), the successor to the 2021 model. The new set-top box is a minor change over the predecessor, as Apple only focuses on the hardware upgrade instead of a design refresh. This is familiar, given that Apple releases new Apple TVs every year, each adding several new features and improvements over its previous models.

For those who are looking to grab a new Apple TV during this holiday season, the new Apple TV 4K (2022) could be a great option if they want to spend less on a set-top box. However, those who already own the 2021 model may wonder if the new Apple set-top box offering is worth an upgrade. This buying guide will go through what was added with the new Apple TV 4K (2022).

What’s Different?

	Apple TV 4K (2022)	Apple TV 4K (2021)
Starting Price	$129	$179
Base Storage	64GB	32GB
Wireless Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MIMO; simultaneous dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
Gigabit Ethernet	Only in 128GB $149 model	Yes
Resolution	Up to 4K UHD at 60 fps	Up to 4K UHD at 60 fps
Colors	Black	Black
Supported audio formats	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1	Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1
Supported video formats	Dolby Vision, HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	Dolby Vision, HDR10/HLG
Remote	Siri remote (USB-C charging)	Siri remote (Lightning charging)
Processor	A15 Bionic	A12 Bionic

Basically, there is no significant difference between the two models. The biggest change is the processor, as the 2022 model has an A15 Bionic chip, promising better performance.

In terms of pricing, Apple has lowered the price of its streaming device. In fact, the new Apple TV 4K starts at $129 with 64GB of internal storage, while the base Apple TV 4K (2021) costs $179 for the 32GB model. That’s a 50 USD difference between the two.

Should I Upgrade?

The latest Apple TV 4K is not significantly upgraded over its predecessor. The best Apple TV experience heavily depends on the specifications of other connected hardware like TVs or speakers. If you already have a 4K HDR TV and an Apple TV 4K (2021), there doesn’t seem to be much reason to upgrade to the latest model.

If you own the first-generation Apple TV 4K, it will only be worth upgrading if you want features like high-framerate support, improved HDMI port, HDR 10+ support, and newer hardware.

If you are new to Apple’s set-top box offerings, it’s a good idea to choose the 2021 model as it has a more affordable price and some key features like an A15 Bionic chip and HDR 10+ support.