The new Apple TV 4K doesn’t fix its biggest problem

The new Apple Tv 4K doesn't fix its biggest problem — here'southward why

New Apple TV 4K (2021) with new Siri remote

(Image credit: Apple)

At first, I was actually excited virtually the new Apple Television 4K 2021, so much so that downloaded the beta version of tvOS 14.5 onto one of our Apple TV 4K's to try out the new display calibration characteristic for myself. It sounded cool: yous tin can make sure your TV screen is producing color accurately, with your phone.

Merely once I got everything fix, I realized that I couldn't apply Color Balance, as I've got Dolby Vision, which has its own color calibration profile. And that'south when I started to look more than closely at the new Apple TV 4K and wonder if it was really the upgrade we needed.

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The new Siri Remote is a large win ... you can buy solo

While my overall mood about the new Apple TV 4K isn't exactly excited, that's because of something proficient that Apple'due south done. The old Siri Remote is gone, and in its identify is a new Siri Remote, one with navigation buttons you can click, and not the much-maligned touchpad of previous models.

Almost of the fourth dimension, I'd gotten used to the sometime remote. That was until those moments where I would effort and perform the rewind or fast forrard x seconds command. And so I fumbled, and fumbled often. The new remote also improves on the old one by moving the Siri button to the side of the remote — and filling its original spot with a mute button.

Siri Remote for Apple TV 4K — (Image credit: Apple)

And this looks like the remote that the Apple Television receiver should have shipped with. Those who liked the gestures of the original remote tin skim forwards and backwards by dragging your finger effectually the border of the remote's circular D-Pad, while the residual of united states tin click the directional buttons. It's a win-win.

Oh, and simply similar the previous Siri remote, yous can buy information technology separately. Frustratingly, though, information technology ain't cheap. Yous'll spend $59 to go the new Siri Remote on its own, which is twice equally much as the new Roku Voice Remote Pro costs. That said, I call up many are much more than probable to buy this on its own than upgrade from the existing Apple TV 4K.

The Apple tree TV 4K doesn't need for speed, all the same

As someone who loves the Apple Tv 4K (even though information technology's quite expensive), I tin can say with some confidence that I didn't call up it needed a new processor. But with the new Apple Idiot box 4K, the A10X Fusion scrap is out and the A12 Bionic processor is in. And having reviewed iPads that pack both of those fries, I'm non certain how much of a boost that volition provide.

The A10X Fusion-based 2017 iPad Pro (10.5-inch) netted a 9,233 on Geekbench four general operation benchmark, while the A12 Bionic-based iPad Air 2019 landed a little north of that, with a score of xi,471. So while there is some departure, both tablets were pretty fast as is. Apple boasts that this will enable a "pregnant boost in graphics performance, video decoding, and audio processing."

New Apple TV 4K color balancing — (Image credit: Apple tree)

And while I've never thought "oh, the Apple Idiot box 4K is too slow" (its card navigation is faster than any other streaming device I've tested), Apple tree does have a employ case for this: HDR and Dolby Vision video at up to 60 frames per second. This should make a lot of content (Apple focused on sports) look more realistic and smoothen, and Apple listed FOX Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Scarlet Bull TV, and Canal+ as partners information technology's working with for this projection.

And this would exist huge news, if the Roku Ultra didn't already offer Dolby Vision at 60fps. And the Roku Ultra is only $99.99, which is $79 less than the entry-level Apple tree Television 4K.

Then, what does the Apple Goggle box 4K need?

Almost a month ago, I bankrupt down my wish-list for the Apple Tv 4K 2021. First on my listing was a new remote, and kudos to Apple for providing. Information technology's just missing i thing: the Apple tree U1 chip. That'due south the mechanism Apple tree's using to track its devices, including the Apple AirTag trackers. Since the remote is 1 of the devices we have a difficult time keeping rail of, it's a frustrating shame that you tin can't use the Notice My app to figure out which couch cushion your remote is nether. Fifty-fifty the Roku Ultra has a way to assist you find a lost remote.

Also, I was really hoping a new Apple TV would come with a video game (Apple Arcade nonetheless seems to be more of a promise than a success) or two that collection home the need for a new processor. Image processing is nifty and all, only the Apple TV 4K's high price of $179 (which is $130 more than the Roku Streaming Stick Plus, and the Chromecast with Google Boob tube, two of our higher-ranking picks for the all-time streaming device), the Apple Telly 4K 2021 needs to do a lot more than than those other devices to explain its value.

I also would have accepted Apple offer a more affordable Apple tree TV streaming box, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards.

New Apple TV 4K outlook

For now, the Apple Telly 4K will be good for some (not everyone can do Dolby Vision), but it's still hard to brand a serious sales pitch for it. That is, unless you're like me, and value its super-make clean interface and the integration to the iPhone command center.

If you're still using the Apple Television receiver HD, and you've been waiting for a reason to upgrade, this might exist the time if you're similar me and prefer the tvOS manner (even if it costs an arm and a leg more). But upgrading from the onetime Apple Tv set 4K to the new model doesn't seem quite right.

Hopefully the side by side Apple tree Goggle box provides the significant jump this box needs. For now, I'm mostly excited nigh a new remote.

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Henry is a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past 6-plus years. Prior to joining Tom'southward Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Mag. He's besides covered the wild world of professional person wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.