Upcoming Apple TV may add a built-in microphone and a speaker-equipped remote

Apple has reportedly tested two upgrades for its next Apple TV 4K: built-in microphones for Siri voice commands and a Siri Remote with an integrated speaker to help users find it. The features could make the streaming box more convenient to use, although it is unclear whether either will appear in the final product.

The current Apple TV lets users talk to Siri through the remote or a paired HomePod. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has tested adding microphones to the Apple TV itself, allowing users to issue Siri voice commands directly.

The second change concerns the Siri Remote. Apple has reportedly tested a built-in speaker that would make the remote easier to locate when it slips between sofa cushions or gets lost elsewhere in the room. The current remote already offers a basic finding feature, but an integrated speaker could make it more convenient.

Apple is expected to announce a new Apple TV 4K at its “Welcome Home” event on October 13, alongside an updated HomePod mini 2 and a new HomeView (or HomePad) smart display. The smart display is reportedly expected to arrive in mid-November, while the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 could go on sale on October 30.

The current Apple TV 4K was introduced in 2022, making a hardware refresh long overdue. Previous reports have also mentioned a faster A19 chip that could support Apple's revamped Siri AI features.