Apple announced its new Apple TV 4K (4th generation) on Tuesday, October 13 as part of its "Welcome Home" announcements — the first hardware refresh since 2022 — alongside a HomeView smart display and a new HomePod mini.
The new box runs Apple's A19 chip (up to 50% faster CPU and 2x the GPU performance of the A15 in the previous model), adds a dedicated AV1 decoder, three far-field microphones for hands-free Siri, and a rebuilt Siri AI (beta in tvOS 27.2, English only, available in Canada). Connectivity is Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and Gigabit Ethernet — all standard on the single 128GB configuration. The updated Siri Remote adds Find My with Precision Finding and a built-in speaker.
Apple TV runs tvOS, with the App Store as the usual way to download apps. Apple also supports TestFlight beta apps on Apple TV and running development builds through Xcode. These routes use tvOS apps; they do not let you install Android APK files directly.
Compare the apps you need, their installation requirements and the hardware features you will use before choosing either receiver.
What the new Apple TV 4K offers
Confirmed specifications:
- A19 chip — up to 50% faster CPU, 2x GPU vs the A15, plus a dedicated AV1 decoder
- Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread — plus Gigabit Ethernet, all standard
- Updated Siri Remote with Find My Precision Finding and a built-in speaker
- Same compact design, now with three far-field mics for hands-free Siri
- Siri AI beta (tvOS 27.2, English) — available in Canada
The new 4th-generation model costs CA$429 for 128GB — the only configuration. Pre-orders opened October 13, in stores November 13. That's more than double the previous generation's $199 CAD launch price — Apple doesn't do budget streamers.
Where it falls short for power users
- Different app formats and installation routes. Apple TV needs tvOS-compatible apps. TestFlight and Xcode provide beta and development testing routes, but they are not Android APK installers.
- No USB ports, no storage expansion. 128GB is the only configuration, and that's final.
- Gigabit Ethernet is standard on the new single-SKU model — Apple collapsed the old two-tier lineup. But there's still no USB and no way to add storage.
- Price comparison: Apple TV 4K is CA$429; the Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition is CA$294.99 — a CA$134.01 difference before applicable taxes and shipping.
Apple TV may suit a setup built around Apple services when the required apps are available for tvOS. Check app availability and supported features for your region before ordering.
The Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition: the open alternative
The Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition takes the opposite approach. It runs an open Android-based platform, which means:
- Compatible Android APK installation. Check each app's device requirements before installing it. Formuler notes that some third-party apps do not work properly with the remote; installation alone does not establish usable controls or support for your streaming service.
- USB ports and microSD expansion. Add storage for recordings and media libraries; the Apple TV's fixed storage isn't a constraint here.
- MYTVOnline3 built in — Formuler's purpose-built portal interface.
- Gigabit Ethernet standard, plus dual-band Wi-Fi.
- 4GB RAM / 32GB storage with room to grow.
The BT1 Edition costs CA$294.99 and includes the GTV-BT1 Bluetooth voice remote. The standard Formuler Z11 Pro Max with the GTV-IR1 infrared remote costs CA$249.99. Both editions use the same receiver hardware; the included remote is the difference.
Side-by-side
| Apple TV 4K (4th gen, confirmed) | Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | tvOS | Open Android-based platform |
| App installation | App Store; TestFlight betas and Xcode development testing | Compatible Android APKs; app requirements still apply |
| Storage expansion | No | USB + microSD |
| Ethernet | Gigabit standard | Gigabit standard |
| Voice assistant | Siri AI (beta, English) | Google Assistant |
| Price (CAD) | CA$429 | $294.99 |
Prices checked October 15, 2026: CA$429 from Apple’s Canadian announcement, and Formuler prices from the linked Dreamlinkstore.com product pages. Check those pages for current pricing and availability. Applicable taxes and shipping are shown at checkout.
Who should buy which
Compare the Apple TV 4K if: you use Apple services and the apps you need support tvOS. TestFlight is for available beta builds, while Xcode is a development workflow; neither replaces checking ordinary app availability before buying.
Compare the Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition if: you need compatible Android apps, MYTVOnline 3, USB peripherals or storage expansion. Confirm app compatibility, remote controls and supported playback features for your intended services.
Frequently asked questions
When is the new Apple TV 4K coming out?
Announced October 13, 2026; pre-orders are open and it's in stores November 13, 2026.
How much will the new Apple TV 4K cost?
CA$429 for the single 128GB configuration.
Can you sideload apps on Apple TV?
Apple provides TestFlight for invited beta testing and Xcode for running development builds on Apple TV. Those are specific tvOS testing workflows, not a way to install Android APK files. For everyday use, check the tvOS App Store and the app developer's supported devices.
Is the Formuler Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition better than Apple TV 4K?
It depends on your apps and equipment. The Z11 Pro Max BT1 Edition offers compatible Android APK installation, USB ports and storage expansion. Apple TV uses tvOS apps and integrates with Apple services. Compare the features you need and each app's supported devices.