New Apple TV is still waiting for Siri
An Apple TV update is long overdue, and rumors of an imminent new release have been circulating since the end of last year. Due to delays with Siri, it now looks like we won’t be getting a new version for the next few months. If you’re waiting for a new model, here’s a summary of the most important new features to help you decide whether to wait longer or buy now.
Apple TV design
Design updates for Apple TV are rare, and that won’t change in 2026. The next model will have the same square shape as the current model and will continue to be made of black plastic.
We would be surprised if the new model differed externally from the old one.
New chip
The most important update will be a new A-series chip, and rumors suggest it will be the A17 Pro chipset, which Apple first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current Apple TV, the A17 Pro represents a significant upgrade and is a good reason to wait before buying the current model. The A17 Pro is based on a 3-nanometer process for increased speed and efficiency and features hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved graphics quality in games.
Since Apple has held off on the update for so long, it’s quite possible that it will receive an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM upgrade is also conceivable, especially if Apple TV supports Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
The next Apple TV is reportedly due to be released any day now, but new Siri features are delaying the launch. Apple wants to introduce the Apple TV with the more intelligent version of Siri that is currently under development, but not yet finished.
Loud Mark Gurman Bloomberg reports that Apple TV is linked to “new AI features” whose release Apple has postponed until September 2026. Apple originally planned to introduce the Apple Intelligence and Siri features in spring 2026 but continued to experience issues with Siri. Currently, we expect the new Siri features to arrive only with iOS 27 will be available, which also means a delay for all Apple devices.
In addition to the new TV box, the alleged Apple HomePad and a Next-gen version of the HomePod are also waiting for Siri.
The updated Siri features likely require more RAM and a faster chip. So, if you want to use the smarter Siri on Apple TV, that’s another reason to wait before buying.
Wi-Fi
Apple’s N1 network chip with Wi-Fi 7 support could provide fast Wi-Fi connections. Wi-Fi 7 uses the 6 GHz band, which is supported by newer routers. The 6 GHz connection is faster and less congested, making it a good choice for a streaming device with high data throughput.
Bluetooth
Apple could opt for Bluetooth 6 to connect devices such as controllers and headphones.
Price
A cheaper version of the current model may soon be available, as rumors of a price reduction are circulating.
Apple could release two models, one with better features and one with inferior features and a lower price. Alternatively, the existing model could continue as a cost-effective alternative.
Start date
If the new version of Siri has been delayed until iOS 27 and Apple TV is linked to this update, we won’t see the new model until September 2026 at the earliest. The new iPhones are coming in this month with iOS 27.
