Apple TV 2026: What is known so far
Many are eagerly awaiting a new Apple TV version in 2026, as the set-top box hasn’t been updated since 2022. While an update is planned for this year, users will have to wait a while longer, as Apple will only release the next Apple TV version after the release of the new Siri version in autumn.
Apple TV 2026 design
Design updates for Apple TV are rare, and that won’t change in 2026. The 2026 Apple TV will have the same square shape as the current model and will continue to be made of black plastic.
We expect the next Apple TV to be externally indistinguishable from the current model, as there will be no changes to size or design.
New chipset
The 2026 Apple TV will receive a new A-series chip – the biggest upgrade yet. Rumors suggest Apple plans to use the A17 Pro, which will debut in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current Apple TV 4K the A17 Pro is a significant upgrade and a good reason to wait before buying the current model. The A17 Pro is based on a 3-nanometer process for higher speeds and better efficiency and features hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved graphics quality in games.
The A17 Pro is Apple’s oldest chip to support Apple Intelligence and also powers the iPad mini 7.
Since Apple TV is so far overdue by 2026, it’s possible it will receive an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM upgrade is also conceivable, especially if it offers some kind of Apple Intelligence support.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
The hardware for Apple TV 2026 has been ready for launch for a long time, but new Siri features are the point where it gets stuck. Apple plans to launch the new Apple TV with a smarter version of Siri. While it’s in development, it’s not yet ready for use.
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that Apple TV 2026 is linked to “new AI features,” the release of which Apple has postponed until iOS 27, scheduled for September 2026. Apple had originally planned to introduce the Apple Intelligence and Siri features in spring 2026, but the company continued to experience issues with Siri. Currently, we expect the new Siri features to be available only with iOS 27, which also means a delay for all Apple devices.
Furthermore, Siri is also awaiting the alleged HomePad and a new version of the HomePod.
Updated Siri features may require more memory and a faster chip. So, if you want to use the smarter Siri on the 2026 Apple TV, that’s another reason to wait before buying.
Wi-Fi
The Apple TV could receive Apple’s N1 network chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 uses the 6 GHz band offered by newer routers. The 6 GHz connection is faster and less congested, which is desirable for a device designed for streaming content.
Bluetooth
The Apple TV 4K could receive Bluetooth 6 to connect devices such as controllers and headphones. Apple’s N1 chip also supports Thread, so the Apple TV can continue to function as a Thread border router and Matter hub for smart home devices.
Price
There have been rumors about a price reduction, so it’s possible that Apple has plans for a cheaper Apple TV.
Apple could release two models, one with higher specifications and one with lower specifications and a lower price. Or it could keep the existing Apple TV as a cost-effective alternative.
Start date
Since the new version of Siri was pushed to iOS 27 and Apple TV 2026 depends on this update, we probably won’t see the new version before September 2026.
