Apple TV 4K (2026): What is known so far
The Apple TV 4K hasn’t been updated since 2022 and desperately needs one. This update is planned for the Apple TV 4K (2026), but Apple is expected to delay its release until after the launch of Siri AI in iOS 27.
Apple TV 4K (2026) design
Design updates for Apple TV are rare, and that won’t change. The next Apple TV 4K (2026) will have the same rounded shape as the current model and will continue to be made of black plastic.
We expect that the Apple TV 4K (2026) will not differ externally from the current Apple TV, and there will be no changes to size or design.
New chip
The Apple TV 4K (2026) will be equipped with a new A-series chip, and this will be the biggest upgrade. Rumors suggest Apple plans to use the A17 Pro, which first appeared 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, resulting in higher speeds and improved efficiency. It features hardware-accelerated ray tracing for enhanced graphics quality in games and supports hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding, which is particularly beneficial for streaming content.
The A17 Pro is Apple’s oldest chip to support Apple Intelligence, and it is also used in the iPad mini 7.
Since Apple has held off on the Apple TV update for so long, it’s possible it will receive an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM upgrade is also conceivable, especially if the Apple TV supports Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
The next Apple TV 4K (2026) is nearing its market launch, but new Siri features are delaying the release. Apple plans to equip the Apple TV with the improved version of Siri currently being tested in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple TV is linked to “new AI features” that Apple has postponed until iOS 27, which is scheduled for release in September 2026. Apple had originally planned to introduce Apple Intelligence’s Siri features in spring 2026, but Siri continued to experience issues. Currently, we expect that new Siri features will only be available with iOS 27, which also means a delay for all Apple devices.
Besides Apple TV, the rumored smart home hub and a new version of the HomePod are also awaiting the launch of Siri AI.
Updated Siri features may 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 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 streaming device.
Bluetooth and Thread
The Apple TV 4K could receive Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and earbuds. Apple’s N1 chip also supports Thread, allowing Apple TV to continue functioning as a Thread border router and Matter hub for smart home devices.
Siri Remote
It is possible that Apple will introduce a new Siri Remote alongside Apple TV 4K (2026), however, it is unclear what changes Apple will make.
Pricing
There have been rumors of a price reduction, but given the price increase in June 2026 for the 2022 Apple TV as well as all MacBooks and iPads, a lower price is unlikely.
Start date
Since Siri AI is expected to be introduced in September with iOS 27, we could see Apple TV 4K (2026) updated at the same time as the release of new iPhone models.
