The Apple TV 4K is slated for an update in 2026, marking its first refresh since 2022. This update is anticipated to follow the launch of Siri AI in iOS 27. The design of the new Apple TV will remain unchanged, retaining its squircle shape and black plastic material, making it indistinguishable from the current model. The most significant upgrade will be the inclusion of a new A-series chip, with the A17 Pro being the likely candidate. This chip, first seen in the iPhone 15 Pro, offers improved speed and efficiency, hardware-accelerated ray tracing for enhanced gaming graphics, and AV1 decoding for better streaming quality. There is also speculation that the device might feature an even newer chip, such as the A18 or A19, alongside potential RAM upgrades to support Apple Intelligence.
The release of the Apple TV is currently delayed due to new Siri features, which Apple plans to unveil with iOS 27 in September 2026. These features, which are tied to Apple’s artificial intelligence advancements, are crucial to the launch of the next Apple TV, as well as other devices like the rumored home hub and a new HomePod version. To accommodate these updates, the Apple TV might require additional RAM and a faster chip.
Connectivity upgrades are also expected, with potential support for Apple’s N1 networking chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 compatibility for faster and less congested streaming. Bluetooth 6 could be introduced for better device connections, and the N1 chip’s Thread support would allow the Apple TV to function as a Thread border router and Matter hub for smart home integration.
While there is speculation about a new Siri Remote, details remain unclear. Despite earlier rumors of a price drop, the recent price increase for the 2022 Apple TV and other Apple products makes a lower price unlikely. The refreshed Apple TV is expected to launch around the same time as new iPhone models, coinciding with the release of Siri AI in iOS 27.
