Many are waiting for a new version of the Apple TV, as the set-top box hasn't been updated since 2022. The truth is that there is an update coming this year, but Apple is holding off on the next Apple TV until the new version of Siri this fall.
Design
Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing in 2026. The next Apple TV will have the same squircle shape as the current model and will be made of a black plastic material.
Overall, we expect the 2026 Apple TV to be no different externally from the current model. It will have the same size and design.
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New Chip
The Apple TV 4K will get a new A-series chip , and that will be the biggest upgrade. Rumors suggest that Apple plans to use the A17 Pro that was first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models
Compared to the A15 Bionic, which powers the current Apple TV, the A17 Pro is a significant upgrade. It's built on a 3-nanometer process for faster speeds and better efficiency. It even features hardware-accelerated ray tracing for higher-quality graphics in games.
The A17 Pro is the oldest chip that supports Apple Intelligence.
Since Apple has delayed updating the Apple TV for so long, it's likely that it will get an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM upgrade is also possible, especially if the Apple TV supports Apple Intelligence in some way.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
The next Apple TV is ready for launch, but new Siri features aren't. Apple wants to launch the Apple TV with the smarter version of Siri that's in the works.
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Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the Apple TV is tied to “new AI capabilities” that Apple plans to bring by iOS 27 (in September 2026). Apple had intended to launch Siri’s AI capabilities in the spring of 2026, but the company has been struggling.
Along with Apple TV, the rumored home hub and a new version of HomePod await upgraded Siri.
Wi-Fi – Bluetooth and Thread
The Apple TV could get Apple's N1 networking chip with support for Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 operates on the 6GHz band offered by newer routers. 6GHz connectivity is faster and less congested, which is needed for streaming content .
The Apple TV 4K could get Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and headphones.
Apple's N1 chip also supports Thread, so the Apple TV will be able to continue to function as a Thread border router and Matter hub for smart home devices.
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Apple TV: Price and Release Date
There are rumors of a price cut, so it's possible that Apple has plans for a cheaper Apple TV. The company could release two models, one that's high-end and one that has lower specs and a lower price. Alternatively, it could keep the existing Apple TV as a budget option.
Given that the new version of Siri has been delayed to iOS 27 and Apple TV is tied to that update, we likely won't see the Apple TV refreshed before September 2026.
