Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

[MacRumors]

The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27.

Design

Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black plastic material.

We're expecting the 2026 Apple TV to be indistinguishable from the existing Apple TV on the exterior, with no changes to size or design.

New Chip

The Apple TV 4K is going to get a new A-series chip, and that'll be the biggest upgrade. Rumors suggest Apple is planning to use the A17 Pro that was first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current Apple TV, the A17 Pro is a solid update, and it's a good reason to hold off on buying the current model. The A17 Pro is built on a 3-nanometer process for faster speeds and better efficiency. It has hardware-accelerated ray tracing for higher-quality graphics in games and it supports hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding, which is useful for streaming content.

The A17 Pro is the oldest chip Apple makes that supports Apple Intelligence, and it's also used in the iPad mini 7.

Since Apple has held the Apple TV update for so long, it's possible it'll get an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM update is possible too, especially if the Apple TV has any kind of Apple Intelligence support.

Apple Intelligence and Siri

The next Apple TV is ready to launch, but new Siri features are the holdup. Apple wants to release the Apple TV with the smarter version of Siri that Apple is testing in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the Apple TV is linked to "new artificial intelligence features" that Apple has postponed until iOS 27, which is launching in September 2026. Apple intended to debut the Apple Intelligence Siri features in spring 2026, but the company was still experiencing issues with Siri. At this point, we're not going to see new Siri capabilities until iOS 27, which also means a delay for all the devices that Apple is holding.

Along with the Apple TV, the rumored home hub and a new version of the HomePod are waiting on Siri AI's launch.

Updated Siri features may require more RAM and a faster chip, so if you want the smarter Siri on the Apple TV, that's another reason to wait before making a purchase.

Wi-Fi

The Apple TV could get Apple's N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 works with the 6GHz band offered by newer routers.

6GHz connectivity is faster and less congested, which you want for a streaming device.

Bluetooth and Thread

The Apple TV 4K could get Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and earbuds.

Apple's N1 chip also supports Thread, so the Apple TV will be able to continue to serve as a Thread border router and a Matter hub for smart home devices.

Siri Remote

It's possible Apple will introduce a new Siri Remote alongside the Apple TV, though it's unclear what Apple might change.

Pricing

There were rumors of a price drop, but with the June 2026 price increase for the 2022 Apple TV and all Macs and iPads, a lower price is unlikely.

Launch Date

With Siri AI set to launch in September in iOS 27, we could see the Apple TV refreshed right around when new iPhone models come out.

Article Link: Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

 

[Black_Mage]

Is Apple hoping to turn Apple TV into a gaming console with Apple Arcade? The only reason I can think of for an upgrade is to handle more demanding games. If it can already play 4K video smoothly then an upgrade seems unnecessary to me. I have never used Apple TV hardware, just the app.

 

[1point21gigawatts]

Why do I need a faster chip and more RAM in a streaming device that streams just fine already? For AI? I don't need AI to stream.

 

[Neonblue]

My most used product after the iPhone, Im so ready for a refresh. Im so looking forward to this and the home hub.

 

[sully54]

Oh you mean the Apple TV that has supposedly been sitting in a warehouse for 2 years waiting to be released?

 

[1point21gigawatts]

My most used product after the iPhone, Im so ready for a refresh. Im so looking forward to this and the home hub.

I use it a lot, too. And it works just fine! What do you think you'll gain from the newer model?

 

[Surrylic]

Why do I need a faster chip and more RAM in a streaming device that streams just fine already? For AI? I don't need AI to stream.

I’d welcome it. Mine seems pretty laggy when moving around the UI and launching apps these days.

 

[DocMultimedia]

There really is no clue if they will even release another version. It might be a dead product.

 

[Doug.J]

There really is no clue if they will even release another version. It might be a dead product.

I hope not. I really like the product, but I really don't need a new one either. They just work.

 

[Apple MessagePad]

This is year 4 of MacRumors claiming this is the year Apple releases a new Apple TV. What happened to it being released at WWDC?

 

[fatTribble]

I had been planning on upgrading a couple of my oldest Apple TVs that have trickled down to rarely used rooms. But I think with the steep price increases I’ll keep them until they fail.

 

[ignatius345]

I’m on like year 3 of my current one and it’s still doing everything just fine. Hard for me to imagine a compelling reason to upgrade anytime soon.

 

[ELman]

Oh you mean the Apple TV that has supposedly been sitting in a warehouse for 2 years waiting to be released?

And after this release it will be updated again in 1-2 years like they did a couple generations ago.

 

[svish]

Will be only having a new chip and the speed improvements it will bring along. Hopefully there won't be any further price increase.

 

[goobot]

How about 120Hz? Also launching this thing with a 3 year old processor sucks.

 

[ilikeavocados5893]

I find it highly unlikely Apple would ever discontinue the Apple TV. It would be very unlike Apple to rely entirely on third party smart TVs and streaming devices with slow internals and horrendous UIs for Apple TV+ and iTunes purchases and rentals, and not offer a first party solution. Granted, they did discontinue their routers and (for a time) displays, but those products didn't generate recurring revenue.

 

[Radeon85]

I was going to wait for the models, but not with the insane price increases.
Ended up buying two new and sealed 4K third gen’s for just £220 vs buying them through Apple at £500.

Apple can shove the new models with the new ridiculous prices.

 

[InVinoVeritasty]

Will it be the thinnest ever?

 

[red elma]

I use it a lot, too. And it works just fine! What do you think you'll gain from the newer model?

Support HDMI audio passthrough for one

 

[Jeff3f]

I agree with snagging older ones at old pricing, that's good because those likely 100% will meet 99.9% of folks' needsk and the 2022 apple TV is a great (if overpriced) streaming box in 2026.

But, Siri is so terrible/feeble, I cannot really foresee new and improved Siri that redeems itself. Siri is so bad, that Tim Apple needs to take her with him on his retirement and maybe the next gen Apple Sauce Assistant gets a new name/identity. At least Bixby was an Incredible Hulk tie-in (actor Bill Bixby). Siri is just nothing. tres nothing. Tim Apple needs to AI up a fake-SteveJobs to do an old school MobileMe takedown.

 

[segfaultdotorg]

How about an iTV Pro?

 

[ZiBart]

I really hope they come out with 2 tiers. Base unit and one with higher storage, ram and an A19 or A20 pro (they could probably even fit an M series Pro chip in there as well). The other half of the story, work with MS to get native Game Pass app. Work with studios to port the most popular multiplayer free to play games (Overwatch, Rivals, Roblox, COD Mobile etc..) which could easily handle that chip. Create an in house translation layer like Crossover to play all other PC games to buy more time to port. And make it available on all recent Macs, iPads and iPhones. With the craziness of console prices, they could easily charge $500+ for this. And since they blow all this money on TV content, why not buy a couple game studios and start developing some exclusives.

 

[SouthernApple]

MacRumors continuing to post about an upcoming AppleTV is my thirteenth reason why.

 

[BP9906]

agreed with others. Brought a newish ATV 3gen used. Spent $150. I don’t see how a new model for $100 more would get me AI stuff that I can’t already do with my phone or iPad or Mac.

 

[BigBlur]

I love how almost everything in this article is what the Apple TV "could get"... These are all speculations, not actual tangible rumors or leaks.

Also, how exactly would Apple Intelligence or the new powerful Siri be useful on the Apple TV, especially on-device? You don't need that to give you better watch recommendations. Siri can already do a lot of things, like finding content with a certain actor or stuff you're in the mood to watch. All of these would be server-side anyway.

I find it highly unlikely Apple would ever discontinue the Apple TV. It would be very unlike Apple to rely entirely on third party smart TVs and streaming devices with slow internals and horrendous UIs for Apple TV+ and iTunes purchases and rentals, and not offer a first party solution. Granted, they did discontinue their routers and (for a time) displays, but those products didn't generate recurring revenue.

Well, Apple did push hard to get TVs and streaming devices to support the Apple TV & Music apps and AirPlay 2. Manufacturers added support to models as old as 2016. One no longer needs the Apple TV box to watch content like they once used to. No other streaming service has its own box; why does Apple? Not all TVs and streaming sticks have slow and horrendous UIs.

Apple TV+ was rebranded to Apple TV. Why would they do that? It was nice when they had different names so we could differentiate between the service and hardware. Maybe there will be no more Apple TV hardware (and the new rumored "Home Hub" will take over the HomeKit hub functionality).

Apple discontinued the iPod. Yeah, the iPhone mostly replaced it, but what about the Shuffle and Nano? Nothing replaced those. Also, there have some rumors/speculations of new colors and specs for the iPod touch up until Apple announced it was discontinued.