There are many people waiting for a new version of Apple TV because the set-top box has not been updated since 2022. There is an update coming this year, but people will have to wait a little longer because Apple is holding back the next Apple TV until the new version of Siri comes out this fall.
Design
Apple TV design updates don’t happen often, and that doesn’t change in 2026. The next Apple TV will have the same squircle shape as the current model, and will continue to be made of black plastic materials.
We expect the 2026 Apple TV to look nothing like the current Apple TV, with no changes in size or design.
The New Chip
The Apple TV 4K will get a new A-series chip, and that will be a huge improvement. 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 in the current Apple TV, the A17 Pro is a solid upgrade, and a good reason to hold off on buying the current model. The A17 Pro is built on a 3 nanometer process for faster speed and better performance, and has hardware-accelerated ray tracing for high-quality graphics in games.
The A17 Pro is Apple’s oldest tablet that supports Apple Intelligence, and is used in the iPad mini 7.
Since Apple has held back the Apple TV update for so long, it is likely that it will get a new chip such as the A18 or A19. RAM upgrades are also possible, 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 Siri’s new features are the real deal. Apple wants to release the Apple TV with a smart version of Siri in the works, and it’s not ready to go yet.
BloombergMark Gurman says that the Apple TV is connected to “new artificial intelligence features” that Apple has postponed for iOS 27, coming in September 2026. Apple aims to introduce the features of Apple Intelligence Siri in the spring of 2026, but the company was still facing problems with Siri. At this point, we won’t see Siri’s new capabilities until iOS 27, which also means delays for all Apple-owned devices.
Along with Apple TV, the rumored home hub and a new version of HomePod await Siri.
Updated Siri features may require more RAM and a faster chip, so if you’re looking for smarter Siri on Apple TV, that’s another reason to wait before buying.
Wi-Fi
Apple TV can get the Apple N1 network chip with support for Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 works with the 6GHz band offered by new routers.
The 6GHz connection is fast and less congested, which you want in a device designed for streaming content.
Bluetooth and Thread
Apple TV 4K can get Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and earbuds.
The Apple N1 chip also supports Thread, so the Apple TV will be able to continue to act as a Thread border router and a Matter hub for smart home devices.
The price
There have been rumors of a price drop, so it’s possible that Apple has plans for a cheaper Apple TV.
Apple could release two models, one high-end and one with lower specifications and a lower price, or it could keep the existing Apple TV around as a lower-cost option.
Effective Date
Since the new version of Siri has been pushed to iOS 27 and the Apple TV is tied to that update, we probably won’t see the Apple TV updated until September 2026 at the earliest.