We’re lengthy overdue for an Apple TV replace, and there have been rumors about an imminent refresh since late final 12 months. It is now sounding like we’re not going to get a brand new model for a number of months due to Siri delays. When you’re holding out for a brand new mannequin, here is a recap on what to anticipate when it will definitely comes out so you possibly can determine whether or not to proceed to attend, or purchase now.
Design
Apple TV design updates are few and much between, and that is not altering in 2026. The following Apple TV goes to have the identical squircle form as the present mannequin, and it will proceed to be comprised of a black plastic materials.
We’re anticipating the 2026 Apple TV to be indistinguishable from the prevailing Apple TV on the outside.
New Chip
A brand new A-series chip would be the most important Apple TV replace, and rumors recommend that it’s going to get the A17 Professional chip that Apple first used within the iPhone 15 Professional fashions.
In comparison with the A15 Bionic within the present Apple TV, the A17 Professional is a giant replace, and it is a good motive to carry off on shopping for the present mannequin. The A17 Professional is constructed on a 3-nanometer course of for sooner pace and higher effectivity, and it has hardware-accelerated ray tracing for higher-quality graphics in video games.
Provided that Apple has held the Apple TV replace for thus lengthy, it is completely potential it will get a good newer chip just like the A18 or A19. A RAM replace is feasible too, particularly if the Apple TV has any type of Apple Intelligence assist.
Apple Intelligence and Siri
The following Apple TV is supposedly able to launch at any time, however new Siri options are the holdup. Apple desires to debut the Apple TV with the smarter model of Siri that is within the works, and it is not able to go.
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says the Apple TV is linked to “new synthetic intelligence options” that Apple has postponed till September 2026. Apple supposed to launch the Apple Intelligence Siri options in spring 2026, however the firm was nonetheless experiencing points with Siri. At this level, we’re not going to see new Siri capabilities till iOS 27, which additionally means a delay for all of the units that Apple is holding.
Together with the Apple TV, the rumored dwelling hub and a next-generation model of the HomePod are ready on Siri.
Up to date Siri options will probably require extra RAM and a sooner chip, so if you’d like the smarter Siri on the Apple TV, that is another excuse to attend earlier than making a purchase order.
Wi-Fi
The Apple TV might get Apple’s N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 assist. Wi-Fi 7 works with the 6GHz band provided by newer routers.
6GHz connectivity is quicker and fewer congested, which you typically need for a tool designed for streaming content material.
Bluetooth
The Apple TV 4K might get Bluetooth 6 for connecting units like controllers and earbuds.
Pricing
There may be a less expensive model of the Apple TV accessible as a result of there have been rumors of a worth drop.
Apple might launch two fashions, one which’s higher-end and one which has decrease specs and a lower cost tag, or it might maintain the prevailing Apple TV round as a low-cost possibility.
Launch Date
If the brand new model of Siri has been pushed to iOS 27 and the Apple TV is tied to that replace, we’re not going to see the Apple TV refreshed till September 2026 or later.