Apple TV 2026: What to Expect From the Next Model
▼ Summary
– The next Apple TV is delayed until September 2026 because Apple is waiting for the new Siri features in iOS 27.
– The 2026 Apple TV will have the same exterior design and black plastic material as the current model.
– The biggest upgrade will be a new chip, likely the A17 Pro, for faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved graphics.
– The device may include Apple’s N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support for faster streaming and smart home use.
– A price drop or two-tier model (higher-end and lower-cost) is possible, but no launch will occur before September 2026.
For anyone holding out for an updated Apple TV, patience remains the name of the game. The current set-top box has been sitting on shelves unchanged since 2022, and while a refresh is definitely on the horizon for 2026, Apple is deliberately holding the next model back until the revamped Siri is ready to ship this fall.
Design remains largely untouched. Don’t expect any dramatic visual overhaul. The 2026 Apple TV will retain the familiar squircle shape and black plastic finish, making it virtually indistinguishable from the version currently on the market. There are no plans to alter its size or exterior footprint.
The real upgrade lives under the hood. The next Apple TV 4K is slated to receive a new A-series chip, with rumors pointing to the A17 Pro first seen in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. That’s a meaningful leap from the A15 Bionic powering today’s model. Built on a 3-nanometer process, the A17 Pro delivers faster performance and better power efficiency, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing for noticeably sharper game graphics. It also happens to be the oldest Apple chip that supports Apple Intelligence, and it already powers the iPad mini 7. Given how long Apple has delayed this update, there’s a chance it could skip ahead to an A18 or A19 chip, along with a possible RAM bump to support those AI features.
Apple Intelligence and Siri are the real bottlenecks. The next Apple TV is reportedly ready to ship, but Apple is waiting to pair it with the smarter, more capable version of Siri currently in development. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device is tied to “new artificial intelligence features” that have been postponed until iOS 27, expected in September 2026. Apple originally aimed to launch these Apple Intelligence Siri upgrades in spring 2026, but lingering issues with Siri pushed the timeline back. That delay affects not just the Apple TV, but also the rumored home hub and a new HomePod model. If you want the smarter Siri on your Apple TV, waiting for this update is the smart move.
Connectivity is also getting a boost. The Apple TV could adopt Apple’s N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, tapping into the 6GHz band for faster, less congested streaming. That’s a clear advantage for a device built around content delivery. Bluetooth 6 may also arrive for smoother connections to controllers and earbuds, and the N1 chip’s Thread support ensures the Apple TV continues functioning as a Thread border router and Matter hub for smart home devices.
Pricing remains an open question. There have been whispers of a price drop, which could mean Apple launches two models: a higher-end version alongside a lower-spec, cheaper option. Alternatively, the company might keep the current Apple TV around as a budget-friendly choice.
As for the launch date, don’t expect to see the new Apple TV before September 2026 at the earliest. The smarter Siri features are tied to iOS 27, and Apple won’t release the hardware until that software is ready.
(Source: MacRumors)
