The new Apple TV 4K has been rumored for a long time, and current expectations are for it to arrive in early 2026. Here’s what the rumors are announcing:
New features rumored for the next Apple TV 4K
Apple hasn’t updated Apple TV 4K since 2022. This is about the longest gap between hardware revisions of the product.
This means that when a new model launches, it’s likely to have a larger number of upgrades than usual.
A code leak reveals that Apple plans to power the new Apple TV 4K with the A17 Pro chip. The current model uses A15 Bionic.
A17 Pro is the minimum chip required for Apple Intelligence support. As such, AI is widely expected to be one of the key additions to Apple TV.
The new and improved Siri coming in iOS 26.4 will also be extended to Apple TV via tvOS 26.4. However, older Apple TV models may be limited to the current Siri experience.
New video and audio features are often supported by improved Apple TV hardware, and the addition of Dolby Vision 2 comes at a good time.
Apple’s N1 chip, which debuted in the iPhone 17, is also rumored to be part of the new hardware. N1 is used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread networks.
N1 also improves the performance and reliability of continuity features across Apple devices. This means one of my favorite tvOS features, the Continuity Keyboard, will benefit.
bloomberg previously reported that Apple TV models with built-in cameras were being tested.
tvOS 26 added some FaceTime-focused features, perhaps hinting at new hardware like the addition of a camera. There will probably be an AI application as well, and it looks like the use of a camera will also be possible, but probably only on the higher end models.
Scheduled to be released in spring 2026
The new Apple TV 4K was long expected to arrive in late 2025, but that didn’t pan out.
It’s currently expected to launch in early 2026, along with several other Home products, as part of a larger Apple Home marketing push.
Similar to the rumored HomePod Touch with a built-in display, delays in Siri’s new AI capabilities may have ultimately affected the Apple TV 4K’s release schedule.
AI is expected to be a major addition to the revised hardware, so it makes sense to delay the release of Siri until the iOS 26.4 update.
If this theory holds true, Apple TV 4K could launch this spring around March or April.
What changes are you most looking forward to in the new Apple TV 4K? Let us know in the comments.
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