A new Apple TV 4K has long been rumored, and current expectations are for a launch in early 2026. Here’s what rumors say is coming.
New features rumored for the next Apple TV 4K
Apple hasn’t updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022—nearly the product’s longest gap between hardware revisions.
That means we could be in store for a larger than usual batch of upgrades when the new model launches.
A code leak revealed that Apple plans to put the A17 Pro chip in the new Apple TV 4K. The current model uses an A15 Bionic.
A17 Pro is the minimum chip required for Apple Intelligence support. So it’s widely expected that AI will be one of the tentpole additions to the Apple TV.
The new and improved Siri that’s coming in iOS 26.4 should also extend to Apple TV via tvOS 26.4. But older Apple TV models will likely be limited to the current Siri experience.
New video and audio features are often supported by revised Apple TV hardware, and the timing is right for Dolby Vision 2 to be added this time around.
Apple’s N1 chip that debuted in iPhone 17 is also rumored to be part of the new hardware. N1 is used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread networking.
N1 also improves performance and reliability for Continuity features across Apple devices. This means one of my favorite tvOS features—Continuity Keyboard—should hopefully benefit.
Bloomberg has previously reported that an Apple TV model with built-in camera was being tested.
tvOS 26 added several FaceTime-focused features that hint at new hardware perhaps adding a camera. There are likely AI applications too, making a camera seem possible—though perhaps only in a higher-end model.
Launch expected in spring 2026
The new Apple TV 4K had long been expected to launch in late 2025—but that didn’t pan out.
Current expectations are for an early 2026 arrival, likely alongside several other Home products as part of a larger Apple Home marketing push.
It’s possible that just like with the rumored HomePod Touch with built-in display, the delays to Siri’s new AI powers ultimately impacted the Apple TV 4K launch timeline too.
Since AI is expected to be a major addition of the revised hardware, holding off releasing it until Siri’s iOS 26.4 update makes sense.
If this theory proves true, we’re likely to see the Apple TV 4K launch this spring around March or April.
What changes do you most hope for with the new Apple TV 4K? Let us know in the comments.
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