TL;DR
A refreshed Apple TV 4K is expected in spring 2026 after a multi-year gap since 2022. Leaks and reports suggest Apple may add an A17 Pro chip, enhanced Siri/AI features, updated connectivity, and possibly a camera in higher-end models.
What happened
After no hardware revision since 2022, reports and code leaks indicate Apple is preparing an updated Apple TV 4K for an early 2026 launch. A leaked code reference points to the A17 Pro as the new processor, replacing the current A15 Bionic. Because A17 Pro is identified as the minimum chip for Apple Intelligence, industry coverage expects the device to gain AI-driven features and a refreshed Siri experience tied to tvOS 26.4. The new model is also rumored to include Apple’s N1 wireless chip for Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and Thread, which could improve Continuity features such as the Continuity Keyboard. Separate reports and recent FaceTime-focused tvOS features have led to speculation that a camera is being tested for at least one Apple TV model. Timing now looks to be spring 2026 — perhaps March or April — after earlier expectations of a late‑2025 launch did not materialize.
Why it matters
- An A17 Pro would enable Apple Intelligence features on the TV platform, bringing new AI capabilities to living-room devices.
- Updated wireless hardware (N1) could improve device-to-device continuity and networking reliability across Apple products.
- Support for newer media formats such as Dolby Vision 2 could advance picture and audio quality for streaming and local playback.
- A built-in camera would expand FaceTime and camera-based features on Apple TV, changing how the device is used for video calls.
Key facts
- Apple last updated the Apple TV 4K in 2022, making the current gap notably long.
- A code leak indicates the new Apple TV 4K may use the A17 Pro chip instead of the A15 Bionic.
- A17 Pro is identified as the minimum processor required for Apple Intelligence support in the leaked materials.
- tvOS 26.4 is expected to bring an updated Siri experience that may extend to the new Apple TV hardware.
- Apple’s N1 wireless chip — used for Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and Thread — is rumored to be included in the new model.
- N1 could improve performance and reliability for Continuity features like the Continuity Keyboard on tvOS.
- Bloomberg previously reported that Apple had tested an Apple TV model with a built-in camera.
- tvOS 26 added FaceTime-focused features that suggest new hardware could support camera-enabled workflows.
- Launch expectations moved from late 2025 to spring 2026, with March or April cited as likely windows.
What to watch next
- Apple’s announcement timing and whether the company confirms a spring 2026 release.
- The release schedule for tvOS 26.4 and whether its Siri enhancements land on new Apple TV hardware.
- Whether Apple lists A17 Pro and N1 on the new Apple TV 4K spec sheet, and any formal support for Dolby Vision 2.
- Pricing, model differentiation and whether a camera appears only on a higher-end variant (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- A17 Pro: Apple’s system-on-chip used in recent mobile devices; according to the source leak, it would replace the A15 in the next Apple TV 4K.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple’s umbrella term for on-device and cloud-assisted AI features and enhancements integrated across its platforms.
- N1 chip: A wireless connectivity chip used by Apple for Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and Thread networking that can also support continuity features between devices.
- Dolby Vision 2: A next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) video standard that can improve contrast and color in supported displays and content.
- Continuity Keyboard: A tvOS feature that lets users type on a nearby Apple device and have input appear on the Apple TV interface.
Reader FAQ
When is the new Apple TV 4K expected to launch?
Current expectations point to an early 2026 release window, likely in spring (March or April).
Will the new Apple TV 4K include AI features?
Leaked code and the reported inclusion of the A17 Pro—which is tied to Apple Intelligence—make AI-driven features widely expected, but final details are not confirmed.
Is a built-in camera confirmed?
Bloomberg reported that a camera-equipped model was tested and tvOS 26 includes FaceTime-focused features that hint at camera support, but an official confirmation is not available.
Will older Apple TV models get the updated Siri?
The source says older Apple TV models will likely remain limited to the current Siri experience rather than receiving the new Siri features.
9to5Mac Product of the Year: iPhone 17 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 APPLE TV APPLE TV 4K New Apple TV 4K is coming: Here’s what the rumors say Ryan Christoffel…
Sources
- New Apple TV 4K is coming: Here’s what the rumors say
- Where's the New Apple TV?
- Apple TV 4K Could Still Launch Before 2025 Ends
- 3 reasons why the long-overdue new Apple TV 4K will be …
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