Next Apple TV Leaks: 5 Huge Upgrades Including Siri AI Overhaul
Everything Rumored About the Next Apple TV 4K: A Simple Guide
Thinking about buying a new streaming box? Here’s what the rumor mill says about Apple’s next big upgrade—explained in plain English.
What’s the Big News?
Apple hasn’t released a new Apple TV since October 2022—that’s nearly four years! According to reliable rumors from sources like MacRumors, Bloomberg, and 9to5Mac, the next Apple TV 4K is finally coming later this year with at least five major upgrades.
Important Point: These are rumors, not official announcements from Apple. However, the sources have strong track records for accuracy.
The 5 Rumored Upgrades
1. A Super-Fast New Brain: A17 Pro Chip (or Newer)
What it is: The "chip" is the tiny computer brain inside the Apple TV. The current model uses the A15 Bionic chip from 2021 (same as iPhone 13).
What’s new: The next model will likely jump to the A17 Pro chip (from iPhone 15 Pro) or possibly even newer A18 Pro or A19 Pro chips.
Why it matters:
- Much faster performance for apps and navigation
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing = console-quality graphics in games
- Enables Apple Intelligence & Siri AI features (more on this below)
2. Double the Memory (RAM): 8GB Instead of 4GB
What it is: RAM is like a workbench—the more space you have, the more tasks you can do at once without slowing down.
What’s new: Jumping from 4GB to at least 8GB.
Why it matters:
- Required for Apple Intelligence features
- Smoother multitasking between apps
- Better gaming performance
3. Siri Gets a Major AI Upgrade ("Siri AI")
What it is: Siri is Apple’s voice assistant. "Siri AI" refers to the new, smarter version powered by Apple Intelligence (Apple’s take on generative AI).
What’s new: Code found in tvOS 27 (the next Apple TV software) shows a new "Siri" system app with internal codename "campo"—confirmed as Apple’s name for Siri AI.
Why it matters:
- More natural conversations with Siri
- Better understanding of complex requests
- May include a dedicated Siri app on Apple TV
- Likely limited to the new model (needs the new chip + extra RAM)
4. Apple’s Own "N1" Chip with Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 6
What it is: A custom Apple chip handling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Previously, Apple used chips from other companies.
What’s new: The N1 chip (first seen in iPhone 17 series) bringing:
- Wi-Fi 7 (upgrading from Wi-Fi 6)
- Bluetooth 6 (upgrading from Bluetooth 5)
Why it matters:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 7 | Uses 2.4GHz, 5GHz, AND 6GHz bands simultaneously → up to 4× faster theoretical speeds, less congestion, lower latency |
| Bluetooth 6 | Lower latency (less lag for controllers/headphones), better range, improved reliability |
Important Point: Real-world Wi-Fi 7 speeds depend on your internet plan, router, and home setup—not just the Apple TV.
5. An Updated Siri Remote
What’s new: Both Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and macOS 26.7 code findings confirm a new remote is coming.
What we don’t know: The code didn’t reveal specific changes—so we’re not sure if it’s a redesign, new buttons, better battery, or something else.
Design: Mostly the Same (No Built-In Camera… Yet)
- Similar look to current Apple TV 4K (small black box)
- No built-in camera for this model (though Apple "discussed" it in 2024)
- Workaround exists: Use Continuity Camera with your iPhone/iPad for FaceTime on TV
- tvOS 26 adds: Contact Posters, Live Captions in more languages, on-screen call notifications
When Will It Launch & How Much Will It Cost?
Expected Launch: September or October 2026
- Likely at iPhone event (September) or a follow-up event (October)
- Part of a trio of smart home products: new Apple TV + smart home hub (tabletop & wall-mounted) + updated HomePod mini
Recent Release History:
| Model | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) | October 2022 |
| Apple TV 4K (2nd gen) | April 2021 |
| Apple TV 4K (1st gen) | September 2017 |
| Apple TV HD | September 2015 |
Pricing: Unknown (But Current Prices Just Went UP)
In June 2026, Apple raised prices:
- Wi-Fi only (64GB): $199 (was $129)
- Wi-Fi + Ethernet (128GB): $249 (was $149)
Important Point: No word if the new model will keep these higher prices or go even higher.
Summary: Should You Wait or Buy Now?
| Wait for the new model if… | Buy current model if… |
|---|---|
| You want Apple Intelligence / Siri AI | You need an Apple TV today |
| You care about future-proofing (Wi-Fi 7, more RAM) | You don’t need AI features |
| You’re a gamer (ray tracing, better performance) | You find a great deal on current model |
| You want the latest connectivity standards | Your current Apple TV works fine |
Bottom line: If your current Apple TV works well, the new one is a "nice to have" not a "must have"—unless you’re excited about Apple Intelligence on your TV.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Will the new Apple TV have a built-in camera for FaceTime?
No. Rumors say Apple discussed it but isn’t including it in this model. You can still use your iPhone/iPad as a camera via Continuity Camera.
Do I need Wi-Fi 7 at home to benefit from the new Apple TV?
No. The Apple TV will work with any Wi-Fi router. But to get Wi-Fi 7 speeds, you need a Wi-Fi 7 router and a fast internet plan.
Will Siri AI work on my current Apple TV 4K?
Almost certainly not. Siri AI needs the new chip (A17 Pro or newer) and at least 8GB RAM—which only the new model will have.
Is the new Siri Remote backward compatible with older Apple TVs?
Unknown. Apple hasn’t said. Previous Siri Remotes worked across generations, but we’ll have to wait for official details.
When exactly can I pre-order?
No date yet. Based on history, expect announcement in Sept/Oct 2026, with pre-orders shortly after and shipping 1-2 weeks later.
Stay tuned for Apple’s official announcement—this guide will be updated when we know more!