It’s been the best part of four years since the previous Apple TV 4K arrived – and it seems certain that we’ll be getting a new version of the streaming box soon. But nothing appeared (rather disappointingly) at Apple’s March 2026 event or in the product unveilings around.
Now that we have a new version of Siri called Siri AI, this looks set to change, and we’re expecting an updated Apple TV Pro or revised Apple TV 4K to debut at Apple’s ‘Welcome Home’ launch on October 13, 2026 – here’s what to expect from the behind-closed-doors event. The new streaming box is also joined by an updated HomePod Mini and HomeView smart display.
It seems that the discovery was waiting for the new Apple Intelligence-infused version of Siri, which – after a few trades – is powered by Google Gemini.
The 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K is a very capable streamer, so we’re not expecting any hugely groundbreaking new features to debut in terms of the hardware itself. We have long complained that Apple does not care much about the development of the Apple TV Box. In fact, today there is a real question as to why one should even exist as many smart TVs have the Apple TV app and support Apple’s AirPlay 2 content streaming tech.
The latest version of the Apple TV software introduced the Liquid Glass interface alongside other features such as improved recommendations and better profiles. Apps can now automatically sign in with your Apple account. FaceTime has also been improved.
What will the 2026 Apple TV be called?
In case you haven’t seen the news, Apple has renamed its TV+ streaming service to just ‘Apple TV’ so I think any new Apple TV streaming box will most likely get a new name of some description – and with Apple’s penchant for all things ‘Pro’, Apple TV Pro is a good shout. This would position the Apple TV hardware’s premium features over and above the app available on smart TVs and elsewhere
MacRumors has discovered an “image file from Apple for an unreleased Apple 4K” that cites the Apple TV 4th generation by name. According to the image discovered by the contributor, Apple will stick with the familiar hockey puck design for the fourth generation model in the series. Not that it matters too much for a device that sits mostly out of sight around the TV.
In fact, it would be rather surprising if Apple debuted a new design for the Apple TV – it’s smaller than it once was and could keep getting smaller. But there are some physical limitations due to the HDMI and network ports (Ethernet will certainly still be supported for some users) and there is just not the requirement to shrink it.
We expect a very similar remote because this was refreshed in 2022 and because it already had the now universal USB-C. It may, however, be more obviously based around Siri.
How much will it cost?
Another big talking point will be the price. Apple increased the price of Apple TV and other products in June, pushing the Apple TV 4K 3rd generation price to $199. That’s incredibly expensive given the price competition from Amazon, Google and Roku.
In late 2024, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a price point of $99 for a new model, but I think this is very unlikely, since the new hardware would target premium users who want more than just casting to their TV. I would expect it to be $199 again, which is still pretty high.
Apple TV Pro expected specifications
Traditionally, the Apple TV used an A-series chip, which is usually found in an iPhone; the current box has an A15 Pro. The company will almost certainly use a recent production chip rather than something older, narrowing down the choice to either the A17 Pro or A18 Pro.
The A17 Pro seems most likely because it is also used in the iPad mini, released in late 2024, and is the minimum chip needed to support Apple Intelligence. Another possibility is that we can get the A18 Pro from the MacBook Neo, although we are still betting on the A17 Pro due to a lower price point. And because the chips in the MacBook Neo seem to run short. This processor was first seen in the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023 and it also powers the iPad Mini, so yes, it’s still an old chip by Apple standards.
Importantly, Apple can also double the RAM to 8GB, enabling most of Apple’s intelligence features, including Siri AI.
With an A17 Pro (or higher) on board, the Apple TV Pro can also be set up as an affordable gaming system. Apple received big-name developer AAA titles for the first time with this chip generation port, including the likes of Death Stranding, Hitman: World of Assassination, and Sniper Elite 4. This would be a big step from the Apple Arcade releases that are currently on the big screen. PS5 DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controller are already supported via Bluetooth on the current Apple TV.
No doubt the box will support all the latest standards, including Dolby Vision and Wi-Fi 7 (rather than Wi-Fi 6E) and reports suggest that it may use Apple’s own chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This would most likely be the same N1 chip that has now appeared in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series. This chip would also have support for Matter and Thread smart home protocols.
Recent updates
- January 7, 2026: added AAA gaming opportunities expected specifications section.
- February 12, 2026: has more information about Apple’s A17 Pro processor in Apple’s March launch.
- February 25, 2026: added more clarity around the upcoming March 4th event.
- 3 April 2026: added latest rumours.
- May 15, 2026: added latest rumors and more information about the new Siri.
- July 8, 2026: Additional details and links about Siri AI
- 10 September 2026: Rumors post-iPhone event
- October 13, 2026: comprehensive pre-launch update
