Comprehensive changes in hardware and software seem to be on the agenda for Apple TV 4K, which Apple has not renewed for a long time. According to recent claims, the new generation model will feature the A17 Pro or a more recent processor, at least 8 GB of RAM, Siri gaining artificial intelligence features, Apple-designed N1 wireless connection chip and a renewed Siri Remote. Thus, after the third generation Apple TV 4K introduced in 2022, after a nearly four-year break, the processing power and connection capabilities of the device can be significantly increased. On the design side, no major changes are expected and it is stated that the general appearance of the current Apple TV 4K will be preserved. It is claimed that Apple may introduce the new model in September or October 2026.
According to the information obtained by MacRumors writer Aaron Perris in Apple codes, the A17 Pro processor is planned to be used in the new Apple TV. This processor, which was first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2023, can provide more advanced graphics performance than the current model, especially in games, with support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The current Apple TV 4K includes the A15 Bionic, which came into our lives with the iPhone 13 series in 2021. However, due to the length of time it took to renew Apple TV, there is a possibility that the company may choose a newer processor such as A18 Pro or A19 Pro in the final product. Regardless of which chip is used, a solution on the A17 Pro and above will increase both the gaming performance of Apple TV and the processing capacity that can be used for artificial intelligence functions running on the device.
The amount of memory is also expected to increase with the processor change. While the current Apple TV 4K carries 4 GB of RAM, the new model is expected to come with at least 8 GB of RAM. This increase may be necessary not only for easier switching between applications or higher performance, but also for running some functions within Apple Intelligence. The fact that Apple keeps high hardware requirements for artificial intelligence features on the iPhone, iPad and Mac makes it possible to implement a similar approach on Apple TV. There are also signs on the software side that the additional resources provided by the new hardware will be used, especially in the more advanced version of Siri.
Artificial intelligence-supported Siri may come to Apple TV with tvOS 27
In the analysis conducted by 9to5Mac by running Device Hub via Xcode in macOS 27, a Siri record that was not previously found in the tvOS 27 application list was detected. It is noteworthy that this record contains the phrase “com.apple.campo”; In previously revealed information, it was stated that the name “campos” was the internal code name used by Apple for its artificial intelligence-supported Siri studies. Comparing the application lists in the tvOS 26 and tvOS 27 simulators, it seems that Siri recording is only included in the new version. This is thought to indicate that Siri will become a more independent system component with tvOS 27. However, it is not yet certain that there will be a separate Siri application on the Apple TV home screen, as the application list in Xcode includes system functions as well as applications that users can directly see.
It is also stated that artificial intelligence-supported Siri may not come to existing Apple TV models due to hardware requirements. If Apple uses at least 8 GB of RAM and an A17 Pro or a more powerful processor in the new model, a more suitable hardware basis will be created for Siri queries and some Apple Intelligence operations to be carried out on the device. In addition, Apple TV’s structure, which is constantly connected to the television and in a central location in the home environment, may enable Siri to be used more functionally in areas such as music, video, smart home devices and content search. However, there is no detailed information yet about which Apple Intelligence features will be ported to tvOS. Therefore, current rumors focus more on the revamped version of Siri.
A significant change is also expected on the wireless connection side. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated in a report in 2024 that the new Apple TV will use the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip developed by Apple. The N1 chip, which was later introduced with the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, is thought to be the component in question. N1 brings Wi-Fi 7 support instead of Wi-Fi 6 on the current Apple TV 4K. While it allows simultaneous data transfer from 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands on Wi-Fi 7 compatible devices and routers, it can theoretically reach speeds up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 6; In real use, factors such as internet connection speed, network density and router may limit this difference.
The N1 chip can also support Bluetooth 6. The current Apple TV uses Bluetooth 5, and switching to the more current standard could offer benefits such as lower latency, especially when communicating with game controllers, wireless headsets, and other peripherals. Considering that Apple TV is not just a video viewing device but is also used for Apple Arcade games and smart home functions, these changes in connectivity features can be felt in daily use as much as a processor upgrade. However, in order to fully benefit from Wi-Fi 7, other equipment in the home network must also support this standard. Therefore, those using an existing Wi-Fi 6 router should not be expected to see a big difference in connection speed at the first stage.
It is claimed that Apple will also renew the Siri Remote that comes in the box. In addition to the information previously provided by Mark Gurman, references found in macOS 26.7 codes point to a new remote control. Despite this, concrete details regarding which features of the remote control will change have not yet emerged. Apple has changed the design and connection features of the Siri Remote several times in recent years, and also switched to a USB-C charging connection. It is currently unknown whether the changes to be made in the new version will focus on the button layout, connection or Siri use.
It is stated that the Apple TV itself will maintain a design close to the existing chassis. Apple was previously reported to be discussing ideas on an Apple TV with a built-in camera for FaceTime calls and gesture control, but there is currently no concrete sign that such a camera will be used in the 2026 model. With tvOS 17, the FaceTime application was added to Apple TV, and it became possible to use the rear camera of a connected iPhone or iPad in video calls via the Continuity Camera feature. The built-in camera would eliminate this need; Nevertheless, Apple continues to offer similar functionality with the current solution without incurring additional hardware costs.
The changes made to FaceTime with tvOS 26 also show that Apple continues to improve communication features on the television screen. People Posters show a person’s customized photo and name on the screen during a call, while Live Captions have been expanded to include French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish. In addition, FaceTime voice calls and phone call notifications coming to the active user profile can be displayed on the Apple TV screen. Users can answer calls via connected HomePod speakers or iPhone. Even if it does not come with a built-in camera, these features expand the usage area of Apple TV on the visual and audio communication side.
It is stated that the new Apple TV may be announced in September or October, at the annual iPhone event or at a separate event following it. It is claimed that Apple is preparing three smart home products for the same period: the new Apple TV, the smart home center that can be used on the desktop or wall-mounted, and the updated HomePod mini. The third generation of Apple TV 4K was introduced in October 2022, the second generation in April 2021, and the first generation in September 2017; The announcement of Apple TV HD was also made in September 2015. Therefore, there is no regular annual cycle in the renewal calendar of the product family. The current range of nearly four years also supports the expectation of a more comprehensive hardware update in the new model.
The price issue continues to be one of the biggest uncertainties about the new Apple TV. Apple increased the US prices of 14 products, including the Apple TV 4K, in June. The Wi-Fi model with 64 GB storage increased from $ 129 to $ 199, and the version with 128 GB storage and Ethernet connection increased from $ 149 to $ 249. It is not yet known whether the new generation will maintain these prices or go on sale at a higher level. If the A17 Pro or newer processor, 8GB of RAM, the N1 chip and improved Siri support materialize, the Apple TV 4K will be significantly more technically capable than the current model; On the other hand, the increasing price may make the price-performance balance more controversial, especially for those who use the device only to watch videos from Netflix, YouTube and similar services.
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