Apple, the United States technology company, is preparing to update its Apple TV 4K streaming box after roughly two years of reports that a new model was “ready to go.” The device was reportedly held back while Apple developed its artificial intelligence features, which are expected to make Siri a smarter streaming assistant.
Expected hardware changes
The current Apple TV 4K, released in 2022, runs on an A15 Bionic chip. Reports suggest that chip will be replaced by the A17 Pro system-on-chip, the oldest Apple silicon that supports Apple Intelligence, to enable the improved Siri. In July, reports indicated that a new Apple TV and HomePod mini are “nearly ready to launch” as part of a larger smart home push. That timing aligns with Apple’s plan to showcase its AI features with iOS 27.
Remote and connectivity
No major redesign is expected for the black box itself. The remote, however, may be refreshed to better support Siri’s new capabilities. A mention of “ATVRemote1,5” was found inside the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate. Details on the new controller remain limited, but a dedicated Siri button is considered likely, and some users have long requested a source button. Apple is also said to be considering a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, similar to the one in the AirTag 2, to make the remote easier to locate.
The A17 Pro may also bring improved connectivity through the N1 chip. Expected upgrades include:
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 6
- Built-in Thread support
Whether these features arrive remains unconfirmed.
Launch timing
If the new Apple TV is close to release, the most likely venue is Apple’s iPhone-focused event in September. The event is expected to be busy.
