It’s been three years since the previous – so when might we get a new version of the streaming box?
The 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K is a very capable streamer, so we’re not expecting hugely groundbreaking new features to debut with the hardware itself. – we have long lamented that Apple doesn’t care a huge amount about the Apple TV hardware. Nowadays, there is a genuine question why the hardware should exist since many smart TVs now have the Apple TV app and can also support Apple’s AirPlay 2 streaming tech for getting other content onto your TV.
Instead, new features will most likely come as part of future software updates, such as those in tvOS 26. This version of the Apple TV’s software introduced the Liquid Glass interface alongside other features such as improved viewing recommendations and better profiles. Apps can now auto-sign in using your Apple Account. FaceTime has also been improved.
However, it seems we are set to get a new box in early 2026. I’d say that means we’ll get it in March. Apple has a tradition of various product launches in March (here and here to show just two examples) but recently it has just debuted devices via press release rather than holding an event (it did hold a May event in 2024 for the iPad Pro M4).
Stocks of the current box were reportedly running low in October, but the device seems to be fully available at present in both the 64GB and 128GB versions.
What will the new Apple TV 2026 be called?
In case you hadn’t seen the news, Apple has rebranded 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 given 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
Apple TV Pro design and price
It would be rather surprising if Apple debuted a new design for the Apple TV – it is smaller than it once was and could get smaller still. But there are physical limitations due to the HDMI and Ethernet ports (Ethernet will surely still be supported for certain users) and there just isn’t the requirement to shrink it down. We’d expect a very similar remote given this was refreshed in 2022 and given that it already had the now-universal USB-C.
In late 2024 analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a $99 price point for a new model but I think this is very unliekly given the the Apple TV Pro hardware would be aimed at premium users who want more than just casting to their TV. I’d expect it to be at the $129 price point of the current base model, or even $149.
Apple TV Pro: expected new specs
Traditionally the Apple TV has used an A-Series chip usually found in an iPhone. If we were taking a guess we’d expect either the A17 Pro or A18 Pro as Apple would still use a recent production chip rather than something slightly older. The A17 Pro seems most likely; it is also used in the iPad mini released in late 2024.
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 it may use Apple’s own chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. This would most likely be the same N1 chip as has now appeared in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series. This chip would also have support for the Thread smart home ecosystem, meaning Apple TV Pro could be a better cross-platform hub for smart home devices via Apple Home.
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The new device will also surely support Apple Intelligence. There will surely be the long-awaited new version of Siri at the heart of the device, with voice control even more of a priority.
One rumored feature that I’m not sure will happen is the ability to use a camera with the device. Currently you can FaceTime via an iPhone or iPad camera and surely that feature will stay given the ubiquity of those devices. Apple is still rumored to be working on a HomePod with a display for launch in 2026 or 2027 though it was reportedly cancelled in early 2025. It could just have been delayed pending the upgraded Siri…
Also read: Apple’s AI explained: what is Apple Intelligence?
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