It’s been over three years since the previous Apple TV arrived – and it seems certain that we’ll get a new version of the streaming box soon. Yet nothing appeared (rather disappointingly) at Apple’s 4 March event or in the product reveals around it. And that has to be connected to the fact we haven’t yet got the revamped version of Siri we’re expecting to debut later in 2026.
The 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K is a very capable streamer, so we’re not expecting hugely groundbreaking new features to debut in terms of the hardware itself. We have long lamented that Apple doesn’t care a huge amount about the Apple TV box’s development. Indeed, nowadays there’s a genuine question why one should even exist since many smart TVs have the Apple TV app and support Apple’s AirPlay 2 content streaming tech.
The latest 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. But it’s that
When will it appear?
It seems that the reveal is awaiting the new Apple Intelligence-infused version of Siri which – after some hand-wringing – is powered by Google’s Gemini. Rumors suggest the next HomePod mini smart speaker, smart display and Apple TV set-top box are being held at the starting gate pending the arrival of the new assistant which was originally expected in late 2024. Recent rumors have even suggested it was supposed to debut in March in iOS/tvOS 26.4 but that it wasn’t ready then either.
The personalised Siri features are now likely to arrive with the 2027 version of Apple’s software releases later this year and these will be available in beta after Apple’s developer conference in June.
What will the 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 network 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; the current box has an A15 Pro. The firm will almost certainly use a recent production chip rather than something older, narrowing the choice down to either the A17 Pro or A18 Pro.
The A17 Pro seems most likely as it is also used in the iPad mini released in late 2024, and is the minimum chip required to support Apple Intelligence. Another possibility is that we might get the A18 Pro from the MacBook Neo, though we’d still bet on the A17 Pro because of a lower price point. And because the chips in the MacBook Neo appear to be running short.
With an A17 Pro (or higher) on board, the Apple TV Pro could also be pitched as an affordable gaming system. Apple got big-name developers to port AAA titles for the first time with this chip generation, including the likes of Death Stranding, Hitman: World of Assassination, and Sniper Elite 4. This would be a big step up from the Apple Arcade releases currently available on the big screen. PS5 DualSense and Xbox wireless controllers are already supported over 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 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.
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…
Recent updates
- 7 January 2026: added AAA gaming possibilities to expected specs section.
- 12 February 2026: added more info about Apple’s A17 Pro processor and Apple March launches.
- 25 February 2026: added more clarity around the upcoming 4 March event.
- 3 April 2026: added latest rumors.
- 15 May 2026: added latest rumors and more information about the revamped Siri.
Read the full article here
