We've finally entered a new year, and once again, we are without an upgraded Apple TV 4K streaming device. The most current version was released in 2022, and after four years, it's the longest gap between refreshes since Apple's streaming box debuted nearly a decade ago.
Due to the long delay, the Apple TV 4K could be due for a number of significant upgrades.
Here's what we expect to arrive at some point this year.
Stronger chips and Siri
In August 2025, a code leak suggested that Apple could kit out the next Apple TV with an A17 Pro chip, used in the iPhone 15 Pro. This would give it major performance boosts while allowing it to utilize Apple Intelligence features.
Apple will likely integrate AI in some fashion with the next streaming box. Beyond the updated Siri 2.0, which is supposed to launch with iOS 26.4 this spring, it's not clear what other AI features Apple wants on your TV.
Apple finally added Dolby Atmos support in 2025 and updated it in the fall. With the A17 Pro chip, Apple could add Dolby Vision 2 support, which we should start seeing on 2026 TV models.
The device could also get the N1 chip, which debuted in the iPhone 17 series. The N1 is used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread connectivity, meaning it will improve performance between Apple devices.
FaceTime
Surprisingly, it's been rumored since 2022, when the current Apple TV 4K launched, that Apple hinted the next Apple TV would combine with a HomePad and a FaceTime camera. It's a rumor that won't go away as Apple added a FaceTime app to tvOS 17 in 2023, and added FaceTime tweaks this year.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in 2024 that Apple was developing a set-top box with a camera, suggesting it would use gesture-based controls.
Potential release date
If we're being honest, we've been tracking Apple TV 4K refresh rumors for nearly two years now. We rounded up rumors at the end of 2024, which featured some slightly different leaks.
There were multiple suggestions that Apple would launch the set-top box at various points throughout 2025, from alongside the iPhone 16e, to WWDC 2025, to the iPhone 17 debut, and even, gaspingly, at some point this past fall as the year waned.
None of those panned out.
Currently, rumors indicate the Apple TV 4K could debut this spring with a slate of new Home products, including the HomePod Touch (or HomePad). Largely, that launch is predicated on Apple finally figuring out Siri's new AI abilities.
iOS 26.4 is supposed to launch around March, so we could see a new Apple TV device then or in April.
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