Apple is reportedly working on a new version of the Apple TV 4K, which could launch before the end of 2025. While the design will likely remain largely unchanged, the technical innovations could be quite noticeable. In particular, the new chip, improved networking technologies, and a modernized software version could make the Apple TV 4K more powerful and future-proof.
The current Apple TV 4K with the A15 Bionic chip is one of the fastest streaming boxes on the market, but Apple is apparently planning the next step. In recent months, several clues have surfaced that Apple is preparing a new generation. Internal code, leaks, and analyst reports point to redesigned hardware, smart software features, and possibly even new features that will further enhance the streaming experience.
New A17 Pro chip for more performance
The most significant difference from the current model is likely the new A17 Pro chip. This processor is already used in the iPhone 15 Pro models and is based on energy-efficient 3-nanometer technology. This should make the next Apple TV 4K significantly faster and more powerful. The A17 Pro offers noticeably higher CPU and GPU performance compared to the previous A15 Bionic chip. This opens up new possibilities for graphics-intensive games and applications. Console-quality gaming would thus be realistic for the first time, making the Apple TV 4K attractive to gamers as well. The new chip could also enable the integration of Apple Intelligence—a feature that Apple is gradually integrating into its devices.
Improved network performance with Wi-Fi 7
According to rumors, the new Apple TV 4K will be the first to feature a proprietary networking chip developed by Apple. The so-called N1 chip is said to offer support for Wi-Fi 7. This will allow the device to access the modern 6 GHz band, enabling higher transfer rates and more stable connections. Wi-Fi 7 also offers lower latency and better performance when multiple devices are connected to the network simultaneously. This is especially relevant when streaming 4K or HDR content, as data transmission is smoother and more reliable.
Siri with Apple Intelligence
Another big topic is Siri. The voice assistant is set to become significantly more powerful in the new Apple TV 4K, as it will be based on an LLM (Large Language Model) version. This enhanced version of Siri, which Apple plans to introduce next year, will function similarly to chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude. Siri would then be able to not only execute simple commands but also answer complex questions, offer movie recommendations, or provide additional information about actors and music in films. These improvements are not expected to be fully available until spring 2026, but the Apple TV 4K would already be technically prepared for them.
Possibility of an integrated camera
There's been repeated speculation that Apple might integrate a camera directly into the Apple TV 4K. However, this hasn't been confirmed yet. If this were to happen, FaceTime calls would be possible without an iPhone, as the camera would be integrated directly into the device. This would also open up new control options, such as gesture control or the detection of people in the room. However, there's currently no indication that this feature will actually appear in the next generation.
tvOS 26 with new features
The new version of the Apple TV 4K is expected to ship with tvOS 26. The current operating system brings several new features. These include a redesigned "Liquid Glass" design, adjustments to the Apple TV app, and easier profile selection. tvOS 26 also offers live captions for FaceTime, new aerial views as a screensaver, and the ability to use an iPhone as a microphone for the Apple Music Sing Karaoke feature. These improvements primarily affect the user interface and ensure a more modern and intuitive user experience.
Price and possible release date
In terms of price, Apple may be planning a slightly lower entry point this time. Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple will potentially offer the new Apple TV 4K starting at around $100. The current model starts at $129 (€169 in Germany). Whether Apple can maintain this price depends on the exact specifications. It's also possible that there will be two versions: a more powerful model with the A17 Pro and N1 chip, and a cheaper version with slimmed-down hardware. Regarding the release date, much points to the end of 2025. Apple could unveil the new model in November or December. Should the market launch be delayed, a launch in early 2026 would be realistic.
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A look at the future of Apple TV 4K
The new Apple TV 4K is likely to be more than just a minor update. The A17 Pro chip, Wi-Fi 7, tvOS 26, and planned support for Apple Intelligence make it clear that Apple is further developing the streaming box as a central smart home device. Whether the device will actually get a camera or whether Apple will keep everything the same in terms of design remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: The next generation of Apple TV 4K will be more powerful, smarter, and more connected – and could take the streaming experience in the Apple ecosystem to a new level. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Masarik)
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