The Apple TV 4K is technically ready, but Apple is deliberately holding back its release. The reason: The revamped Siri isn't ready yet. Here's what the new model is expected to offer and when it might be released.
No Apple product is currently waiting longer for an update than the Apple TV 4K. The current model dates back to 2022 and still runs on the A15 Bionic chip. Reports from multiple sources - most notably Bloomberg's Mark Gurman - have indicated for months that a successor is practically finished. Despite this, Apple has yet to unveil the device. The reason lies not in the hardware, but in the software: The new, AI-powered version of Siri is the centerpiece of the update - and it's not yet ready.
Why Apple is waiting
Apple doesn't want to ship the new Apple TV 4K without its key new feature. The revamped Siri, based on Apple Intelligence and intended to be significantly different from the previous version, was originally planned for spring 2026. However, development has been delayed again, and the new Siri features have now been postponed to iOS 27 and the associated system updates this fall.
Since Apple intends to position the Apple TV as a showcase for the new Siri, a launch without this feature makes no strategic sense. The same applies to the also-pending HomePod mini and the long-rumored smart home hub – all three products are tied to the same Siri delay.
What the new model is supposed to offer
Even though the external design will remain unchanged, the new Apple TV 4K brings significant improvements under the hood. Here's an overview of the most important expected innovations.
The A17 Pro chip is intended to replace the aging A15 Bionic and is a prerequisite for Apple's intelligence features. It's based on a 3-nanometer process and offers hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved game graphics. However, since Apple has delayed the update for so long, it's possible that a newer chip like the A18 or A19 might be used instead.
The N1 network chip is expected to feature Wi-Fi 7 with support for the 6 GHz band. This is particularly relevant for a streaming device, as the 6 GHz band enables faster and less congested connections. Bluetooth 6 will also be included for improved connectivity with controllers and headphones.
Siri integration will be based on LLM technology, enabling it to answer more complex queries, provide context-sensitive recommendations, and integrate more seamlessly into the smart home ecosystem. This will likely result in a fundamentally different interaction with Apple TV compared to previous versions.
The price could also change. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple might offer a cheaper entry-level version for around $100 – either in addition to or as an alternative to the current model starting at $129. For those interested in all the rumors, we have a detailed overview of the new Apple TV 4K.
When can we expect the launch?
If the new Siri is indeed only coming with iOS 27 and Apple TV is tied to this version, the market launch is unlikely to occur before September 2026 – presumably during the annual iPhone event. An earlier launch is theoretically possible if Apple integrates individual Siri functions into iOS 26.5 beforehand, but is considered improbable.
Apple TV 4K: Buy now or wait?
Anyone who currently owns an Apple TV 4K that serves its purpose should definitely wait before buying a new one. The upcoming model, with its new chip, Wi-Fi 7, and AI-powered Siri, offers several reasons to justify this delay. Our clear recommendation is therefore: Don't buy it now. However, if you urgently need a streaming device and don't care about the new Siri, you can confidently use the current model. It will continue to receive software updates and remains functionally sound. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Karlis Dambrans)
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