Apple is working on a new version of the 4K Apple TV, and while rumors suggested that would debut in 2025, it failed to appear and so is now expected in 2026, almost four years after the launch of the current model. This guide includes details on everything that we expect to see in the 2026 Apple TV 4K.
Design
Apple has not refreshed the design of the Apple TV in several years, and that's not going to change in 2026. We are not expecting any updates to the form factor when a new model is released, and it will continue to use the same slimmed-down black plastic body from the current Apple TV model.
A New Chip
The current Apple TV 4K has the same A15 Bionic chip that was in the iPhone 13 lineup, and we're expecting a new A-series chip for the 2026 Apple TV. Apple doesn't design chips exclusively for the Apple TV, so it will use a previously released iPhone chip.
Apple might use the A17 Pro chip that first debuted in the iPhone 15 Pro models, as that would give the Apple TV the capability to play console-quality games, a rumor from years back. The A17 Pro was Apple's first 3-nanometer chip, and it includes a 6-core GPU that's able to support hardware-accelerated ray tracing for the first time, enabling games with more realistic graphics. Several console games like Resident Evil 4 and Death Stranding are available on the iPhone thanks to the A17 Pro and A18 chip series.
Apple could even opt for the A18 chips that are in the iPhone 16 models, or the A19 chips that are being used in the iPhone 17 models.
An Updated Remote
Apple could release an updated Apple TV Remote alongside the Apple TV 4K. References to a new remote were found in macOS Tahoe 26.7, but it's not clear what might change.
Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7
Apple is expected to use a custom Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip that it designed for the Apple TV 4K. The chip features support for Wi-Fi 6E, which will allow the Apple TV to connect to 6GHz networks when available. Wi-Fi 7 is also a possibility, but either way, the chip is expected to support the 6GHz band available with Wi-Fi 6E and later routers.
Other Connectivity
Apple offers both a Wi-Fi only Apple TV 4K and a Wi-Fi + Ethernet model, and that could continue with the next-generation model. We could also see the next Apple TV adopt Bluetooth 6.
The Apple TV is expected to continue to offer Thread integration and support for Matter when used as a home hub for smart home products.
Pricing
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in 2024 that he expects the next Apple TV to be more affordable, and that a price under $100 would be the "sweet spot." Pricing on the current Apple TV 4K starts at $199 for 64GB storage and Wi-Fi only connectivity after a June price increase, and the price hike suggests any plans of a cheaper Apple TV have been tossed out.
Launch Date
Apple was previously said to be planning to release the next Apple TV in late 2025, but this did not come to fruition. It's possible the release was pushed back to coincide with the release of new smart home products, which are now rumored to be coming in September 2026. Signs of the rumored home hub were found in macOS Tahoe 26.7, as was a codename for a new remote, but there was no reference to the new Apple TV.
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