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Apple hasn't refreshed its TV set-top box for some time, but it looks like that may finally change. The latest reports suggest the next-generation Apple TV 4K will receive several significant additions that will clearly distinguish it from the current 2022 model. Among the most frequently cited changes are Apple Intelligence, a new AI-based version of Siri, a faster chipset and a possibly redesigned remote. Although there's been talk of a new Apple TV for a long time, the leaks are gathering pace again. The only question is whether Apple will actually unveil the device this year, or whether the launch will be delayed once more.
Apple is reportedly preparing an Apple TV 4K with Siri AI and Apple Intelligence
Latest information about the future Apple TV 4K comes from a Bloomberg report, specifically from Mark Gurman, who has followed Apple’s plans for years and regularly publishes details about the company’s upcoming devices. According to those reports, the new Apple set-top box is set to get support for Apple Intelligence and a refreshed Siri AI, the solutions the company is beginning to roll out more widely across its ecosystem. The readiness of the new Siri features is said to be one of the reasons Apple has delayed the launch of the next model for so long. Earlier talk put the debut in 2024, then 2025, and now the date increasingly being mentioned is 2026. Apple is reportedly already running very advanced tests not only on the new Apple TV but also on the next version of the HomePod mini. Support for Apple Intelligence on the Apple TV itself could mean entirely new ways of searching for content, controlling the device or using voice-based features. Siri in its new form is expected to be more context-aware, understand commands more naturally and integrate better with Apple services. For the set-top box that could translate to smoother movie searches, playback control, smart home handling or even more elaborate personalisation of recommendations. The problem remains availability of these features in Europe. Apple has already signalled that Siri AI may not be immediately available in European Union countries because of requirements related to the Digital Markets Act. The company says some of the rules conflict with the privacy assumptions built into AI systems. If that issue isn’t resolved, the new Apple TV may launch with features that simply won’t be active in some regions. That would be fairly awkward, especially if Apple intends to base one of the device’s main new features on them. Even so, everything points to Apple treating integration of the set-top box with its own AI suite as an important element of the next generation.
More powerful chip, possible new remote and end of support for older models
To handle Apple Intelligence and a more advanced Siri, the new Apple TV 4K will need a significantly more powerful chip than the current model. Earlier reports pointed to the A17 Pro, the chip used in iPhones and associated with supporting more demanding games and ray tracing. However, it's not certain Apple will stick with that chip, as further delays may have affected the original plans. Regardless of the exact processor model, it's reasonable to expect the new set-top box to get a noticeable performance boost. That's important not only for AI, but also for the development of games in Apple's ecosystem. Newer chips also offer hardware AV1 decoding, which matters for streaming quality and more efficient handling of modern video formats. Bloomberg also says Apple may use its own chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which should improve interoperability with the company's other devices. At the same time, don't expect support for 8K, suggesting Apple will continue to treat the device as a classic Apple TV 4K rather than a completely new hardware category. Leaks also mention a possibly refreshed remote. It's unclear whether that's just cosmetic tweaks or a larger redesign, but Apple is apparently considering changes to this part of the package as well. An interesting backdrop to these reports is that tvOS 27 drops support for Apple TV HD and the first-generation Apple TV 4K. This is a clear sign that Apple is starting to clear the way for newer hardware and no longer intends to maintain full compatibility with the oldest models. The current Apple TV 4K debuted in November 2022, so the gap between refreshes is already the longest in the line's history. If the new model does arrive later this year, Apple may finally try again to give this category of devices a bit more significance.
The new Apple TV 4K is popping up in leaks again and it looks like Apple may be preparing the biggest refresh of this set-top box in years. Apple Intelligence, Siri AI, a more powerful chip, a new connectivity module and possible tweaks to the remote are all in play. If all goes to plan, the launch could happen before the end of 2026.
source: flatpanelshd
