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Apple hasn't updated 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 get several significant new features that will clearly set it apart from the current 2022 model. Among the most frequently mentioned changes are Apple Intelligence, a new AI-based version of Siri, a faster SoC and a possibly redesigned remote. Although talk of a new Apple TV has been going on for a while, this time the leaks are picking up pace again. The only question is whether Apple will actually unveil the device this year, or whether it will once more end up delaying the launch.
Apple is reportedly preparing an Apple TV 4K with Siri AI and Apple Intelligence
The latest information about the upcoming 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 these reports, the new Apple set-top box will get support for Apple Intelligence and an updated Siri AI, technologies 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. Earlier reports suggested a 2024 debut, then 2025, and now 2026 is increasingly being mentioned. Apple is reportedly already conducting very advanced tests not only of the new Apple TV but also of the next version of the HomePod mini. Support for Apple Intelligence on the Apple TV itself could mean entirely new ways to search for content, control the device and use voice features. Siri in its new form is expected to work more contextually, understand commands more naturally and integrate better with Apple services. On a set-top box this could lead to quicker film searches, improved playback control, smart home handling and even more sophisticated personalisation of recommendations. However, the availability of these features in Europe remains a problem. 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 regulations conflict with its privacy principles for AI systems. If this issue is not resolved, the new Apple TV could launch with features that simply will not be active in some regions. That would be rather problematic, especially if Apple plans to base one of the device’s main new features on them. Even so, everything points to Apple treating integration of the television set-top box with its own AI suite as an important element of the next generation.
A more powerful chip, a possible new remote and the end of support for older models
To support 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 known, among other things, from iPhones and associated with running more demanding games and ray tracing. However, it’s not certain whether Apple will ultimately stick with that chip, since 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 within the Apple ecosystem. Newer chips also offer hardware-accelerated 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 would improve interoperability with the company’s other devices. At the same time, don’t expect support for 8K, which suggests Apple will continue to treat this device as a classic Apple TV 4K rather than an entirely new hardware category. Leaks also mention a possibly refreshed remote. For now it’s unclear whether this would be only cosmetic tweaks or a more substantial redesign, but Apple is apparently considering changes to that component of the kit as well. An interesting backdrop to these reports is the fact that tvOS 27 drops support for Apple TV HD and the first-generation Apple TV 4K. It’s a clear signal that Apple is starting to clear the field 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 indeed debut later this year, Apple may finally try again to give this category of devices a bit more prominence.
The new Apple TV 4K is surfacing in leaks again and it looks like Apple may be preparing the biggest refresh of this set-top box in years. Rumoured features include Apple Intelligence, Siri AI, a more powerful chip, a new connectivity module and possible tweaks to the remote. If all goes to plan, the launch could take place as early as 2026.
source: flatpanelshd
