Apple TV Refresh Faces Delay as Siri Development Slows Launch Timeline

Expectations around Apple’s next Apple TV have shifted again, with the long-anticipated update now appearing unlikely to arrive before late 2026. The delay, tied closely to ongoing work on new Siri capabilities, has left the current model on shelves longer than many had expected.

For months, there had been a sense that Apple was nearing a release. Internally, the device is said to be largely ready. The sticking point is not hardware, but software — specifically, a more advanced version of Siri that Apple intends to introduce alongside the new model.

That decision has pushed the timeline out. The updated Siri features are now expected to arrive with iOS 27, which is not due until around September 2026. As a result, products linked to those capabilities, including the Apple TV, are being held back.

On the surface, the upcoming Apple TV is unlikely to look any different from the current version. Apple has kept its set-top box design consistent for years, and that approach appears unchanged. The familiar compact, black enclosure is expected to remain.

The more meaningful changes sit inside. A newer A-series chip is widely expected, with the A17 Pro — first introduced in Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro lineup — seen as a likely candidate. Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current Apple TV, it would represent a significant leap in performance and efficiency. The chip also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which could improve gaming visuals on the platform.

There is also a possibility that Apple opts for an even newer processor by the time the device ships, given the extended delay. A corresponding increase in RAM is considered likely, particularly if the device is to handle more advanced artificial intelligence features tied to Apple Intelligence.

Connectivity upgrades are also under consideration. Reports point to Apple’s in-house N1 networking chip, which would bring support for Wi-Fi 7. That would allow the device to take advantage of the less congested 6GHz band available on newer routers, offering faster and more stable streaming.

Bluetooth improvements are expected as well, potentially moving to Bluetooth 6 for better connections with accessories such as wireless earbuds and game controllers.

Pricing remains uncertain. Apple may introduce a lower-cost version alongside a higher-end model, or it could keep the current generation available as a more affordable option.

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For now, the delay leaves buyers with a familiar choice: purchase the existing model or wait for a more capable device that may still be months away. Apple has not publicly commented on the timeline, and until the Siri features are ready, the new Apple TV is likely to remain in limbo.