Apple fans waiting for a new Apple TV have had to be patient—the set-top box hasn't been updated since 2022. That wait continues a bit longer. Apple is holding the next Apple TV until its redesigned Siri launches this fall, tying the hardware refresh to iOS 27 and its new AI-powered assistant.

The 2026 model will look identical to the current version, keeping the same squircle design and black plastic shell. The real upgrade lives inside: rumors point to the A17 Pro chip (from iPhone 15 Pro), built on a 3-nanometer process with hardware-accelerated ray tracing for better gaming. It could also get Wi-Fi 7 via Apple's N1 chip and Bluetooth 6.

Beyond the processor, the delay stems from Apple Intelligence integration. The company wanted to launch the Apple TV with its smarter Siri, but those features got pushed to iOS 27 in September. There's also talk of a cheaper model or dual-tier pricing strategy. For now, buyers should hold off until fall.