The Apple TV refresh rumored for 2025 never arrived. As of August 18, 2026, Apple still sells the third-generation Apple TV 4K, while recent reports point to a possible 2026 successor. Apple has not confirmed a new model, its launch date, price, or specifications. If you need a streaming box now, the current model remains capable; if you are considering Apple’s full asking price or want newer hardware, waiting for an announcement is the safer move.
What happened to the expected 2025 Apple TV?
The current third-generation Apple TV 4K debuted in October 2022. Rumor coverage during 2025 suggested Apple might refresh it before the end of that year, but no successor appeared. Later reporting shifted expectations to 2026; that remains speculation, not an Apple release commitment. Apple’s 2022 announcement, 2025-era reporting, and retrospective coverage document the shift.
“Apple TV” can mean the set-top box, its tvOS software, the Apple TV app, or Apple’s streaming service. This article concerns the hardware box.
What Apple TV 4K can you buy now?
Apple’s current model is the third-generation Apple TV 4K, powered by an A15 Bionic chip. Apple’s U.S. store lists the 64GB Wi‑Fi configuration at $199 and the 128GB Wi‑Fi + Ethernet configuration at $249; those are U.S. prices and can differ by location, taxes, or retailer discounts. Check Apple’s buying page for the current listing.
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- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
| Feature | Current Apple TV 4K (third generation) |
|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic |
| Storage and networking | 64GB with Wi‑Fi; or 128GB with Wi‑Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. The Ethernet model also supports Thread networking. |
| Wireless | Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Video and audio | 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos support |
| Remote | Siri Remote with USB-C; Apple’s product listing says it can be located with an iPhone |
| Other uses | FaceTime on a TV using a paired iPhone or iPad, plus smart-home hub functions |
Specifications and features are listed by Apple’s technical specifications and product page. Apple’s support page identifies the model and compatibility information.
What could change in a 2026 model?
Recent reports suggest a refreshed Apple TV could arrive later in 2026, but Apple has not announced a release date or confirmed any of the rumored hardware. The possibilities below come from reporting, not official specifications.
Rank #2
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
| Rumored change | What it could mean | What remains unknown |
|---|---|---|
| New A-series processor, possibly A17 Pro | Potentially quicker app launches, more capable Apple Arcade gaming, and headroom for demanding on-device features | The chip, performance, software-support period, and any hardware-exclusive functions are unconfirmed; no Apple benchmark exists for a future model. |
| Apple N1 wireless chip, with possible Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 | Could modernize connectivity and help coordinate with smart-home devices; an earlier rumor mentioned Wi‑Fi 6E instead | The chip and wireless standards have not been confirmed. Wi‑Fi 7 would be most relevant with a compatible router and network, not a prerequisite for ordinary 4K streaming. |
| Support for future Siri or Apple Intelligence features | Could enable more capable voice search, cross-app discovery, home-control requests, or personalized recommendations | Apple has not said which features will come to Apple TV, what hardware they need, whether they run locally, or which languages and regions they will support. |
| Possible Siri Remote revision | A revised remote could change navigation or device-finding options | Its existence, design, tracking technology, and whether it would be included are not established. |
| Similar compact black-box design | Would make the refresh primarily an internal upgrade | Reporting suggests a broadly similar design, but Apple has not confirmed the enclosure or announced a redesign. |
For the wireless-chip and design reports, see MacRumors’ May 2026 coverage; for the possible processor and 2026 timing, see its July 2026 rumor roundup.
How does Apple Intelligence affect the timing?
Reporting has linked the hardware refresh to Apple’s delayed work on a more capable Siri and its wider Apple Intelligence plans. Apple announced next-generation Apple Intelligence and Siri developments at WWDC26, but that announcement did not confirm a new Apple TV or say which devices will support particular functions. See Apple’s announcement.
Rank #3
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- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Some improvements to the interface, apps, accessibility, or services can arrive through tvOS updates on compatible older hardware. Other features may need a newer processor, another Apple device, cloud processing, or a particular language or region. Until Apple publishes requirements, it is not possible to tell which rumored AI capabilities—if any—will be exclusive to a new box.
Would the rumored changes make it a major upgrade?
On current information, the likely case is an evolutionary refresh: a newer chip and more modern connectivity could help gaming, future software, and some smart-home setups. None of that guarantees better picture quality. A faster processor does not upgrade a television panel, and streaming picture quality still depends on the service, source, connection, and TV.
Rank #4
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
There is no established basis to expect 8K video, a built-in camera, a combined HomePod, a radically smaller enclosure, major storage increases, an exclusive redesigned interface, a lower price, or gesture controls. Those ideas have appeared in rumor coverage, but they are not confirmed features; older rumor coverage is not proof they will ship.
Wi‑Fi 7 would matter most to people with a Wi‑Fi 7 router, a fast broadband connection, high-bitrate local media, or a dense smart-home network. For conventional streaming, it is unlikely by itself to change the picture. Wired Ethernet can be useful when the box is near a router or network jack, when local media is demanding, or when the household uses Thread; many homes will do fine with Wi‑Fi.
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Best Value
- Dolby Atmos for immersive, room-filling sound - 4K High Frame Rate HDR with Dolby Vision for fluid, crisp video
- A12 Bionic chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics, for even better game and app experiences than ever before
- The new Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad - Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your device on your TV
- Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ - Watch the latest hits from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
- More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music - Private listening using up to two sets of AirPods
A faster chip could help supported Apple Arcade games, but it would not make Apple TV a guaranteed replacement for a PlayStation, Xbox, gaming PC, or dedicated cloud-gaming device. Game availability, controller support, storage, and developer support still matter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy the current Apple TV 4K or wait?
| Your situation | Practical choice |
|---|---|
| You need a box now, use Apple devices or HomeKit, and want Apple’s ecosystem features | Consider the current model, especially at a meaningful retailer discount. It already supports 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, FaceTime through a paired Apple device, and Apple services. |
| You already own a working Apple TV 4K | Wait for official details unless you have a specific problem the current model cannot solve. No confirmed new feature yet justifies upgrading on its own. |
| You would pay Apple’s full U.S. price and want the newest chip or possible AI support | Waiting for the announcement reduces the risk of paying full price just before a refresh. Do not assume the new model will be cheaper or that it will support every AI feature. |
| You mainly watch Netflix, YouTube, or live TV and your smart TV works well | A separate box may not be necessary. If the TV’s apps are slow or poorly supported, compare a current streamer that suits your platform preferences. |
| You want a low-cost basic streamer and do not use Apple services | Apple TV may be poor value at its direct-store price. Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV devices, or the TV’s built-in system are categories to compare; check current model availability and pricing before choosing. |
| You prioritize gaming or high-bitrate local media | Wait for confirmed specifications if a newer chip or networking standard is essential. Do not buy on the assumption that rumored performance or Wi‑Fi features are guaranteed. |
The current model is still capable for ordinary streaming; the central question is whether its ecosystem and features justify its price for you. A discount makes the 2022 hardware easier to recommend, while buying at full price makes the unannounced successor more relevant. The quoted Apple Store prices are U.S. listings, not a worldwide price guarantee.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
