All the Rumors About the New Apple TV Coming in 2026
Thanks to new hardware, the Apple TV could run AAA video games natively, expanding its role beyond traditional streaming.
Apple is preparing to update its most advanced streaming device. As 2025 comes to an end with no official announcements, various reports and leaks suggest that the new Apple TV 4K will finally arrive in 2026, with key improvements in performance, artificial intelligence, and capabilities that could expand its role beyond traditional entertainment.
Among the most mentioned changes are a new processor, support for Apple Intelligence, and a revamped Siri, as well as a possible leap forward in gaming. The growing expectations are partly explained by the time elapsed since the last update.
It’s worth remembering that the current third-generation Apple TV 4K was launched in 2022, and since then, rumors about its replacement have surfaced during various Apple events throughout 2025. However, none of those predictions came true, strengthening the belief that the company is now aiming for a 2026 release.
One of the most relevant rumors concerns the processor inside the next Apple TV 4K.
One of the most relevant rumors concerns the processor inside the next Apple TV 4K. According to information published by MacRumors, Apple is reportedly considering incorporating the A17 Pro chip, introduced in 2023 alongside the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Although not the company’s newest chip, it remains one of the most powerful within the Apple ecosystem.
For a streaming device, this hardware jump would be significant. The A17 Pro offers much higher processing and graphics performance than the chips currently used in Apple TV, allowing it to handle more demanding tasks without sacrificing fluidity. This technical improvement is key to understanding two of the main expected focuses of the new model: gaming and artificial intelligence.
The use of the A17 Pro chip opens the door to an especially interesting prospect: native support for AAA video games. Apple has already moved in this direction with the iPhone 15 Pro, which brought console titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Resident Evil 4, Death Stranding, Hitman: World of Assassination, and Sniper Elite 4 to iOS. Even Red Dead Redemption recently arrived on the iPhone, available at no extra cost for users with a Netflix subscription.
If the same hardware were to power the Apple TV 4K, the device could become a platform capable of running high-budget games without relying on cloud streaming. This would clearly set it apart from most streaming devices, which tend to limit themselves to casual titles or cloud-based gaming services.
This scenario also ties in with controller compatibility. With tvOS 26, Apple expanded support for physical controllers, including the PlayStation 5 DualSense and Xbox wireless controllers, which can connect via Bluetooth. Currently, Apple TV’s library of native games is limited to Apple Arcade, offering a relatively modest catalog. A more powerful Apple TV could change that landscape—if developers choose to adapt more high-profile titles.
If the same hardware were to power the Apple TV 4K, the device could become a platform capable of running high-budget games without relying on cloud streaming.
Beyond gaming, another major focus of the next generation will be the integration of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of artificial intelligence features unveiled at WWDC 2024. The A17 Pro was the first chip compatible with these capabilities, as earlier processors lacked the required power.
According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the new Apple TV 4K will include “new chips and internal wireless components” and will serve as one of the platforms showcasing Siri’s new Apple Intelligence–based features, expected to debut in 2026. This would include a more contextual assistant capable of understanding user requests more effectively and offering personalized responses across the Apple ecosystem.
For now, Apple has not confirmed any official dates. However, some reports suggest the launch could happen in early 2026—possibly between March and April—coinciding with the debut of the new Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. This timing would align with Apple’s usual calendar for secondary product launches.
Until Apple makes an official announcement, all these details remain in the realm of rumor. Still, the consensus among analysts and leakers is clear: the next Apple TV 4K will be a significant upgrade, designed to support Apple’s new artificial intelligence strategy and potentially usher in a new era of entertainment and gaming within the company’s ecosystem.
Video uploaded by Matt Talk Tech on December 26, 2025.
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