Multiple reports indicate Apple has completed hardware development for several new devices, including a next-generation Apple TV 4K, but is postponing their release pending the integration of updated artificial intelligence features for Siri.
Summary
The next Apple TV 4K is anticipated to feature an upgraded processor, such as the A17 Pro chip or a newer model, and new networking hardware supporting Wi-Fi 7. The device's external design is expected to remain similar to the current model. Several sources state that new Apple TV 4K and HomePod devices are "ready" or have been manufactured, but their launch is dependent on the completion of a more advanced version of Siri. This software development has been delayed from an initial target of March 2025, with current expectations pointing to a release alongside iOS 27 in September 2026.
Affected Devices
According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, at least four products are awaiting the new Siri software:
- New Apple TV 4K
- HomePod 3 (third-generation full-size HomePod)
- HomePod mini 2
- A new smart home display, referred to by analysts as 'HomePad' or 'HomePod Touch'
Gurman reported that hardware for the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini is completed and has been used by employees at Apple's headquarters. The smart home displays have reportedly been manufactured and are stored, awaiting the software update for shipment.
Reason for Delay
The primary reason cited for the postponement is Apple's plan to integrate new "Apple Intelligence" features and a more personalized version of Siri directly into these products before their public release. Reports indicate that the current hardware in the existing Apple TV 4K (A15 Bionic chip) may not be capable of running these new AI features locally.
Siri Development Timeline
- Initial Target: New artificial intelligence features for Siri were initially anticipated for a March 2025 launch.
- Subsequent Delays: Apple later indicated the scope of these features was larger than previously previewed. Reporting pushed the target to March 2026 with iOS 26.4, then further to iOS 26.5.
- Current Outlook: The first beta of iOS 26.5 was released without notable Siri changes. Multiple reports now point to a significant Siri update arriving with iOS 27, tvOS 27, and HomePod 27, expected for public release in September 2026.
Apple TV 4K: Expected Specifications
- Chip: The device is expected to upgrade from the A15 Bionic chip. Sources indicate it will likely use the A17 Pro chip (from the iPhone 15 Pro), offering a 3-nanometer manufacturing process for improved performance and efficiency. Some reports suggest the final hardware could use an even newer chip, such as the A18 or A19. A RAM increase is considered possible to support local AI processing.
- Design: The 2026 Apple TV is expected to retain the current "squircle" shape and black plastic construction, with no external design changes reported.
- Connectivity: The device may include Apple's new N1 networking chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7 support on the 6GHz band for faster streaming, as well as Bluetooth 6 and Thread protocols for connecting peripherals and smart home devices.
- Siri Remote: A refresh of the Siri Remote is a possibility, though it is unclear if this would involve internal changes or a new design.
- Pricing: Reports mention rumors of a potential price drop, possibly through a two-model lineup (a high-end version and a lower-cost option) or by keeping the current model as a budget choice.
HomePod mini 2: Expected Specifications
- Chip: The current HomePod mini uses the S5 chip. The new model is expected to upgrade to the S9 chip (from the Apple Watch Series 9) or newer.
- Features: Other rumored improvements include the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, enhanced audio quality, a newer Ultra-Wideband chip, and a new red color option. Its ability to run Apple Intelligence features locally is uncertain; some reports suggest it may rely on cloud processing.
Launch Date
If the new Siri features are released with iOS 27 in September 2026, the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod models are not expected to launch before that time. The current Apple TV 4K (introduced in October 2022) will have been on the market for a significantly longer period than its predecessors without a hardware update.