If you have been waiting for a new Apple TV, you are going to have to wait a little longer. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the next-generation Apple TV 4K has been pushed to September 2026 at the earliest. The reason comes down to Siri — and it is the same issue holding back several other Apple products this year.
Here is what is going on.
Why Is the Apple TV Refresh Delayed?
Apple had originally planned to launch a refreshed Apple TV alongside new AI features for Siri in spring 2026. The plan was for the new Apple TV to serve as a hub for Apple’s smarter, more capable version of Siri — the AI-powered assistant upgrade that Apple first teased at WWDC 2024.
The problem is that Siri is not ready. Apple has been working on a significantly upgraded version of Siri that can handle complex, multi-step requests and interact more naturally with users. That new Siri is now tied to iOS 27, which will not arrive until September 2026 at WWDC.
Because the new Apple TV’s value proposition is so closely linked to those AI features, Apple decided to hold the hardware until the software is ready.
What Was Expected in the New Apple TV?
Before the delay, the refreshed Apple TV was expected to include:
- An updated A-series chip (likely the A17 Pro or A18) with Apple Intelligence support
- The new N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support
- Deeper integration with Apple’s smart home platform and Matter accessories
- Potentially a lower-cost model alongside a premium tier
None of that is cancelled. It is simply pushed. When the new Apple TV does arrive, it should be a meaningful upgrade over the current model, which has gone years without a refresh.
What Else Is Being Held Back?
The Apple TV is not the only product waiting on Siri. The rumoured HomePad — Apple’s long-awaited smart home display, similar to an Echo Show — is also tied to the same AI delay. So is the next HomePod mini.
Apple’s Siri ambitions for 2026 have effectively reshuffled a significant portion of the company’s hardware roadmap. We have a full overview of what to expect at WWDC 2026, where the new Siri is expected to be the centrepiece announcement.
Should You Buy the Current Apple TV?
If you need an Apple TV right now, the current Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) still performs well for streaming and light gaming. However, if you can wait until September, the upgraded model will offer noticeably better specs and meaningfully smarter Siri integration.
One thing to keep in mind is that Apple is also dealing with broader software delays. As we covered separately, iOS 27 is expected to bring the five biggest Apple features of the year, and the new Siri is at the top of that list.
The Bottom Line
If you were hoping for a new Apple TV this spring, that is not happening. September is the new target. Check back around WWDC 2026 in June for the official announcement, and we will have full coverage as soon as it drops.
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