Since this is a translation of an overseas article, there may be some mistranslations.
https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1782216188
Next-Gen Apple TV 4K Rumored to Feature Siri AI and Updated Remote
The next-generation Apple TV 4K has surfaced in rumors once again. This time, it's said to feature Apple Intelligence, Siri AI, an upgraded chip, and possibly a redesigned remote.
This information comes from Bloomberg, so the release timeframe needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
Mark Gurman is generally accurate with his information, but he has repeatedly pointed to a 2024, then 2025, and now 2026 release for the new Apple TV 4K. What's the reason for the delays? Apple may be waiting for Siri AI to be ready before launching an upgraded media streamer.
Apple Intelligence and Siri AI
Apple Intelligence and Siri AI are expected to roll out across Apple's platform this fall, so it's highly likely that the Apple TV 4K will also incorporate these technologies.
"Finally, new Apple TVs and HomePod minis with Apple Intelligence are in very advanced testing stages. It would be surprising if they didn't launch this year. However, don't expect major changes from these devices besides new Siri support and possibly a slightly modified Apple TV remote," Bloomberg stated.
Siri AI is currently not supported in EU countries, with Apple claiming that it clashes with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirements regarding AI systems and privacy policies.
New Chip
Apple Intelligence and Siri AI require a faster chip for the Apple TV. Bloomberg previously reported that this would be the A17 Pro chip. This chip supports ray tracing in Apple devices, opening the door to AAA console games, but release delays may have changed those plans.
It's worth noting that the A17 Pro and subsequent chips also support hardware-accelerated AV1 decoding.
Bloomberg previously reported that the next-generation Apple TV would feature Apple's own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, which are expected to improve interoperability with other Apple devices. The set-top box is not expected to support 8K, suggesting it will be a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K model.
tvOS 27, Support for Older Devices Ends
Apple announced tvOS 27 earlier this month and discontinued support for the Apple TV HD and first-generation Apple TV 4K. These devices were already unable to support several new features due to their outdated hardware.
The fact that the Apple TV 4K has lagged behind Apple's other platforms is largely due to the lack of hardware upgrades since November 2022. This marks the longest gap in the Apple TV refresh cycle so far.
For reference, Google launched a new Google TV streamer in summer 2024, while the Nvidia Shield has not seen hardware upgrades since October 2019.
▶ Source: https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1782216188
