The next-generation Apple TV 4K is expected to ship with either an A19 or A19 Pro processor and 8GB or 12GB of RAM, according to code discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. That’s a significant jump from the current 2022 model, which runs an A15 Bionic chip paired with 4GB of RAM. The new model identifier uncovered in Apple’s code is AppleTV18,1, following the naming scheme used by the iPhone 17 line.
The A19 chip appeared in some iPhone 17 models, while the A19 Pro powers the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro. Though both chips represent a generational step forward from the A15, the A19 Pro is more likely to land in the Apple TV because it exclusively supports the full suite of Siri AI features that Apple has built into iOS 27. This is the clearest evidence yet of what Apple is preparing after the longest gap between Apple TV hardware updates in the product’s history.
RAM Expansion Is Built for AI Processing
The RAM will increase from 4GB to either 8GB or 12GB, a two to threefold jump designed to handle Siri AI and Apple Intelligence workloads. That memory boost shows Apple plans to make the new Apple TV a more intelligent hub than before, capable of running on-device AI processing for voice commands and smart home automation.
The new Apple TV will also integrate an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 operates simultaneously across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands and is theoretically up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 6. The N1 chip also supports Thread, allowing the Apple TV to continue serving as a Thread border router and Matter hub for controlling smart home devices.
Siri AI Features Have Delayed the Release
Apple postponed the rollout of advanced Siri AI features until iOS 27, launching in September 2026, because the company was still experiencing issues with Siri when it originally intended to ship the feature in spring 2026. The Apple TV refresh is directly tied to this update because Apple wants to launch the device with the smarter version of Siri. The two products will roll out together.
Design and Remote Stay Largely the Same
The exterior of the new Apple TV will remain unchanged, keeping the same squircle shape, black plastic construction, and overall appearance as the current model. A revised Siri Remote is among the rumored upgrades; code in a macOS 26.7 build seemingly confirms a new version, and Mark Gurman has reported that a “tweaked Apple TV remote” is in development for the new hardware.
Pricing Uncertainty Remains
In June 2026, Apple raised prices on the current Apple TV 4K: the Wi-Fi model with 64GB of storage now starts at $199 (up from $129), while the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model with 128GB of storage starts at $249 (up from $149). Whether the next model will maintain those prices or cost more is still unknown.
Launch Likely Imminent
All available evidence points to an imminent announcement, with Apple’s September 9 event the most likely venue for a reveal. This lines up with the September 2026 availability of iOS 27, the operating system underpinning Siri AI and the features Apple is tying to this device. This is the first concrete processor information for the new Apple TV since the current model launched in October 2022.
