Apple TV 4K Refresh Reportedly Delayed as Siri Upgrade Faces Further Setbacks

Apple is said to be postponing the launch of its next-generation Apple TV 4K, as it aligns the device with a significantly upgraded version of Siri. According to a report from Mac Daily News, which cites Bloomberg and MacRumors, the hardware for the streaming device is largely complete, but the company is choosing to wait until its next major AI-driven Siri update is ready before bringing it to market.

The delay does not appear to be limited to just the Apple TV. Apple is also reportedly working on a new lineup of smart home products, including HomePod 3, HomePod mini 2, and a smart display often referred to as the “HomePod Touch.” These devices are believed to be in advanced stages of production but are similarly being held back to launch alongside the updated Siri experience.

At the centre of the delay is Apple’s ambitious plan to reinvent Siri into a more powerful, conversational assistant. The AI-powered features were first showcased at WWDC 2024 and were originally expected to roll out by March 2025. However, Apple later acknowledged delays due to performance and reliability challenges.

Subsequent reports indicated that the rollout had been shifted to around the iOS 26.4 update in 2026. More recent updates from Bloomberg suggest the timeline has slipped again, with the enhanced Siri now likely to debut with iOS 27. Apple is reportedly collaborating with Google and may integrate Gemini AI models to support parts of Siri’s new capabilities.

The upgraded Siri is expected to be more context-aware, conversational, and capable of executing tasks directly on-device, marking a significant leap from its current functionality.

While the software remains in development, details about the upcoming Apple TV 4K hardware have begun to surface. One of the most notable upgrades could be a new processor. The device is expected to move from the A15 chip to a more advanced A-series processor, possibly the A17 Pro, which currently powers the iPhone 15 Pro models. This shift could deliver substantial improvements in performance and graphics, including support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing.

Such enhancements may position the Apple TV closer to console-like gaming, an area Apple has been steadily expanding into. Additionally, the new model could include increased RAM, potentially doubling from 4GB to 8GB, enabling smoother multitasking and better support for AI-driven features.

Connectivity upgrades are also anticipated. Apple may introduce its in-house N1 networking chip, bringing support for Wi-Fi 7, along with improved Bluetooth and Thread capabilities to strengthen its smart home ecosystem.

Despite these upgrades, the overall design is expected to remain largely unchanged, retaining its compact and fanless build. However, smaller improvements such as AV1 codec support for more efficient video streaming may also be included.

For now, Apple appears focused on ensuring that its next wave of devices launches alongside a more capable and reliable Siri, even if that means pushing timelines further into late 2026.