An image file for an unreleased “Apple TV 4K (4th generation)” has surfaced, suggesting Apple may be preparing to launch a new streaming box. The image shows an enclosure that appears unchanged from the current Apple TV 4K, indicating that the next model’s main updates could be inside the device.

Contributor Aaron Perris uncovered the image file. The leak does not confirm a release date or final specifications, but it arrives as Apple’s current Apple TV 4K approaches four years on the market.

Expected Apple TV 4K hardware upgrades

The next Apple TV 4K is rumored to use an A17 Pro chip or a newer processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. That would represent a substantial increase over the current model’s A15 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM.

A newer processor could deliver faster performance and enable hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which may improve graphics rendering in supported games. The additional memory is also expected to help the device support Apple Intelligence and new AI features in Siri.

Another rumored addition is Apple’s N1 wireless chip. The chip could bring Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support to the Apple TV. Wi-Fi 7 can use the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz bands at the same time with compatible equipment, offering significantly greater theoretical bandwidth than the current model’s Wi-Fi 6 connection.

Wi-Fi 7 is theoretically capable of speeds up to four times higher than Wi-Fi 6 in this comparison, although actual performance would depend on the router, internet connection and other network conditions.

Siri AI could be the biggest change

The most notable software upgrade may be a more capable version of Siri. tvOS 27 is expected to add a Siri app to the Apple TV, with Siri AI described as a more intelligent and personalized assistant that can respond to a broad range of questions.

The rumored increase to 8GB of RAM would provide additional capacity for Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence features. However, the reported capabilities and the timing of the software remain unconfirmed.

A revised Siri Remote is also expected, although it is unclear whether the remote would receive visible design changes or primarily internal updates.

Apple TV 4K price and release outlook

Apple’s current Apple TV 4K was announced in October 2022. In June, Apple increased the US prices of both available configurations. The 64GB Wi-Fi model now starts at $199, up from $129, while the 128GB Wi-Fi plus Ethernet model starts at $249, compared with its previous $149 price.

It is not yet known whether the fourth-generation model would retain those prices or cost more. October has traditionally been a common month for Apple product announcements, so a launch could potentially be weeks away, but no release schedule has been confirmed.