Leaked Image Confirms Fourth-Generation Apple TV 4K, but Don't Expect a New Look

September 26, 2026

After nearly four years without a hardware update, Apple's streaming box appears ready for a refresh that focuses on power rather than looks.

The Apple TV 4K streaming box shown from above on a white background — The Apple TV unit itself; the leaked fourth-generation model is expected to keep this same compact black-box design. Image courtesy of Apple.

Apple's long-overdue Apple TV update is no longer just a rumor. An official product image found in Apple's own files has confirmed that a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K is on the way, and it suggests the company is sticking with the design it has used for years.

MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris uncovered an image file from Apple for an unreleased Apple TV 4K, specifically labeled for an “Apple TV 4K (4th generation)” model. The discovery came as part of a larger haul that also included images of the next iPad mini and HomePod mini.

The leak ends a long wait. The current model, powered by an A15 Bionic chip with 4GB of RAM, debuted in October 2022. That makes it nearly four years old and overdue for an upgrade.

Same Box, New Brains

The biggest takeaway from the image is what has not changed. The fourth-generation Apple TV appears set to keep the same small black-box design, with nearly all of its meaningful upgrades happening inside.

Early reports pointed to an A17 Pro, the current minimum for Apple Intelligence. More recent evidence in Apple's code points higher, suggesting an A19 or A19 Pro. The device identifier AppleTV18,1 mirrors the numbering used by the iPhone 17 generation.

If the A19-class chip holds, the next Apple TV could carry 8GB or 12GB of RAM, at least double the 4GB in today's model. A newer chip would also unlock faster performance and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more ambitious games.

Rear view of Apple TV 4K showing its power, HDMI, and Ethernet ports — The current Ethernet model keeps its connections simple; the next generation is expected to focus on internal upgrades. Image courtesy of Apple.

Siri AI and Faster Wireless

Artificial intelligence could be the headline software feature. Rumored Apple Intelligence and Siri AI support would make the box a more capable streaming and gaming device while bringing Apple's upgraded assistant to the television for the first time.

The new model is also expected to include Apple's N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Apple has been developing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth silicon for smart-home products, including Apple TV and HomePod mini.

Apple TV 4K displaying the Apple TV interface on a television — A faster chip and expanded Siri features could make tvOS feel more capable without changing the box outside. Image courtesy of Apple.

A New Remote

Reports also point to a revised Siri Remote, although the leaked product image does not settle what it will look like. Since the remote is the part owners actually handle every day, it may carry more of this generation's visible design story than the box itself.

Close-up of the silver Siri Remote with circular clickpad — The Siri Remote may receive a revision alongside the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. Image courtesy of Apple.

Design: Familiar, and Mostly Fine With That

Reaction to the unchanged exterior has been largely muted. A streaming box usually sits out of sight under or behind a television, and a compact, quiet case that matches older setups has practical value.

The counterargument is about perception. After a four-year wait, some fans hoped for a visible sign of change, and an identical enclosure can make even a major internal upgrade feel less exciting on a store shelf.

Apple Arcade game running on a television through Apple TV 4K — An A19-class chip and additional memory could make gaming one of the next Apple TV's biggest upgrades. Image courtesy of Apple.

The Price Question

The leak does not reveal the price, and that may matter more to buyers than the design. The current US lineup now starts at $199 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $249 for the 128GB Wi-Fi and Ethernet version. Streaming fans will hope for a cut when the new model arrives, but a stronger chip and substantially more memory could make a return to the old pricing difficult.

When to Expect It

Apple has not announced a date, but the timing points to the coming weeks. October is a common month for Apple product announcements, placing the new iPad mini, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K potentially only weeks away.

Until Apple makes it official, the chip, memory, wireless, and remote details remain rumors. But the leaked image settles the most basic question: after four years, a new Apple TV 4K is real, and it is coming soon.