Apple TV 4K Rumours Hints At What To Expect From the Next Update

Highlights

• Apple is working on a new Apple TV model expected to launch next year.
• It might feature a new in-house networking chip supporting Wi-Fi 6E and possibly a processor upgrade.

Apple last updated its Apple TV in October 2022 with a smaller design, USB-C on the Siri Remote and an upgrade to the A15 chip. Now it has been more than two years and not much is known about what Apple is planning on this front.

Previous reports from Bloomberg suggested a new Apple TV could arrive in early 2024 with a faster chip. After that plan didn’t work out, now fresh rumours indicate that Apple is working on a new model expected to launch sometime next year.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest report wrote, “Apple will begin rolling out the combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip as part of new home devices scheduled for next year, including refreshed versions of its TV set-top box and HomePod mini smart speaker.”

One key upgrade could be a new in-house networking chip replacing Broadcom. This chip would support Wi-Fi 6E, making it the first Apple TV with this advanced wireless standard.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also hints at a likely processor upgrade though specific details remain unclear.

Do We Need Apple TV Refresh?

Many tech enthusiasts have often wondered if Apple would update the Apple TV at all since it already has an A15 chip handling most TV needs. 9to5Mac in its recent report highlights three compelling reasons.

Apple lowered the starting price of the Apple TV 4K from $179 to $129 in 2022. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the next model could go even cheaper, possibly under $100. About two years ago, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The sub-$100 price should be the sweet spot for Apple TV, so I expect the next-gen will be more affordable.”

A new Apple TV 4K with a price drop (starting from $129) reflects the expected improved cost structure. It can help shipments, but the drop should not be enough. The sub-$100 price should be the sweet spot for Apple TV, so I expect the next-gen will be more affordable.

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) October 19, 2022

Another reason could be that the new Apple TV could integrate advanced AI capabilities powered by a potential A18 chip. While Siri on Apple TV might not feel essential, the device could enhance paired HomePods by letting them access more powerful AI features without requiring a hardware upgrade.

Apple has been pushing high-end gaming on the iPhone, iPad and Mac. But the Apple TV has been left behind. A more powerful model could handle advanced games with ray tracing as well.

However, Apple’s plans for gaming on Apple TV are currently unclear.

Moreover, Apple is reportedly revisiting the idea of creating its own Apple-branded TV set. This idea was first rumoured over a decade ago but never came to fruition. Gurman suggests Apple is evaluating it again as part of its broader smart home ambitions.

Hinting about it in his newsletter, Gurman wrote, “It may even revisit the idea of making an Apple-branded TV set, something it’s evaluating.”

However, there is no confirmation about it as of now.

FAQs

Q1. What key features might the new Apple TV model have?

Answer. The new Apple TV model might feature a new in-house networking chip supporting Wi-Fi 6E and possibly a processor upgrade.

Q2. Why is Apple considering updating the Apple TV?

Answer. As per reports, Apple may lower the price below $100, integrate advanced AI capabilities, and enhance gaming performance to make it a stronger contender in the market.

Q3. Is Apple considering creating its own branded TV set?

Answer. Bloomberg report suggests Apple is reportedly considering revisiting the idea of creating its own Apple-branded TV set as part of its broader smart home ambitions.

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