Next-Gen Apple TV Set to Launch Later This Year With Exciting New Features
A few new features and updates have been suggested for the upcoming Apple TV, which are expected to be introduced later this year.
Here is a summary of the rumors around the next Apple TV.
Likely Features
N1 Chip with Wi-Fi Version 7
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg predicted last year that Apple’s own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, most likely the since-announced N1 chip that made its debut in the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, will be included in the upcoming Apple TV. Wi-Fi 7 is supported by that chip, which is an improvement above Wi-Fi 6 on the existing Apple TV.
Because Wi-Fi 7 enables simultaneous data transmission over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands with a compatible device and router, it offers a higher bandwidth. Although Wi-Fi 7 has the potential to be up to 4x faster than Wi-Fi 6, in practice, internet service providers and other factors usually impede speed.
In addition, the N1 processor in the most recent iPhones supports Bluetooth 6, which has many benefits over Bluetooth 5 on the Apple TV, including lower latency.
The A17 Pro Chip
The A15 Bionic chip, which made its debut in all iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro models in 2022, powers the current Apple TV.
Aaron Perris, a contributor to MacRumors, claims that the A17 Pro CPU will be included in the upcoming Apple TV in order to improve performance and could even enable Apple Intelligence on tvOS. For instance, Gurman stated that the updated Siri, which is driven by Apple Intelligence, will be compatible with the new Apple TV next year.
The iPad mini 7, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max are more products that use the A17 Pro chip and support Apple Intelligence.
The Apple TV should gain an additional 8GB of RAM with the A17 Pro CPU.
Additional Rumors
Gesture controls and a FaceTime camera?
Video calls using the rear camera on a connected iPhone or iPad are now possible thanks to the FaceTime app that tvOS 17 added to the Apple TV. Users would no longer need to utilize an external device to make video calls on the TV if the Apple TV has a built-in camera.
Gurman stated in April 2024 that Apple has “discussed” releasing an Apple TV with a built-in camera for FaceTime and gesture-based controls; however, it is uncertain if Apple is actually pursuing that concept for the next model. Although he didn’t go into detail, it appears like the Apple TV would be able recognize various hand movements.
Apple says tvOS 26 enhances FaceTime in several ways — fitting for an Apple TV with a camera:
With tvOS 26, users can enjoy a more personalized FaceTime experience that’s consistent with iOS. Contact Posters on Apple TV make it easier and more personal by displaying a contact’s customized photo and name when starting a FaceTime call on Apple TV. Live Captions expand to include French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish, enabling Apple TV to use on-device intelligence to display Live Captions for FaceTime conversations, so users can follow what’s being said in even more languages. Additionally, FaceTime audio and phone call notifications will appear onscreen for the active profile, allowing users to answer on connected HomePod speakers or their iPhone, and ensuring that communication with loved ones remains at the forefront.
Reduced Cost?
When the current Apple TV was unveiled in October 2022, Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for Apple’s supply chain, stated that he anticipated the next model to be “more affordable.” He stated that the “sweet spot” for the Apple TV would be under $100, although he made no mention of whether Apple will really reach that price point.
There is precedent for an Apple TV that costs less than $100 because the 2010 and 2012 models were both initially priced at $99 in the United States. However, Apple later reduced the price of the 2012 model to $69 in the same year. With discount prices as low as $19.99, streaming sticks are available from additional companies including Amazon and Roku.
The current Apple TV device with 64GB of storage costs $129 in the United States, while a 128GB variant with an Ethernet connector for wired internet costs $149.
Timing
“Toward the end of the year,” Gurman said, the new Apple TV will be available. Currently, October is the most likely month for the device’s announcement, although November is also a possibility. December is less likely, historically.
The announcement dates for the first four Apple TV models were as follows:
- Apple TV 4K (3rd generation): October 2022
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation): April 2021
- Apple TV 4K (1st generation): September 2017
- Apple TV HD: September 2015
