An Apple TV Refresh is Coming in 2025 - Here's What You Should Know

[jbrwTP7u]

Glad that’s not just me, I notice the lags and stutters all the time.

I’ve tried everything restoring, changing settings, adjusting display options, and switching cables. My take is that it’s too slow for 4K for some reason. To be honest, even my iPhone lags sometimes. Either it’s an OS problem (which is possible) or the hardware is subpar.



I feel like Apple has allowed too many APIs, wrappers, and non-native software to run on iOS, tvOS, and iPadOS instead of enforcing stricter requirements for Swift or Objective-C. When I exit YouTube, I get around 20 FPS. Switching between Infuse and Pluto TV lags terribly.



This has been my experience since day one, but my initial impressions were good because I was coming from an Amazon Fire TV 4K Max and Google TV both of which are miles behind in terms of speed.

 

[Dorfdad]

Are you aware of any software that can make it work like an Apple TV perhaps in conjunction with some third-party Bluetooth remote?

I’m very much a candidate for this exact move you’re talking about

there are a few but this is recommended.

Im going to be exploring this more and could maybe do a video when I'm done. The only issue would be keyboard etc but I think I can work around that with some scripts etc.. I don't want it to be super complicated to setup / use as it would require a lot of changes for updates etc.. So I will be exploring 1st and third party options as well as controller navigation as I want it to be my Media / Game Hub.

Apple Siri Remote (via Bluetooth)​

• Works with macOS via third-party software (e.g., SiriMote).
• Controls media playback, volume, and system navigation.

 

[Siriosys]

What specific benefit would Bluetooth 5.3 bring?

In short, depending on the required bandwidth, 5.3 offers lower power consumption when in use, less interference across connections and improved connection security.

 

[hybrid_x]

I can't figure out why Apple hasn't done a combined Apple TV + HomePod type device. Package it like a soundbar, include a FaceTime camera and microphone, and it would be a fantastic home hub appliance.

 

[Chungry]

Some of us want a nicer streaming box setup.

The cheap stuff will let you watch tv just fine. But it's the other stuff that separates Apple.

Nicer remote. Fast box. No ads. Slick UI. Simpatico with iPHone and Airpods and Homepods.

They dropped the ball on that design-by committee UI. It was soo good and they can't stop fussing with it

 

[turbineseaplane]

I can't figure out why Apple hasn't done a combined Apple TV + HomePod type device. Package it like a soundbar, include a FaceTime camera and microphone, and it would be a fantastic home hub appliance.

I used to wonder this same thing and ultimately I think it’s a matter of how expensive it would have to be to maintain the margins they insist on

I think they might price themselves right out of being of interest to many people, kind of like what happened with the Vision Pro

 

[Chungry]

That's back when it mattered.

It still matters for people like me that have multi-gig networking in place.

 

[Chungry]

I used to wonder this same thing and ultimately I think it’s a matter of how expensive it would have to be to maintain the margins they insist on

I think they might price themselves right out of being of interest to many people, kind of like what happened with the Vision Pro

AVP is a case of failing to read the room, or ignoring reality. Maybe a bit of both. But they already got our money, the R&D lab has over a dozen collecting dust. Mission accomplished I guess 😭

 

[Siriosys]

Just let me go up market and buy a Mac Mini that I can use as an Apple TV with the remote.

Yeah, agreed. I'd be more than happy to pay the extra $$$ for a new M4 Mac Mini to act as a seamless Entertainment System, HomeHub, and casual Games console.

Alas the lack of a remote and the available software choices aren't always as streamlined as the Apple TV OS experience.

 

[Siriosys]

Resurrect Front Row as Front Row 2! That was a crack at putting an AppleTV interface with remote control functionality on Macs. It worked fine. Now that A-series and M-series chips are so similar, it should be much easier to put the full AppleTV UI on a Mac as "Front Row 2." Apple just needs the will & motivation. You'd think they would have it as selling a much pricier Mac for this purpose seems like it would scratch the paramount itch for Apple Inc. 💰💰💰

Hell Yes!!! It was a great piece of software and I sadly miss it. The only thing I've used subsequently that was similar in functionality and design was InFuse. The M4 Mac Mini is screaming out to be a HT / Console box. It's just lacking the integrated software and remote.

 

[Siriosys]

Hopefully better and faster syncing between Apple Fitness and an Apple Watch. Airpods may also benefit.

and hopefully they remove the max Bluetooth connections limit. It's ridiculous that even in 2022 Apple released a device that could only handle a maximum of two Bluetooth connections. This is particularly a PIA for those of us using virtual cycling apps.

 

[Chungry]

Are you aware of any software that can make it work like an Apple TV perhaps in conjunction with some third-party Bluetooth remote?

I’m very much a candidate for this exact move you’re talking about

I'd hazard a guess and say Kodi or JellyFin would be where to look for a solid system doing all of that. As for remotes, there Harmony, One For All and I would imagine many more. FWIW I use JellyFin as a front end to my media library stored on QNAP S-1273AU-RP and managed by a Windows 11 Hyper V off Server 2022. You could easily take the virtualization and Windows out of the picture and just run JellyFin, Plex or Kodi directly from a Mini tied to a box of disks.

 

[seek3r]

I'm at the point I might just buy a Mini and make it into my desired Apple TV. Its more expensive buy vastly more configurable and can work very similar with tweaks. Im using my M1 now but it's a bit bulky for dangling behind a tv lol

Pick up a wall mount for the mini and mount it behind the TV, or if the TV is on its stand and not on the wall pick up a VESA mount for the mini and mount it on the back of the TV

 

[Chungry]

and hopefully they remove the max Bluetooth connections limit. It's ridiculous that even in 2022 Apple released a device that could only handle a maximum of two Bluetooth connections. This is particularly a PIA for those of us using virtual cycling apps.

It's because of this reason that I have to have Zwift Companion installed so that all my bike sensors and trainer can connect. Come on Apple.

 

[seek3r]

Are you aware of any software that can make it work like an Apple TV perhaps in conjunction with some third-party Bluetooth remote?

I’m very much a candidate for this exact move you’re talking about

Kodi?

 

[Chungry]

Kodi?

Kodi HT software linky
Fun fact: this started life as the xbmc for Xbox

 

[seek3r]

Kodi HT software linky
Fun fact: this started life as the xbmc for Xbox

Yup, and in my garage somewhere I have both an OG xbox and an OG appletv that each have linux installs with xbmc on them, fun projects at the time

 

[Chungry]

Yup, and in my garage somewhere I have both an OG xbox and an OG appletv that each have linux installs with xbmc on them, fun projects at the time

Patrician taste I see!

 

[Siriosys]

It's because of this reason that I have to have Zwift Companion installed so that all my bike sensors and trainer can connect. Come on Apple.

I feel your pain. I have a Technogym bike which combines the power/cadence sensors to a single connection and then a Garmin HR, but I really need the Zwift Controllers to attach to the bike!

 

[Chungry]

I feel your pain. I have a Technogym bike which combines the power/cadence sensors to a single connection and then a Garmin HR, but I really need the Zwift Controllers to attach to the bike!

Those are so cool! I've got a roller for my road bike so I don't have the convenience of combing sensors but this is tempting!

 

[Siriosys]

Those are so cool! I've got a roller for my road bike so I don't have the convenience of combing sensors but this is tempting!

Woooah, do you ride rollers??? Dayumm, you have my respect!! I never migrated away from riding in a doorway on mine, but I much prefer them to using a clamp-on turbo trainer particularly with a carbon frame.

 

[Chungry]

Woooah, do you ride rollers??? Dayumm, you have my respect!! I never migrated away from riding in a doorway on mine, but I much prefer them to using a clamp-on turbo trainer particularly with a carbon frame.

It's definitely a different feel, and it took forever to get used to taking a drink or getting some nutrition. But sometimes I want something a bit more chill and that's no it lol! Your technogym sounds really cool!

 

[ELman]

and hopefully they remove the max Bluetooth connections limit. It's ridiculous that even in 2022 Apple released a device that could only handle a maximum of two Bluetooth connections. This is particularly a PIA for those of us using virtual cycling apps.

Good to know. I didn't realize the limit.

 

[code-m]

Look, I’m a geek and an engineer. I’ll be very blunt: on a streaming box by far the majority of people dont care about accessing a filesystem. That’s an unbelievably bad reason to trash an atv. Yes, if you want that a system you can get to the guts of is better, but not only do most people not want that I’d actually argue most people would prefer they *never* have to think about something like the filesystem on such a device.

As far as browser goes btw the general solution, across the board, has been phone projection for a while. No one wants to browse using the regular remote and very very few people want to keep a keyboard/mouse around for their streaming box. It’s a non-issue for almost everyone on a device like this. Airplay and casting won that battle ages ago

It’s an appliance. You dont want an appliance, and that’s fine, but that doesnt make the atv bad

One does not have to think of a file system with GoogleTV yet the option remains. I am unsure if your intent is to deem everyone incapable of simple takes considering a file system exists on iOS, iPadOS, macOS and every other OS in existence. The fact that if someone does want to tinker with it there is NO OPTION on an AppleTV and that is the problem it’s Apple artificially limiting apps such as web browsers, VPN, etc apps that makes it seem like the worst value compared to the competition.

AppleTV can be deemed an oxymoron when Steve Jobs claimed it is a hobby yet it disregards hobbyists to even explore its full potential by locking it down and having to temp side load or jailbreak. No one is saying you have to activate developer mode if you don’t want to but provide the option. Throwing money on a product with no vision and lack of competitiveness is rather concerning. Siri is another afterthought along with others. Tim Apple is not a visionary he is a logistics guy and it clearly shows.

 

[code-m]

Some of us want a nicer streaming box setup.

The cheap stuff will let you watch tv just fine. But it's the other stuff that separates Apple.

Nicer remote. Fast box. No ads. Slick UI. Simpatico with iPHone and Airpods and Homepods.

The AppleTV remote is controversial at best, it’s not a nice remote by any stretch. Fast box compared to other STB in its price range is questionable. No ads also exists in App Only Mode plus the ads that are shown are similar to what Apple does to promote tv shows, movies and other entertainment. Slick UI is also questionably, if one dislikes AppleTV UI is the option there for a 3rd party launcher like the competition has. I connect my Bluetooth and even AirPods with ease to GoogleTV including my iPhone and Bluetooth speakers, HomePod is not some high end HiFi system to make a point and I am not sure what Simpatico is referencing.

It’s not like I didn’t own and use an AppleTV in the past, it’s like being in a playpen waiting for adult Apple to permit you to do anything. The concept is condescending not to even provide the option for those willing to explore what happened to “Think Different” and challenge the narrative. Apple has become a product of its disdain.