Is an Apple TV Refresh imminent?

[Macalicious2011]

Something I’d like to see is the incorporation of some HomePod features. Just a cheap speaker inside with hey Siri functionality for when the ATV is “off”. And when the ATV is actually on and outputting to a TV, audio would be routed through that. I don’t have HomePods because the rooms where I’d have one already have ATV’s connected to nice speakers.

I am surprised that Apple haven't made a soundbar with built in apple tv.

Apple TV as a separate product is bad value for the majority of customers. Why spend £179-199 om smart TV functionality that the majority of TVs have built in. Not many people like to fork over big money to duplicate something they already have. You can actually buy a decent TV for just double the price of an Apple TV.

An Apple soundbar with built apple tv would be much more easier for people to justify. It would be a good gateway into how much better Apple TV is than the smart TV functionality that most TVs have.

 

[vipergts2207]

I am surprised that Apple haven't made a soundbar with built in apple tv.

Apple TV as a separate product is bad value for the majority of customers. Why spend £179-199 om smart TV functionality that the majority of TVs have built in. Not many people like to fork over big money to duplicate something they already have. You can actually buy a decent TV for just double the price of an Apple TV.

An Apple soundbar with built apple tv would be much more easier for people to justify. It would be a good gateway into how much better Apple TV is than the smart TV functionality that most TVs have.

Apple would probably charge at least $600 for such a thing so the affordability argument is out at that point. Plus sound bars suck anyway. And the use cases for the ATV are more flexible. Would most people drop the cash for an expensive soundbar in the bedroom or other non-primary watching location? Probably not, but $150 for an ATV isn’t so bad. Especially considering those TVs may be older not even have smart TV functionality. That’s the case with my bedroom TV.

And while the ATV might be duplicating functionality, TV manufacturers only support models for 2 years or so. At that point the TV software starts becoming dated. And that’s if the software doesn’t suck from the get go. Meanwhile Apple is still supporting the Apple TV 4 five years later.

 

[Macalicious2011]

Apple would probably charge at least $600 for such a thing so the affordability argument is out at that point. Plus sound bars suck anyway. And the use cases for the ATV are more flexible. Would most people drop the cash for an expensive soundbar in the bedroom or other non-primary watching location? Probably not, but $150 for an ATV isn’t so bad. Especially considering those TVs may be older not even have smart TV functionality. That’s the case with my bedroom TV.

And while the ATV might be duplicating functionality, TV manufacturers only support models for 2 years or so. At that point the TV software starts becoming dated. And that’s if the software doesn’t suck from the get go. Meanwhile Apple is still supporting the Apple TV 4 five years later.

You can't miss what you have never had. Most people,have never experienced apple TV and simply put up with bad and laggy smart TV functionality.

US Apple TV 4k owners are a minority of people forking over big buck for a smart TV box instead of a cheaper fire stick, roku or Chromecast.

 

[rneglia]

Now I want an a14 Apple TV after seeing the event today. Hopefully we will see one at the next event

I appreciate your optimism. I am livid.

 

[Realityck]

US Apple TV 4k owners are a minority of people forking over big buck for a smart TV box instead of a cheaper fire stick, roku or Chromecast.

Given that most TVs encompass streaming apps, I don't see Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast as sustainable as the Apple TV 4K or what comes next. It might be expensive, but it's covering all the major streaming apps with a upgradable OS along with better app interfaces. Google YouTube is delinquent with releasing a 4K version compared to iOS/tvOS.

 

[Brien]

I appreciate your optimism. I am livid.

Hopefully by end of 2020? I’ve been waiting out for a refresh over a year now

 

[Pdp7]

I've been waiting forEVER to replace an Apple TV that had its ethernet port fried in a lightning storm. it still works on the wifi but less than ideal.

this. screen grab taken just now:

 

[nutmac]

Apple would probably charge at least $600 for such a thing so the affordability argument is out at that point. Plus sound bars suck anyway. And the use cases for the ATV are more flexible. Would most people drop the cash for an expensive soundbar in the bedroom or other non-primary watching location? Probably not, but $150 for an ATV isn’t so bad. Especially considering those TVs may be older not even have smart TV functionality. That’s the case with my bedroom TV.

$600 is super cheap.

If Apple makes a soundbar, you can bet it would cost at least as much as Sonos Arc soundbar that retails at $799. Heck, I would go further and say $999 would be considered competitively priced.

Apple making a soundbar does not stop them from continuing to make Apple TV as set top box. To me, offering it in more diverse form factor, such as HDMI stick (ideally $99) and soundbar only increases its appeal.

 

[easy4lif]

I figure they’ll announce in oct, just in time for new tv season.

 

[TVreporter]

I figure they’ll announce in oct, just in time for new tv season.

The new TV season is underway now...

 

[addictive]

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg who has impeccable sources within Apple suggested the next iteration will not be until 2021. If this is the case then I think it’s a massive missed opportunity with so many people at home more because of Covid19.

As it doesn’t seem to be a redesign (possibly the remote will be) it would have been simple for Apple to release it this year.

As it seems the Apple TV box is not a priority for the company we will most likely get it at some point next year. Could be seven months or another year. But I’ve been waiting for such a long time and am loathed to buy a product which is three years old already. Hoping it will be released in October.

 

[rneglia]

As it seems the Apple TV box is not a priority for the company we will most likely get it at some point next year. Could be seven months or another year. But I’ve been waiting for such a long time and am loathed to buy a product which is three years old already. Hoping it will be released in October.

If they don't refresh in October, I'm going to have to jump to a Roku. Actually, screw it....I'm buying a Roku now.

 

[PhightinPhils26]

If they are going to refresh the Apple TV, I hope it's soon. I have a new Sony 4k in the basement which has a 4K Roku stick hooked up to it now. However, with the new Fitness+ (which my wife and I intend of trying), it would be much nicer to have it on the basement TV. Given the usual high price tag for the Apple TV, I'm not really keen on shelling out that kind of money for such an old (albeit overpowered) box.

 

[JoeShades]

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg who has impeccable sources within Apple suggested the next iteration will not be until 2021. If this is the case then I think it’s a massive missed opportunity with so many people at home more because of Covid19.

As it doesn’t seem to be a redesign (possibly the remote will be) it would have been simple for Apple to release it this year.

As it seems the Apple TV box is not a priority for the company we will most likely get it at some point next year. Could be seven months or another year. But I’ve been waiting for such a long time and am loathed to buy a product which is three years old already. Hoping it will be released in October.

Why would a redesign be needed? it is a box that is pretty much hidden somewhere

 

[addictive]

Why would a redesign be needed? it is a box that is pretty much hidden somewhere

Why did Apple redesign the product after the 1st generation Apple TV? Because over the years Apple does redesign its models.

 

[Edd70]

If they don't refresh in October, I'm going to have to jump to a Roku. Actually, screw it....I'm buying a Roku now.

I like Rokus and have owned a few. Hopefully, HBO Max is not a concern for you. That’s probably the one streaming service I couldn’t go without.

 

[rneglia]

I like Rokus and have owned a few. Hopefully, HBO Max is not a concern for you. That’s probably the one streaming service I couldn’t go without.

Wha what??? No HBO Max on Roku?

 

[Rigby]

Wha what??? No HBO Max on Roku?

Yep. HBO and Roku haven't been able to agree on the financial terms so far:

HBO Max’s 80 Million Household Dead Spot: Why Streamer Isn’t on Roku or Amazon Fire TV

WarnerMedia has been unable to land deals for HBO Max with Roku or Amazon, which represent over 80 million OTT households.

variety.com

So far NBC's "Peacock" service is also not available on Roku for similar reasons, but they apparently came to an agreement the other day.

If you don't want an Apple TV, an Android TV box like the Tivo Stream 4K might be a better choice.

 

[rneglia]

HBO and Roku haven't been able to agree on the financial terms so far:

This is a travesty, but I guess I'll live. Thanks for the info!

 

[Solver]

I predict we get a new Apple TV fairly soon and it will come loaded with tvOS 14.1

 

[x-evil-x]

I am surprised that Apple haven't made a soundbar with built in apple tv.

Apple TV as a separate product is bad value for the majority of customers. Why spend £179-199 om smart TV functionality that the majority of TVs have built in. Not many people like to fork over big money to duplicate something they already have. You can actually buy a decent TV for just double the price of an Apple TV.

An Apple soundbar with built apple tv would be much more easier for people to justify. It would be a good gateway into how much better Apple TV is than the smart TV functionality that most TVs have.

ill stick to my 7.4.4 setup in the main room and 5.2.2 in the bedroom. No way apple would make a sounder with an appletv built in I don't see why they would.
I don't understand how 150$ is expensive for something that last 3-5 years. Its cheap really. I could care less about my tv's apps and capabilities. You cant upgrade a tvs hardware and dealing with arc is no fun. No onscreen controls from my receiver either. Im a big standalone type person. 150$ is nothing and no tv has a built in appletv. Sure they have some apple things but its no way like an appletv. Id complain if these where 500$ like game systems but at 150 every 5 years its nothing in my eyes to upgrade easily to latest hardware and features.

 

[Macalicious2011]

ill stick to my 7.4.4 setup in the main room and 5.2.2 in the bedroom. No way apple would make a sounder with an appletv built in I don't see why they would.
I don't understand how 150$ is expensive for something that last 3-5 years. Its cheap really. I could care less about my tv's apps and capabilities. You cant upgrade a tvs hardware and dealing with arc is no fun. No onscreen controls from my receiver either. Im a big standalone type person. 150$ is nothing and no tv has a built in appletv. Sure they have some apple things but its no way like an appletv. Id complain if these where 500$ like game systems but at 150 every 5 years its nothing in my eyes to upgrade easily to latest hardware and features.

A fire stick cost a fraction of the Apple TV 4k which I own. Some of my friends have a fire stick with kodi and have access to streams for any sporting event under the sun.

I'm not arguing against the brilliance of Apple TV but it duplicates netflix/youtube/On-Demand apps that some have on their TV or that is offered but several recent soundbars, bluray-players and gaming consoles have built-in.

My ATV4K is hooked up to my TV in the lounge. I in the next few weeks I will buy a TV for the office but will unlikely buy an ATV for it as UI on Smart TVs has improved alot since 3-4 years ago when I couldn't stand them.

ATV4K isn't perfect though. Siri remains embarrassingly terrible and years behind Google Assistant in even understanding basic words or names of places.

It's to the extent that I browse for new content on by searching on my phone, pressing play and then looking up the video in the search history on my Apple TV. 😆

 

[x-evil-x]

A fire stick cost a fraction of the Apple TV 4k which I own. Some of my friends have a fire stick with kodi and have access to streams for any sporting event under the sun.

I'm not arguing against the brilliance of Apple TV but it's duplicates netflix/youtube/On-Demand apps that some have on their TV or that is offered but several recent soundbars, bluray-players and gaming consoles have built-in.

My ATV4 is hooked up to my TV in the lounge. I in the next few weeks I will buy a TV for the office but will unlikely buy an ATV for it as UI on Smart TVs has improved alot since 3-4 years ago when I couldn't stand them.

ATV4K isn't perfect though. Siri remains aweful and years behind Google Assistant in even understanding basic words or names of places.

I cant stand fire sticks honestly. Everyone ive used that my family has had me setup and have had issues with is why. My moms remotes dies every 6 months she has to put in new batteries. The hardware is garbage. Sure its 40$ but you get what you pay for. Im not complaining at 150$. Its cheap in my eyes. I also have an Nvidia shield pro and use Kodi on that. While the shield does have its fair bit of glitchy ness its nice I can use It as my Plex server. I much prefer infuse over any other player though.
I use my phone for the remotes on these devices also and the appletv remote on iPhones is amazing. Also having what's playing on the lock screen with quick controls. There isn't an android or other device that does things similar. The shield app is nice but its still nothing as clean and thought for like the appletv app. Bigger buttons and I don't have to look at my phone while using it like I do the shield app. The fire sticks apps are crap also.
The only thing you get on tv's is appletv+ and Apple Music. Possibly airplay. Besides that there's nothing that's close to same feel as an appletv.
I have a Sony 900f 75". I still won't use the onboard apps for the reasons I said previously. Id rather buy a tv with no smart features if they offered them.

 

[Juicy Box]

I don't understand how 150$ is expensive for something that last 3-5 years.

Well, it is $180 for the ATV4K for retail, and if you want an ATV4K on all your TVs, it would be $180 per TV if you want to use all ATVs.

In the US it is very common to have multiple TVs in a home. If the choice is between buying an ATV4K or Firestick 4K, a multi-TV home could be fully equipped with streaming devices for the price of one ATV4K.

4K Smart TVs are getting so cheap, you can find them for the price of and ATV4K.

Don't get me wrong, I think the ATV4K is the best streamer out there, but I completely understand why people don't spend $180 for one when the alternatives are a fraction of the price.

The ATV4K could be much better and a must-have device, but Apple keeps treating it like a hobby, so unless that changes, I think people will stick with a much cheaper device that basically does everything that the ATV4K currently does.
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I cant stand fire sticks honestly.

I have a few, and also can't stand them. But, they are great for secondary TVs that I rarely use.

 

[x-evil-x]

Well, it is $180 for the ATV4K for retail, and if you want an ATV4K on all your TVs, it would be $180 per TV if you want to use all ATVs.

In the US it is very common to have multiple TVs in a home. If the choice is between buying an ATV4K or Firestick 4K, a multi-TV home could be fully equipped with streaming devices for the price of one ATV4K.

4K Smart TVs are getting so cheap, you can find them for the price of and ATV4K.

Don't get me wrong, I think the ATV4K is the best streamer out there, but I completely understand why people don't spend $180 for one when the alternatives are a fraction of the price.

The ATV4K could be much better and a must-have device, but Apple keeps treating it like a hobby, so unless that changes, I think people will stick with a much cheaper device that basically does everything that the ATV4K currently does.
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I have a few, and also can't stand them. But, they are great for secondary TVs that I rarely use.

Run cables to each room and have main devices then. I control all my living room devices in my bedroom with one HDMI cable.
Still to me 180$ isn't much. A new one comes out sell the old one for 100$ and they will sell for 100$. So what you are out 80$ over 4 years?
I think a ps5 is a bargain at 500$ now after getting phones that cost 1200$. 180$ is pocket change over a few years time. Especially with resale value. But hey you can enjoy your fire stick if you want. I wouldn't ever own one personally.