Waiting for a New Apple TV? Here's What the Latest Rumors Say

[MacRumors]

The current Apple TV was released two years ago this month, so you may be wondering when the next model will be released.

Below, we recap rumors about a next-generation Apple TV.

In January 2023, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that a new Apple TV was planned for release in the first half of 2024:

Beyond the future smart displays and new speaker, Apple is working on revamping its TV box. A new version with the current design is in the works for the first half of next year with a faster processor, the people said.

The first half of 2024 passed by without a new Apple TV, so that rumor has expired.

Last month, Gurman said "stable inventory" of the Apple TV suggested that a new model was not on the "immediate horizon" after all:

While the company has been working on an update to the Apple TV set-top box for as early as this year, no new model has come to fruition and stable inventory of the device suggests a new version isn’t on the immediate horizon.

All in all, there is no longer a clear timeframe for the next Apple TV. If you are considering purchasing an Apple TV, we recommend at least waiting until October is finished, just in case a new model is announced this month like in 2022.

Here is when the previous five Apple TV models were announced:

• Third-generation Apple TV 4K: October 2022
• Second-generation Apple TV 4K: April 2021
• First-generation Apple TV 4K: September 2017
• Apple TV HD: September 2015
• Third-generation Apple TV: March 2012

Whenever it comes out, the next Apple TV is rumored to feature a faster processor than the current A15 Bionic chip, and even lower pricing. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the next Apple TV could have a sub-$100 starting price. In the U.S., the current Apple TV is available with 64GB or 128GB of storage for $129 and $149, respectively.

No major design changes have been rumored for the next Apple TV specifically, but Gurman said Apple has considered adding a built-in camera to a future model. tvOS 17 added a FaceTime app to the Apple TV, allowing for users to have video calls by using the rear camera on a connected iPhone or iPad. If the Apple TV gained a built-in camera, users would no longer need to rely on an external device for video calls on the TV.

Read our Apple TV roundup for more details.

Article Link: Waiting for a New Apple TV? Here's What the Latest Rumors Say

 

[macconservative]

I bought a 4k a couple of years ago but it is not a device that I am eagerly waiting on to be upgraded

 

[MayaUser]

apple TV to be updated once per 3-4 years is enough

 

[wlev]

I feel seen. As someone with a first-generation Apple TV 4K and two HDs, I know the current model would be a large improvement. But I also don't want to buy three of those only for a new model to come out in less than a year.

 

[AmpSkillz]

Updated BT & WiFi and a faster chip… yes please adding input and output for eARC would be nice

 

[psac]

I don't want my Apple TV watching me.

 

[wilderkun]

I feel seen. As someone with a first-generation Apple TV 4K and two HDs, I know the current model would be a large improvement. But I also don't want to buy three of those only for a new model to come out in less than a year.

Unfortunately they updated it for the first time in like 4 years, and then updated it again like 9 months later. I was so pissed lol

 

[hoodlum90]

I feel seen. As someone with a first-generation Apple TV 4K and two HDs, I know the current model would be a large improvement. But I also don't want to buy three of those only for a new model to come out in less than a year.

I am in a similar situation with an Apple TV HD. I recently got a 4k TV but I am using a free 4k streaming device from my provider. This will work fine for now until Apple comes with a new version.

 

[DTphonehome]

Cushiest jobs at Apple are for sure Apple TV and AirPods Max engineers.

 

[appleCakes]

Better connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) is always a good improvement. Especially Bluetooth. Many if not most of these units are thrown/hidden behind the TV (where they may even have wired Internet connection) which degrades the link to remote and Apple Watch (for Fitness+). I need to go to the TV sides to get the remote or Watch working from time to time.

Audio over HDMI (to play Dolby Atmos music for example, and of course video) through an external A/V receiver is also of interest. Mapping Dolby Atmos to a non-Dolby system such as 5.1 or stereo requires good DSP, but I’m assuming hardware needs for that have not changed.

 

[ric22]

Updated BT & WiFi and a faster chip… yes please adding input and output for eARC would be nice

Exactly. Easy changes. As others have commented, those of us with old devices that would benefit from a new one would rather get one that isn't 2+ years old already.

 

[JosephAW]

My 2015 Apple TV HD is still getting updates. Unfortunately other devices I purchased after that are not.

 

[marcushe]

Unbelievable they haven't made it into a video game console yet, so much money there and they have an existing system just sitting. Apple Arcade a joke.

 

[TheOldChevy]

AppleTV 4k does not urgently need an update. It is still delivering efficiently.

Maybe if I would be into gaming on the AppleTV I would think differently. But for steaming it remains perfectly fine.

 

[kiranmk2]

A18 chip to offload AI requests from HomePods / Homepod Minis. I would say to also offload requests from iPhone 15/14s that don't natively support AI, but come on...Apple would much rather you bought a $799+ new phone.

 

[Victor Mortimer]

Meh.

Not sure what an update would get anybody. Once it did 4k, it was good enough for the foreseeable future.

So really, there's been no actual improvement since 2017. And no need for any.

(The remote control got worse, so I guess there's that.)

 

[Maclver]

As long as they keep ethernet as an option...!

 

[TheOldChevy]

Better connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) is always a good improvement. Especially Bluetooth. Many if not most of these units are thrown/hidden behind the TV (where they may even have wired Internet connection) which degrades the link to remote and Apple Watch (for Fitness+). I need to go to the TV sides to get the remote or Watch working from time to time.

Audio over HDMI (to play Dolby Atmos music for example, and of course video) through an external A/V receiver is also of interest. Mapping Dolby Atmos to a non-Dolby system such as 5.1 or stereo requires good DSP, but I’m assuming hardware needs for that has not changed.

I am not sure what is your issue with Atmos over HDMI. I am using it everyday and it is working fine. Maybe I miss some context?

 

[mrr]

Bring SAFARI browser to Apple TV!

 

[kiranmk2]

Unbelievable they haven't made it into a video game console yet, so much money there and they have an existing system just sitting. Apple Arcade a joke.

They had their chance to buy Nintendo back in the Wii U fiasco days, but I guess they were too involved with getting a streaming service off the ground. We could be onto a Switch 4 by now with an M4 chip (only draws 10-20 W).

 

[Royksöpp]

Unless it has an M Chip, don’t bother. The next logical step would be support for AAA games. I don’t need a device that can load Netflix faster, I need one that can run more complex games.

 

[Victor Mortimer]

Bring SAFARI browser to Apple TV!

I'd rather have Firefox.

 

[MrRom92]

I like the concept of Apple tv with a camera. I have like 20 other boxes that can stream stuff, this has to be able to do something the others can’t and then it will gladly be my first Apple TV purchase

The combination Apple TV/homepod type device that’s been rumored would also appeal to me. A smart atmos soundbar? Sounds like my kinda fun.

I think at this point with how much Apple is pushing AI, it has to be ready and capable for that as well though in exactly what capacity I can’t be sure. That’s the only way a new Apple TV will be even slightly “futureproof”

 

[redbeard331]

Holding out until there’s a foldable Apple TV.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I like the concept of Apple tv with a camera. I have like 20 other boxes that can stream stuff, this has to be able to do something the others can’t and then it will gladly be my first Apple TV purchase

The only way building in a camera works is if you position your AppleTV immediately center and just above or below your TV set. Anywhere else- which is where many put their AppleTVs- and the camera benefit starts suffering. For example, I store my AppleTV on a shelf maybe 8 feet to the right of the TV. If it had a FaceTime camera and I'm looking at who I'm talking to on the screen, they would be seeing me look far right of them.

And then there's the many who make their AppleTVs disappear BEHIND their TV or in a cabinet... for which a built-in camera could "see" nothing.

The best option along these lines would be to put a "normalized" USB port back on the box and let it have the capability to attach a USB camera that could be mounted on the TV. Then, people could have the box anywhere and place the camera in the ideal spot too.

Else, open up continuity camera so it can be a more permanent wireless solution instead of leaning on iDevices that tend to leave their household with their owners. Think of something like the ancient iSight camera perhaps powered by a USB jack on the TV or a USB block plugged in behind the TV somewhere.

I like the target of this idea myself... but there are much better implementations than building a camera into the box. That option would only work for a few who happen to place their AppleTV box visibly and ideally right above or right below the center of their TVs.