A hardware refresh for the Apple TV 4K set-top box is on the horizon, marking an exciting development for tech enthusiasts. The current generation of the Apple TV 4K, which was released in the spring of 2022, is powered by the capable A15 Bionic chip. However, the anticipated new generation promises significant upgrades that could enhance user experience and performance.
The upcoming Apple TV is expected to feature a new, Apple-designed WiFi and Bluetooth chip, alongside a notable CPU upgrade. According to a recent report from MacRumors, code references suggest that the new device will be equipped with the powerful A17 Pro chip, the same processor that fuels the iPhone 15 Pro. This transition from the A15 to the A17 Pro chip is projected to deliver a considerable boost in CPU and GPU performance, with improvements estimated between 15-30%, as validated by synthetic benchmarks.
The A17 Pro chip is groundbreaking as it is the first in the A-series to support Apple Intelligence, integrating advanced features associated with large language models. Apple Intelligence combines on-device processing with server infrastructure, necessitating devices with robust computational power and ample RAM. Currently, the existing Apple TV lacks the necessary capabilities to run Apple Intelligence features, but the new model powered by the A17 Pro chip could potentially support them.
Despite the technical capabilities of the A17 Pro chip, it remains unclear how Apple plans to implement Apple Intelligence within the living room environment. Many of the flagship features, such as writing tools and notification summaries, do not seamlessly translate to a set-top box setting. However, there is speculation that Apple could enhance tvOS with television-specific AI functionalities. For example, imagine a feature that allows users to jump directly to a particular scene in a show simply by describing it in natural language.
Moreover, a significantly upgraded Siri could substantially improve the overall Apple TV experience. However, it's important to note that Apple is currently in the midst of revamping Siri on a foundational level, with expected updates not arriving until spring 2026 at the earliest. As a result, it is unlikely that the next Apple TV will be marketed based on Apple Intelligence features.
The A17 Pro chip is expected to enhance gaming performance on the Apple TV, ensuring that it remains future-proof and capable of leveraging new Siri features as they become available. If the new Apple TV is released in 2025, it will likely be introduced as a modest spec-bump refresh. One of the anticipated features might include a remote control that incorporates a speaker, allowing users to utilize the Find My feature to locate it when it inevitably slips down the back of the couch.
In conclusion, the imminent hardware refresh of the Apple TV 4K could set the stage for enhanced performance and new capabilities, particularly with the introduction of the A17 Pro chip. While the full potential of Apple Intelligence in the living room remains to be seen, the upgrade promises an exciting future for Apple TV users.
