A new Apple TV is set to make its debut later this year, and exciting rumors are swirling about the potential features and enhancements for the device. In this article, we will delve into what we can anticipate from the next iteration of the Apple TV, based on the latest reports and insider information.
One of the most notable upgrades expected in the upcoming Apple TV is support for faster Wi-Fi. According to renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the new device will feature Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that supports Wi-Fi 6E. This represents a significant upgrade over the current model, which only supports Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6E enhances the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 by utilizing the 6 GHz band, provided there is a compatible router. This upgrade can lead to faster internet speeds and reduced latency, improving the overall streaming experience. There are also speculations that the chip may support Wi-Fi 7, which boasts peak theoretical speeds exceeding 40 Gbps—four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E.
The current model of Apple TV is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which was introduced with the iPhone 13 series in 2022. However, it is highly likely that the next Apple TV will feature a more advanced chip, such as an A18 or A19. This upgrade is expected to yield faster overall performance and potentially integrate Apple Intelligence support within tvOS.
With the introduction of tvOS 17, Apple launched a FaceTime app for the Apple TV, enabling video calls using the rear camera of a connected iPhone or iPad. However, there are rumors that the next Apple TV may come equipped with a built-in camera, eliminating the need for external devices for video calls. In April 2024, Gurman indicated that Apple has considered integrating a built-in camera for FaceTime along with gesture-based controls.
While details regarding gesture recognition remain sparse, it suggests that the upcoming Apple TV could interpret various hand movements, enhancing user interaction. Moreover, tvOS 26 aims to improve the FaceTime experience significantly, ensuring it aligns closely with iOS functionalities. Features such as Contact Posters will personalize calls by displaying customized photos and names, while Live Captions will be available in multiple languages, making it easier for users to engage in conversations.
On the same day the current Apple TV was announced in October 2022, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that the next model will be priced more competitively. He mentioned that a price point below $100 could be ideal for the new Apple TV, although he did not confirm if Apple would meet this target. Historically, both the 2010 and 2012 iterations of the Apple TV launched at $99, with the latter model eventually being discounted to $69.
As other companies like Amazon and Roku offer budget-friendly streaming devices, with prices as low as $19.99, a more affordable Apple TV could help Apple remain competitive in the market. Currently, the base model of the Apple TV starts at $129 for 64GB of storage, while a 128GB model with an Ethernet port is priced at $149.
According to Gurman, we can expect the next Apple TV to be released towards the end of the year, with a likely launch window in September or October. However, November and December are still possibilities. For context, here are the announcement dates for the previous four Apple TV models:
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 2015Stay tuned for more updates and detailed information about the upcoming Apple TV in our ongoing coverage.
