El The new Apple TV we've all been waiting for It's been circulating in rumors for some time now, and with good reason: since the 2021 and 2022 Apple TV 4K models, we haven't seen a major update to this small media center. Now, with constant leaks about more powerful chips, Apple Intelligence, and new image technologies, everything points to the next generation being far more ambitious than it initially seemed.
Although Apple It has not yet been officially announced. your next Apple TV, What is Apple TV and how does it work?The clues are so numerous that it's possible to paint a fairly complete picture of what it could offer. We're talking about a device that would maintain 4K as its maximum resolution, but that would completely change the game in terms of power, connectivity, artificial intelligence, video games, and, very likely, price. Let's calmly break down everything we know and what looks set to become the Apple TV 4K that many have been waiting years to have in their living rooms.
Release date: When could the new Apple TV arrive?
One of the big questions remains the exact moment when Apple will put it on saleMark Gurman, the most frequently cited voice when discussing leaks from the brand, even pointed to a launch that never materialized, with a very specific date that ultimately passed without fanfare. This makes it clear that, while his sources are reliable, he doesn't have an infallible crystal ball.
What does seem fairly consistent is that the next Apple TV It is part of the current product roadmap Apple has placed it on the near horizon. There's talk of a release sometime this year, with many predictions pointing to spring as the ideal time to launch it alongside other smart home devices, such as a possible hybrid between the HomePod and iPad, sometimes referred to as the "HomePad."
Since it is not a device with annual renewal cycleApple has the freedom to present it practically whenever it suits them: it can arrive at a big keynote, at an event focused on services and the digital home, or even through a simple press release and silent update on the Apple Store online. Precisely because of this flexibility, many analysts recommend waiting if you were thinking of buying the current model (Frequently asked questions about Apple TV), since the new one will be the one that receives more support and prominence in the coming years.
A very relevant indication is that, according to various sources close to the distribution chain, Apple TV and HomePod mini stocks are running out in several physical Apple Stores in different countries. When Apple lets the stock of a product drop so low, it's usually a prelude to a refresh. This detail, combined with rumors of new models for both devices, reinforces the idea that the next-generation Apple TV is closer than it seems.
So, if you're not in a hurry, The wisest thing to do is to hold out a little while.Either you get the new model with all the improvements, or you take advantage of the price drop on the current one when it becomes less prominent in the catalog (see our Apple TV tricks).
Design: exterior continuity with possible tweaks
If you were expecting a radical redesign, everything points to that Apple will be quite conservative with the aesthetics of the next Apple TV. From the now discontinued Apple TV HD to the recent 4K models, the external appearance has barely changed: a small, minimalist, very recognizable black box designed to go unnoticed next to the television.
The leaks agree that the new model It will maintain that sober styleHowever, slight adjustments to dimensions or weight are not ruled out. The recent size reduction of the Mac mini with the M4 chip, which almost matches the proportions of an Apple TV, has sparked speculation: it wouldn't be surprising to see a slight "miniaturization" here as well, with an even more compact and efficient chassis.
In any case, No drastic changes are expected in the basic formatIt will remain a desktop box, not integrated into a soundbar or its own television, even though many users dream of an Apple display with tvOS integrated. Another detail that remains up in the air is whether Apple will experiment more with finishes or colors, although it's most likely that they'll stick with the classic black that goes well with almost any living room.
Where there could be some visual novelty is in the integration of a front cameraIf Apple ultimately decides to release a model with integrated FaceTime, the front or top of the Apple TV would need to accommodate the sensor. However, it's expected that, if it does arrive, it will be very well concealed to avoid disrupting the minimalist design.
Processor and memory: a leap to the A17 Pro and the era of Apple Intelligence
The truly important part of the new Apple TV won't be on the outside, but on the inside. Everything points to Apple will definitively abandon the A15 Bionic Apple is moving from the current generation to a much more advanced SoC. Code leaks found by outlets like MacRumors point directly to the A17 Pro chip, the same one used in some high-end iPhones, which would represent a significant performance boost for Apple TV.
The A17 Pro is made in a 3 nanometer processThis translates to better energy efficiency and increased performance for both the CPU and GPU. But what makes the difference here isn't just speed, but the ability to run Apple Intelligence locally. For this, the Apple TV needs not only a powerful chip, but also more RAM than the current model offers.
The current Apple TV 4K has an A15 Bionic with 4 GB of RAMinsufficient to run the local Apple Intelligence models that Apple requires on its latest devices (devices compatible with Apple TVRumors indicate that the new Apple TV will have at least 8GB of RAM, doubling the current figure and meeting the minimum requirements for the company's AI, consistent with what has been seen in other products.
This increase in memory, combined with the A17 Pro, would allow Advanced AI features are processed directly on the Apple TV itself.without relying on the cloud for most tasks. This results in faster response times, greater privacy, and a more immediate experience when interacting with Siri and content recommendations.
Some still consider the possibility of a chip. A16 Bionic Instead of the A17 Pro to better manage costs, most reliable leaks already confirm the move to the A17 Pro. This choice also aligns with the idea of making the Apple TV a highly capable tool for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, where this processor has already proven its strength in the iPhone.
Apple Intelligence and a much smarter Siri in the living room
One of the main reasons for the existence of the new model will be Give full access to Apple Intelligence on the TVUntil now, Apple TV has been left out of this revolution due to hardware limitations, but the new generation is precisely here to solve that. With the A17 Pro and 8GB of RAM, the door is open to a profound change in how we use the device.
Siri, historically somewhat limited on Apple TV, could become a much more proactive assistantIt's capable of better understanding your tastes, your viewing habits, and the context of what you're doing. Imagine asking for "something short for dinner" and the system knowing that you usually want comedies under 30 minutes at that time, or taking into account who's at home to suggest family-friendly or adult content.
Artificial intelligence could also strengthen content search within different apps, showing cross-platform recommendations and learning over time from what you watch, what you abandon after ten minutes, and what you tend to repeat (Apple TV catalogAll of this, processed locally thanks to the new chip, reduces dependence on external servers and better preserves user privacy.
In addition, Apple Intelligence will enable functions related to text generation and natural language understandingOn Apple TV, this can translate into better descriptions, more personalized summaries of what you're watching, and even more precise help when searching for information about actors, directors, or soundtracks while playing content.
This shift would transform Apple TV from just a streaming player into a a truly “smart” entertainment platformwhere the system anticipates what you might want to see and makes everything a little more automatic and convenient.
Next-generation connectivity: N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread
The other major protagonist of the renovation would be the N1 chip, the new brain of Apple's wireless connectivityThis component, already present in the latest iPhones, would be responsible for bringing the Apple TV to the next generation in terms of networks and communication with other devices in the ecosystem.
With the N1, the new Apple TV is expected to be able to offer Wi‑Fi 7 support (or at least with Wi-Fi 6E), which would mean more bandwidth, lower latency, and better stability in environments with many connected devices. For a device designed to play 4K HDR video and, potentially, stream demanding games, this leap in wireless connectivity is key.
Furthermore, the N1 would integrate Bluetooth 6The next evolution of the standard offers improvements in power consumption, range, stability, and the ability to connect multiple accessories simultaneously. This is especially interesting for those who use wireless controllers, headphones, external speakers, or keyboards for more comfortable typing on Apple TV.
Another important point is the presence of Thread, the standard designed for the connected homeWith it, the Apple TV could reinforce its role as a central "hub" for home automation, managing Matter-compatible devices and improving communication between light bulbs, sensors, smart plugs, and other home gadgets.
All of this would also affect features like AirDrop or writing from the iPhone to the Apple TV, which They would gain in speed and reliability.Typing long searches, entering passwords, or navigating between apps using the iPhone keyboard would be even smoother, reducing the frustration that sometimes comes with typing with the remote control.
Potential for AAA games: the Apple TV as a micro-console
With an A17 Pro under the hood and a 6-core GPU capable of hardware accelerated ray tracingThe next-generation Apple TV has all the makings of becoming more than just a simple streaming receiver. The proven track record of this chip with titles like Resident Evil Village and Death Stranding on the iPhone opens the door for the living room to become a small gaming center on par with some compact consoles.
We're not just talking about casual Apple Arcade games, but about Triple AAA titles with very advanced graphicsRealistic lighting and complex visual effects. If Apple decides to seriously invest in developer partnerships and strengthens its Arcade service, the Apple TV could position itself as a kind of "silent micro-console" within the brand's ecosystem.
The advantage over other traditional consoles would lie in the integration with other Apple devicesUse your iPhone as a controller in certain games, continue a game started on your phone on your TV, or take advantage of iCloud to sync your progress between platforms without you having to do anything.
Furthermore, the new connectivity encryption and low latency offered by the N1 chip would be key to Bluetooth controllers work accurately and without interruptionsThis is essential if you want to compete with more "serious" gaming experiences. And, of course, all this comes with the convenience of a very small, quiet device that's easy to place on any piece of furniture.
If Apple takes the step and presents the Apple TV not only as a player, but as multimedia center and lightweight desktop consoleThe product could gain a lot of appeal compared to alternatives like Chromecast or Fire TV, which are currently in a different league in terms of raw power.
Built-in camera and FaceTime on the TV
One of the most striking rumors is the possible integrating a camera into the Apple TV itself This would allow users to make FaceTime video calls directly, without relying on the iPhone or iPad camera. Mark Gurman has confirmed that Apple is considering this possibility.
With a built-in camera, the Apple TV could turn any TV into a large screen for video conferencingboth family and professional. Imagine organizing a call with the grandparents, work meetings, or group sessions for online classes, seeing everyone on a big screen and with sound from your TV system.
Furthermore, that camera could be used to gestures and motion controlThis partially replicates what has already been seen in other devices from the brand. It wouldn't be surprising to see features like pausing or playing content with a hand gesture, or navigating menus without having to search for the remote among the sofa cushions.
Even so, the leaks make it clear that There is considerable uncertainty. Whether this camera will be included in the next model or if Apple will prefer to stick with the current solution of using the iPhone, iPad, or even the Vision Pro as an external camera remains to be seen. In any case, support for video calls on the TV will continue to be a key feature, with or without an integrated sensor.
In any case, the combination of a good camera, Apple Intelligence, and a more capable Siri could lead to new social experiences in the living roomFrom watching content with friends remotely to sharing a device's screen while chatting comfortably from the sofa.
Image and sound: 4K as the standard and the possible arrival of Dolby Vision 2
Regarding image quality, leaks agree that the new Apple TV It will maintain 4K as the maximum resolution.Although 8K televisions are already available on the market, the reality is that the content available in that format is minimal, while most movies, series, and games reach a maximum of 4K. Investing in that resolution allows for lower costs without sacrificing realism for the average user.
However, it's not all about the number of pixels. Currently, the Apple TV 4K supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 4K HDR and 4K SDRplacing it at the top of the charts in terms of image standards. The big news on the horizon is Dolby Vision 2, Dolby's next major leap forward in advanced image processing.
Dolby Vision 2 is presented as a profound evolution of its image engineIt uses artificial intelligence to intelligently adjust parameters based on the content being viewed. This feature, called Content Intelligence, promises to adapt brightness, contrast, and color scene by scene, delivering more precise results without any user input.
Among the highlighted features, it is also mentioned that Authentic MotionA motion control system that aims to eliminate unwanted vibrations and tremors while preserving the cinematic look that many prefer over the familiar soap opera effect. In theory, this would allow for a more stable image without sacrificing the feeling of watching a movie.
Dolby Vision 2 will be offered in two levels: a Max version for high-end televisions And another version designed for more conventional models, always with the aim of improving overall image quality. Although Hisense has been the first manufacturer to confirm it, it wouldn't be surprising if the future Apple TV 4K eventually supports it, either as a standard feature or through a software update.
In terms of sound, the following are expected: Minor improvements to codecs and audio supportAlthough there are no rumors of leaps as significant as those in the image department, the idea is to refine what's already there, maintain compatibility with current surround sound formats, and continue to take advantage of advanced configurations with soundbars or connected speaker systems.
iPhone interaction and connected home: a more versatile media center
If there's one thing that sets Apple TV apart from the competition, it's its ability to integrate with the Apple ecosystem (How Apple TV+ worksThe new model will only deepen this idea thanks to the N1 chip and Apple Intelligence, improving communication with iPhone, iPad, Mac and HomePod.
Using your iPhone as a remote keyboard will be even more convenient, with less delay when writing or pasting textSearching for a specific series, entering long passwords, or managing advanced settings will be much easier if the Apple TV responds immediately and the wireless connections are more stable.
Similarly, sharing your screen or content from your mobile phone to your TV, whether to show photos, home videos, or apps, should gain fluency and reliability (including options such as Google Cast on Android), allowing faster transfers and fewer interruptions, even in homes with many networks and devices.
Thanks to Thread support and the Apple TV's role as a smart home node, the device can to become a key component of HomeKit and the Matter standardTurning on lights, controlling blinds, adjusting the climate control or checking security cameras from the television would become increasingly natural, integrating home automation and entertainment in one place.
This approach reinforces Apple's idea of having a The only device in the living room that centralizes entertainment, AI, and connected homesimplifying the experience and avoiding having to accumulate several different devices for each function.
Price and strategy compared to Chromecast and Fire TV
One of the most surprising rumors is the possible downward adjustment of the entry price of the new Apple TV. The current model starts at 169 euros, a price considerably higher than many Chromecasts or Fire TV Sticks that can easily be found for under 100 euros.
Several leaks suggest that Apple may be considering a price around 99 dollars For the entry-level model, this would represent a very aggressive move against its direct rivals. This would position Apple TV much more competitively without sacrificing power and ecosystem integration.
What is not entirely clear is whether that price would apply to the a more complete model or a slightly reduced versionPerhaps with less storage or some limitations in ports and features. In any case, even if the top-of-the-line model remains close to the current price, a more affordable entry-level model could bring Apple TV to many more homes.
This pricing strategy would make sense if Apple wants boost Apple TV+ and Apple ArcadeBecause the more people who have an Apple TV in their living room, the more likely they are to subscribe and remain within the ecosystem of services. The device would go from being an "expensive luxury" to a more logical option compared to cheaper but less powerful solutions.
On the other hand, if the new model ultimately maintains its price around 169 euros, the launch would at least serve to... The current Apple TV price has droppedoffering a more affordable entry point for those who don't need Apple Intelligence or aren't interested in the latest gaming and connectivity features.
What seems almost certain is that Apple will use this generation to completely reposition Apple TV in the marketWhether it's due to price, features, or both, the aim is to seriously challenge the most popular streaming dongles.
Everything that has been leaked paints a picture of an Apple TV that would cease to be the "hobby" Steve Jobs referred to and become a central component of Apple's digital home: a very capable 4K player, a small home console, an advanced home automation node and a gateway to Apple Intelligence in the living room, with a much smarter Siri, better connectivity and a price that, if the rumors are correct, would finally make it as appealing as many users have been waiting for for years.
