Apple TV+ is having a giant 12 months, however the Apple TV 4K streaming field nonetheless awaits its first revision since 2022—and that replace is coming. Listed here are 4 options to count on when the brand new Apple TV 4K arrives later this 12 months.
#1: A17 Professional or A18 chip improve
The present Apple TV 4K mannequin launched in late 2022 and packed what was then a reasonably fashionable chip: the A15 Bionic.
However Apple’s silicon efforts proceed reaching new heights, and demanding software program like Apple Intelligence and newer video games require an upgraded chip.
The A17 Professional or A18 chips are the most probably candidates for the brand new Apple TV 4K.
Both possibility is able to enabling AI options, plus giving Apple’s set-top field a giant gaming improve simply in time for the brand new Video games app.
#2: Apple Intelligence assist
This could come as no shock, since Apple has been steadily including AI to its full suite of merchandise.
Although Apple Intelligence initially solely supported iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Imaginative and prescient Professional gained it this spring, and watchOS 26 brings it to the Apple Watch.
Count on to see AI options within the new Apple TV 4K too.
What can AI do for a TV viewing expertise, you ask? Earlier this 12 months, Amazon confirmed off its AI-powered Alexa+ assistant on Fireplace TV, and examples included:
- Getting personalised TV suggestions based mostly in your present temper
- Leaping to totally different scenes with solely a short description
- Getting information on music after-the-fact from any a part of a present or movie
#3: Apple’s first Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip
Apple stirred loads of buzz with its new C1 modem within the iPhone 16e. C1 was years within the making, and comes with a number of benefits over Qualcomm’s modems—and extra on the horizon.
However Apple has one other years-long connectivity mission practically able to debut: its personal in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip.
This new chip will probably be included within the upgraded Apple TV 4K. Mark Gurman says it can finally result in a number of enhancements.
- “Apple’s purpose is to develop an end-to-end wi-fi method that’s tightly built-in with its different elements and extra energy-efficient”
- “With a homegrown wi-fi chip in Apple’s sensible house units, the merchandise will work extra carefully collectively and doubtlessly synchronize information extra rapidly”
As with the C1, Apple probably has a number of benefits in thoughts for its home-grown chips that we’ll have to attend for the complete unveiling to study.
#4: Wildcard: Constructed-in digicam
This modification appears rather less sure, however final 12 months when discussing Apple’s sensible house ambitions, Mark Gurman talked about the corporate was weighing including a digicam to its subsequent Apple TV 4K.
It has mentioned…providing a revamped Apple TV set-top field with a built-in digicam for FaceTime videoconferencing and gesture-based controls. And the expertise will all work seamlessly with each the iPhone and Imaginative and prescient Professional.
On this AI period, rumors have indicated that a number of new Apple merchandise will quickly boast cameras—together with AirPods and sensible glasses.
Including a digicam to the Apple TV 4K is sensible not only for potential AI advantages, but in addition the 2 use circumstances Gurman mentions: video calls and gesture-based controls.
FaceTime is already a characteristic of tvOS, and an incredible one. Presently although, you must use your iPhone’s Continuity Digital camera characteristic to allow FaceTime.
tvOS 26 has FaceTime adjustments that trace a built-in digicam is perhaps coming, lending additional assist to the characteristic’s arrival.
New Apple TV 4K options: wrap-up
The anticipated options above are only a sampling of what Apple might have in retailer for its new Apple TV 4K. Because the machine tends to sit down a number of years between updates, Apple typically packs loads of new options into every {hardware} replace.
What options would you like added to a brand new Apple TV 4K? Tell us within the feedback.
Greatest Apple TV 4K and Dwelling equipment
FTC: We use earnings incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.
