Hold onto your remote! Rumors are swirling about a brand new Apple TV coming later this year, and it sounds like Apple is cooking up some notable upgrades for its streaming box. If you’ve been thinking about getting an Apple TV or upgrading your current one, here’s a sneak peek at what the next generation might bring, based on the latest leaks and reports.
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The key takeaways? Expect faster performance, potentially beefier Wi-Fi, exciting new features like a possible camera, and perhaps even a lower price tag.
Faster Performance & Better Connections
One of the most anticipated changes is inside the box. The current Apple TV runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is still speedy, but the next model is very likely getting an upgrade. Think of it like jumping from a solid sports car engine to an even more powerful race car engine – possibly an A18 or A19 chip. This means apps should launch faster, games could look smoother and run better, and the whole tvOS experience will feel snappier.
But it’s not just about raw power. Connectivity is getting a boost too. Reports suggest the new Apple TV will use Apple’s custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This isn’t just any chip; it’s rumored to support Wi-Fi 6E. What does that mean for you? If you have a compatible router, Wi-Fi 6E can use a less crowded part of the radio spectrum (the 6 GHz band), potentially leading to faster speeds and less interference, making your streaming and gaming more reliable. Some whispers even hint at support for the even faster Wi-Fi 7 standard!
A Camera for Your TV?
This is where things get really interesting and potentially changes how you use your TV. Apple already added a FaceTime app to the current Apple TV via a software update (tvOS 17), letting you use your iPhone or iPad camera for video calls on the big screen. But what if the Apple TV had its own built-in camera?
Rumors from reliable sources indicate Apple has explored this idea. A built-in camera would mean no more juggling devices just to make a video call from your couch. Beyond FaceTime, the idea of “gesture controls” has also been mentioned. Imagine controlling your TV with simple hand movements! While it’s not confirmed if a camera will make it into this specific model, Apple is clearly thinking about deeper integration between the TV and communication/interaction features.
Apple’s recent tvOS 26 updates also seem to pave the way for a camera, with features like enhanced FaceTime experiences, Contact Posters appearing on Apple TV, and expanded Live Captions for video calls in multiple languages.
Apple TV 4K streaming box with its remote
Could it Be Cheaper?
Here’s a rumor everyone loves: a lower price. A prominent Apple analyst predicted shortly after the current model launched that the next Apple TV would be “more affordable.” While getting below $100 might be the “sweet spot” many wish for, it’s unclear if Apple can hit that target.
Historically, older Apple TV models were priced at $99, and one even dropped to $69 later in its life cycle. This shows Apple isn’t against lower prices for the device. Considering competitors like Amazon and Roku offer streaming sticks for significantly less (sometimes even under $50), a price adjustment could make the Apple TV more competitive. The current model starts at $129.
When Can You Expect It?
So, when might we see this potentially upgraded box? According to the latest reports, expect it “toward the end of the year.” This points to a likely launch in September or October, which is when Apple often holds fall events. However, a release closer to the holidays in November or December isn’t out of the question.
Looking back at past releases:
- Apple TV 4K (3rd gen): October 2022
- Apple TV 4K (2nd gen): April 2021
- Apple TV 4K (1st gen): September 2017
- Apple TV HD: September 2015
This pattern suggests a fall launch is the most probable timing for the next generation.
The Bottom Line
The rumored next Apple TV sounds like it could bring meaningful improvements, from zippier performance and potentially faster Wi-Fi to innovative features like a built-in camera, and maybe even a more wallet-friendly price. If you’re in the market for a premium streaming experience with tight integration into the Apple ecosystem, it might be worth waiting to see what Apple unveils later this year.
Want to dive deeper into the world of Apple’s streaming box? Check out our comprehensive Apple TV roundup for everything there is to know about the device, or explore the Apple TV Buyer’s Guide to see if the current model is right for you or if waiting is the best move.
