Apple TV+ is experiencing a remarkable year; however, the Apple TV 4K streaming device is still anticipating its first redesign since 2022—and that enhancement is on the way. Here are four features you can look forward to when the new Apple TV 4K is released later this year.
#1: Upgrade to A17 Pro or A18 Chip
The current iteration of the Apple TV 4K debuted in late 2022 and featured the then state-of-the-art A15 Bionic chip.
However, with Apple’s advances in silicon, demanding software such as Apple Intelligence, along with newer gaming requirements necessitate the integration of a more powerful chip.
Both the A17 Pro and A18 chips are the frontrunners for the updated Apple TV 4K.
These upgrades will facilitate AI functionalities and significantly enhance gaming capabilities on Apple’s streaming device.
#2: Support for Apple Intelligence
This isn’t surprising, considering Apple’s gradual integration of AI into its range of products.
Initially limited to iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Apple Intelligence has recently expanded to the Vision Pro and will make its way to the Apple Watch with watchOS 12.
Anticipate AI features in the new Apple TV 4K as well.
You might wonder how AI could enhance the TV viewing experience. Amazon recently showcased its AI-driven Alexa+ assistant on Fire TV, demonstrating capabilities such as:
- Customized TV recommendations based on your current emotions
- Jumping to specific scenes using mere descriptions
- Providing details about music from any segment of a show or film
Major enhancements to Siri’s AI will reportedly launch this fall with iOS 19, ensuring that the improved assistant can add greater value to the Apple TV 4K too.
#3: Apple’s Inaugural Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip
Apple generated significant excitement with its new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, which took years to develop and offers numerous benefits over Qualcomm’s offerings—along with enhancements on the way.
Furthermore, Apple has another multi-year connectivity project almost ready: its proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip.
This new chip will feature in the upgraded Apple TV 4K. According to Mark Gurman, it promises several enhancements.
- “Apple aims to establish a comprehensive wireless framework that is closely integrated with its other components and more energy-efficient.”
- “With an in-house wireless chip in Apple’s smart home gadgets, devices will communicate more effectively and possibly synchronize data more quickly.”
Similar to the C1, Apple likely anticipates several advantages from these custom chips that will be revealed in full once the product launch occurs.
#4: Potential Addition of a Built-in Camera
While this feature is somewhat speculative, it was mentioned last spring when discussing Apple’s smart home initiatives that the company was contemplating the integration of a camera into the next Apple TV 4K.
Mark Gurman noted:
“There has been discussion about…providing a reimagined Apple TV set-top box with a built-in camera for FaceTime video calls and gesture-based controls. This technology would integrate effortlessly with both the iPhone and Vision Pro.”
In the age of AI, there are rumors suggesting that multiple Apple devices may soon incorporate cameras—including AirPods and the Apple Watch.
Incorporating a camera into the Apple TV 4K could enhance its functionality not only for AI integration but also for the specific applications Gurman mentioned: video calling and gesture recognition.
FaceTime, which is already a feature in tvOS, offers a wonderful experience. Making video calls on the largest screen in your house is fantastic.
Currently, however, users need to activate FaceTime through their iPhone’s Continuity Camera feature. A built-in camera for the Apple TV 4K would provide a much simpler solution.
New Apple TV 4K Features: Summary
The anticipated features listed above are merely a glimpse of what Apple might introduce with the new Apple TV 4K. Given that updates for this device are spaced several years apart, Apple typically includes a wealth of new functionalities in each refresh.
What features are you hoping to see added to the new Apple TV 4K? Share your thoughts in the comments.
