Apple TV+ is having a big year, but the Apple TV 4K streaming box is waiting for its first revision since 2022. Here are four features you’ll look forward to when the new Apple TV 4K arrives later this year:
#1: A17 Pro or A18 chip upgrade
The current Apple TV 4K model was released in late 2022 and was the A15 Bionic, a rather modern chip from the time.
However, Apple’s silicon efforts continue to reach new heights, with demanding software like Apple Intelligence and new games requiring upgraded chips.
The A17 Pro or A18 chip is the most likely candidate for the new Apple TV 4K.
Both options allow you to enable AI features and give Apple’s set-top boxes a major game upgrade in time for new gaming apps.
#2: Apple Intelligence Support
This is not surprising as Apple is gradually adding AI to its full product.
Apple Intelligence originally only supported iPhones, iPads and Macs, but Vision Pro won it this spring, and Watchos 26 brings it to the Apple Watch.
Hopefully the new Apple TV 4K will also show AI features.
What can AI do for a TV viewing experience? Earlier this year, Amazon unveiled its AI-powered Alexa+ Assistant on Fire TV.
- Get personalized TV recommendations based on your current mood
- Jump to various scenes with just a simple explanation
- Get information about music after fact from every part of the show or movie
#3: Apple’s first Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip
Apple has sparked a lot of talk with the new C1 modem on the iPhone 16e. The C1 has been made for years and offers several advantages over Qualcomm modems.
But Apple is almost ready to debut another year-long connection project. It has its own company Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip.
This new chip is included in the upgraded Apple TV 4K. Mark Garman says it will ultimately lead to some improvements.
- “Apple’s goal is to develop a more energy-efficient, end-to-end wireless approach with other components.”
- “Using homemade wireless chips on Apple’s smart home devices will allow the product to work closer and sync data more quickly.”
Like the C1, Apple may have some benefits in mind with homemade chips and will have to wait for the full presentation to learn.
#4: Wildcard: Built-in camera
The change seems a bit uncertain, but last year, when discussing Apple’s smart home ambitions, Mark Gurman said he’s adding a camera to his upcoming Apple TV 4K.
He writes:
It’s arguing… It offers an improved Apple TV set-top box with built-in camera for FaceTime video conferencing and gesture-based controls. And all of this technology works seamlessly on both the iPhone and Vision Pro.
In this age of AI, rumors show that some new Apple products will soon boast cameras. Includes air pods and smart glasses.
Adding a camera to your Apple TV 4K makes sense not only about the potential AI benefits, but also about the two use cases where Gurman is video calling and gesture-based control.
FaceTime is already a TVO feature and is fantastic. However, currently, to enable FaceTime, you will need to use the continuous camera feature on your iPhone.
The TVOS 26 has a facetie-time change that suggests that a built-in camera will come, further supporting the arrival of features.
New Apple TV 4K Features: Wrap-up
The expected features above are merely sampling what Apple has to offer for the new Apple TV 4K. As devices tend to take years between updates, Apple usually packs a lot of new features into each hardware update.
What features do you want to add to your new Apple TV 4K? Please let us know in the comments.
