Apple TV+ is experiencing an exciting year, yet the Apple TV 4K streaming device is still due for its first update since 2022—and that revision is on its way. Here are four anticipated features to look out for when the updated Apple TV 4K debuts 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 what was considered a cutting-edge chip at that time: the A15 Bionic.
However, Apple continues to advance its silicon technology, and software demands from Apple Intelligence and new gaming experiences necessitate a more powerful chip.
The new Apple TV 4K is likely to feature either the A17 Pro or A18 chips.
Both options could unlock AI capabilities and significantly enhance gaming performance for Apple’s streaming box.
#2: Integration of Apple Intelligence
This won’t come as a surprise, as Apple has been steadily incorporating AI into its portfolio of products.
Initially, Apple Intelligence was exclusive to iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but recently Vision Pro included this feature, and watchOS 12 is set to introduce it to the Apple Watch.
Expect the same AI enhancements in the upcoming Apple TV 4K.
So, what can AI bring to your TV viewing experience? Amazon previously showcased its AI-based Alexa+ assistant on Fire TV, highlighting features such as:
- Curated TV recommendations tailored to your mood
- Seamlessly skipping to specific scenes with just a brief description
- Retrieving music information from any part of a show or movie
The anticipated upgrades to Siri’s AI functionalities are expected to roll out this fall with iOS 19, perfect timing for the new and enhanced assistant to provide additional value on the Apple TV 4K.
#3: Apple’s inaugural Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip
Apple recently generated excitement with its C1 modem introduced in the iPhone 16e. This long-anticipated C1 modem offers numerous advantages over Qualcomm’s solutions, with even more advancements on the way.
In addition, Apple has been developing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that is nearly ready for launch, which will be integrated into the enhanced Apple TV 4K. According to Mark Gurman, this will bring about several improvements.
- “Apple aims to create an end-to-end wireless system that is closely integrated with its other components and more energy-efficient.”
- “With a proprietary wireless chip in Apple’s smart home products, these devices will interact more seamlessly, enabling quicker data synchronization.”
As with the C1, Apple likely has a range of benefits in mind for its in-house chips, and we’ll have to wait for the complete reveal to uncover all the details.
#4: Wildcard: Integrated camera
This potential feature remains uncertain, but last spring, while discussing Apple’s vision for smart homes, Mark Gurman noted that the company was considering integrating a camera into the next Apple TV 4K.
He stated:
It has been discussed…offering a revamped Apple TV set-top box that would include a built-in camera for FaceTime and gesture controls. This technology would seamlessly integrate with both iPhone and Vision Pro.
In the current AI-driven landscape, there have been suggestions that various Apple devices, including AirPods and the Apple Watch, may soon feature cameras.
Incorporating a camera in the Apple TV 4K would not only serve potential AI functionalities but also address the two purposes Gurman mentioned: video calling and gesture-based navigation.
The FaceTime feature is already part of tvOS and is a fantastic addition, allowing users to initiate video calls on the largest screen in their home.
Currently, however, users have to rely on the iPhone’s Continuity Camera feature to facilitate FaceTime on their TV. A built-in camera on the Apple TV 4K would provide a far more seamless experience.
Summary of new features for Apple TV 4K
The features outlined above are merely a glimpse of what Apple might unveil for the upcoming Apple TV 4K. Given that updates for this device tend to occur every few years, Apple tends to introduce a variety of new functionalities with each hardware refresh.
What features would you like to see in the new Apple TV 4K? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
