2023 has not (yet) been a particularly exciting year for Apple’s multimedia box. The last upgrade was in November 2022, when the third generation of the Apple TV 4K was presented. Among other things, it got a newer SoC (A15 from the iPhone 13), HDR10+ support, remote control with USB-C and a lower price. Since then, Apple has also differentiated between a “normal” variant and one with Ethernet, which users don’t necessarily understand. But what’s next for the entertainment model series? Is a redesign pending or does Apple continue to upgrade in small steps?
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New software for (almost) everyone
First of all, customers can look forward to major innovations in terms of software. tvOS 17 brings a whole range of improvements to functions. You can now connect an iPhone to the multimedia box and conduct video chats directly on the television via Continuity Camera – even including automatic alignment with the center stage feature.
The control center is being redesigned, there is a split view for SharePlay sessions and VPNs can be integrated directly on the multimedia box. tvOS 17 runs on Apple TV HD and all three generations of Apple TV 4K. The software is expected in the fall, either September or October.
Which hardware Apple is working on
But what about the next hardware generation of the Apple TV 4K? A more detailed picture emerges here. A new model is not expected for the time being in 2023. Various leak experts assume this. Like MacRumors on the weekend summarized, it will probably be something in the first half of 2024. Apple is probably not going for a new design, sticking with the look that has been used for years.
The company could use the A16 SoC from the iPhone 14 Pro internally – the upcoming A17 from the iPhone 15 Pro will probably not be (yet). In terms of price, Apple could end up under $100, which would be a first. Apple had already made changes to the size of the third-generation Apple TV 4K, as it does not have a fan. The installation of sensors, a screen or even a camera is initially considered impossible, Apple continues to use additional products such as iPhones and televisions.
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(bsc)