Apple TV+ is having a big year, but the Apple TV 4K streaming box still awaits its first revision since 2022—and that update is coming. Here are four features to expect when the new Apple TV 4K arrives later this year.
#1: A17 Pro or A18 chip upgrade
The current Apple TV 4K model launched in late 2022 and packed what was then a pretty modern chip: the A15 Bionic.
But Apple’s silicon efforts continue achieving new heights, and demanding software like Apple Intelligence and newer games require an upgraded chip.
The A17 Pro or A18 chips are the most likely candidates for the new Apple TV 4K.
Either option is capable of enabling AI features, plus giving Apple’s set-top box a big gaming upgrade.
#2: Apple Intelligence support
This should come as no surprise, since Apple has been gradually adding AI to its full suite of products.
Though Apple Intelligence originally only supported iPhones, iPads, and Macs, last month Vision Pro gained it, and watchOS 12 will bring it to the Apple Watch.
Expect to see AI features in the new Apple TV 4K too.
What can AI do for a TV viewing experience, you ask? Amazon recently showed off its AI-powered Alexa+ assistant on Fire TV, and examples included:
- Getting personalized TV recommendations based on your current mood
- Jumping to different scenes with only a brief description
- Getting info on music after-the-fact from any part of a show or film
Siri’s big AI upgrades are reportedly launching this fall with iOS 19, in plenty of time for the new and improved assistant to offer more value on the Apple TV 4K too.
#3: Apple’s first Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip
Apple stirred a lot of buzz with its new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. C1 was years in the making, and comes with several advantages over Qualcomm’s modems—and more on the horizon.
But Apple has another years-long connectivity project nearly ready to debut: its own in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip.
This new chip will be included in the upgraded Apple TV 4K. Mark Gurman says it will ultimately lead to several improvements.
- “Apple’s goal is to develop an end-to-end wireless approach that is tightly integrated with its other components and more energy-efficient”
- “With a homegrown wireless chip in Apple’s smart home devices, the products will work more closely together and potentially synchronize data more quickly”
As with the C1, Apple likely has several advantages in mind for its home-grown chips that we’ll have to wait for the full unveiling to learn.
#4: Wildcard: Built-in camera
This change seems a little less certain, but last spring when discussing Apple’s smart home ambitions, Mark Gurman mentioned the company was weighing adding a camera to its next Apple TV 4K.
It has discussed…offering a revamped Apple TV set-top box with a built-in camera for FaceTime videoconferencing and gesture-based controls. And the technology will all work seamlessly with both the iPhone and Vision Pro.
In this AI era, rumors have indicated that several Apple products will soon gain cameras—including AirPods and the Apple Watch.
Adding a camera to the Apple TV 4K makes sense not just for potential AI benefits, but also the two use cases Gurman mentions: video calls and gesture-based controls.
FaceTime is already a feature of tvOS, and a great one. Video calls using the biggest screen in the house are great.
Currently though, you have to use your iPhone’s Continuity Camera feature to enable FaceTime. A built-in Apple TV 4K camera would be a much more seamless solution.
New Apple TV 4K features: wrap-up
The expected features above are just a sampling of what Apple could have in store for its new Apple TV 4K. Since the device tends to sit several years between updates, Apple generally packs plenty of new features into each hardware update.
What features do you want added to a new Apple TV 4K? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple TV 4K and Home accessories
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
