
Apple Rumored to Launch Upgraded Apple TV in 2025 | Image Source: www.macrumors.com
Cupertino, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024 — Apple is reportedly gearing up to release a new version of its Apple TV in 2025, with significant hardware and feature upgrades, according to industry insiders. The current Apple TV 4K, launched over two years ago, is due for an update, and recent reports from Bloomberg and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offer insights into what users can expect from the next-generation streaming device.
The new Apple TV is expected to incorporate improved wireless technology, enhanced performance, and potentially a more affordable price point. With these updates, Apple seems poised to strengthen its position in the competitive streaming market.
Wi-Fi 6E Integration and Custom Chipset
One of the most significant upgrades to the upcoming Apple TV is its expected integration of a custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, a next-generation standard that expands Wi-Fi 6 capabilities to the 6 GHz band, enabling faster speeds and reduced signal interference. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users in dense urban areas or environments with multiple wireless devices competing for bandwidth.
The inclusion of this custom chip aligns with Apple’s broader hardware strategy. Gurman indicated that the chip will also feature in updated HomePod mini models, showcasing Apple’s intent to streamline connectivity across its ecosystem. This focus on wireless performance is a logical progression for Apple, enhancing both speed and reliability for streaming and gaming on the Apple TV platform.
Potential Camera Integration
In a move to expand the Apple TV’s capabilities, Apple has reportedly considered integrating a built-in camera into future models. While there are no concrete confirmations for the 2025 release, this feature would complement the FaceTime app introduced with tvOS 17. Currently, users rely on external devices such as iPhones or iPads for video calls on the Apple TV. A built-in camera would eliminate this need, offering a more seamless experience for users looking to make video calls directly from their TVs.
Such a feature would position the Apple TV as more than a streaming device, transforming it into a hub for family communication and home entertainment. However, Apple has yet to finalize this addition, leaving room for speculation about its practicality and cost implications.
Performance and Price Improvements
The next Apple TV is expected to feature a newer A-series chip, delivering improved processing power and efficiency. The current Apple TV 4K uses the A15 Bionic chip, introduced in 2021 with the iPhone 13 series. Since then, Apple has launched several more advanced chips, including the A16 Bionic, A17 Pro, A18, and A18 Pro. Upgrading to one of these newer chips would enhance the device’s responsiveness and capability, particularly for gaming and multitasking.
In addition to performance enhancements, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the new model could debut with a starting price below $100. This would represent a significant shift from the current Apple TV 4K pricing, which starts at $129 for the 64GB model and $149 for the 128GB version in the U.S. A lower price point could make the Apple TV more competitive against rivals like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, which dominate the budget-friendly streaming device market.
Consistency in Design
While Apple is introducing notable internal upgrades, the external design of the 2025 Apple TV is expected to remain consistent with its predecessors. The company appears to be prioritizing functionality and performance improvements over aesthetic changes for this release. This approach would align with Apple’s tradition of maintaining a recognizable product design while focusing on enhancing user experience through technical advancements.
Launch Timeline and Historical Context
Apple has not yet announced an official release date for the new Apple TV. However, historical data provides a glimpse into the company’s release patterns. The most recent Apple TV 4K models were unveiled in October 2022 and April 2021, with earlier versions dating back to September 2017 and September 2015. Based on this timeline, a 2025 launch aligns well with Apple’s product refresh cycles.
The anticipation surrounding the new Apple TV underscores the increasing competition in the streaming device market. With companies like Amazon and Google continuing to innovate in this space, Apple is under pressure to deliver a device that not only meets but exceeds user expectations in terms of performance, features, and affordability.
As Apple continues to develop its ecosystem, the rumored enhancements to the Apple TV could play a pivotal role in solidifying the device’s place in the modern smart home. While further details are awaited, the potential for integrated cameras, advanced wireless capabilities, and competitive pricing suggests that Apple is taking a strategic approach to its next-generation streaming hardware.