A new Apple TV is anticipated for release later this year, reportedly featuring upgraded connectivity, a more powerful processor, and potential camera integration. The device is expected to incorporate Apple’s proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This chip supports Wi-Fi 6E, an advancement over the current Apple TV’s standard Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6E extends Wi-Fi 6 capabilities into the 6 GHz band, which, when paired with a compatible router, facilitates faster Wi-Fi speeds and reduced latency compared to Wi-Fi 6. Gurman also indicated that the chip might even support Wi-Fi 7, which offers peak theoretical speeds exceeding 40 Gbps, representing a fourfold increase over Wi-Fi 6E.
The upcoming Apple TV is also expected to feature a newer processing unit. The current model is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, initially introduced in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro models in 2022. The next iteration will likely feature an A18 or A19 chip, leading to enhanced overall performance. This upgrade could also enable Apple Intelligence support on tvOS.
Another potential addition is a built-in camera for FaceTime and gesture controls. tvOS 17 introduced a FaceTime application for Apple TV, allowing video calls using the rear camera of a connected iPhone or iPad. Integrating a camera directly into the Apple TV would eliminate the need for an external device for video calls. In April 2024, Gurman mentioned that Apple had “discussed” an Apple TV model with an integrated camera for FaceTime and gesture-based controls. However, it remains uncertain whether this plan will be implemented for the next specific model. The exact nature of the gesture aspect was not elaborated upon, but it suggests the device could recognize various hand movements.
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Enhancements to FaceTime functionality in tvOS 26 align with the possibility of an integrated camera. With tvOS 26, users can experience a more personalized FaceTime interaction consistent with iOS. Contact Posters on Apple TV will display a contact’s customized photo and name when a FaceTime call begins, enhancing the user experience. Live Captions will expand to include French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish, enabling Apple TV to utilize on-device intelligence for displaying Live Captions during FaceTime conversations. This allows users to follow dialogue in more languages. Additionally, FaceTime audio and phone call notifications will appear on-screen for the active profile, enabling users to answer calls on connected HomePod speakers or their iPhone.
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated an expectation for the next Apple TV to be “more affordable,” stating that a sub-$100 price point would be the “sweet spot” for the device. However, he did not confirm if Apple would achieve this price. Historical precedent exists for a sub-$100 Apple TV, as both the 2010 and 2012 versions were launched at $99 in the U.S. The 2012 model’s price was subsequently lowered to $69. In the U.S., the current Apple TV starts at $129 for the 64GB model, with a 128GB model featuring an Ethernet port priced at $149.
The release of the next Apple TV is anticipated “toward the end of the year,” according to Gurman. This suggests a potential launch in September or October, though November or December are also possibilities. Previous Apple TV models have had varying announcement dates: the third-generation Apple TV 4K in October 2022, the second-generation Apple TV 4K in April 2021, the first-generation Apple TV 4K in September 2017, and the Apple TV HD in September 2015.
