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Having only just released a new version of its Apple TV streaming box late last year, it seems Apple is already making plans for a quick successor to the best streaming device out there.
According to a report by serial Apple leaker Mark Gurman for Bloomberg (opens in new tab)the company is preparing an upgraded Apple TV box with an improved processor that will go on sale in early 2024.
The new model will keep the same design as the Apple TV 4K (2022). That saw the introduction of a slightly smaller fanless form factor, as well as USB-C charging for the remote and up to 128GB of storage, with the device powered by Apple’s recent A15 Bionic chip.
Aside from the faster chip, the update doesn’t appear to be significant, with Gurman claiming that the new model won’t support 8K streaming as some had predicted for the next iteration of the device.
The report also doesn’t confirm whether the new Apple TV will have a full-bandwidth 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 port – it’s unclear if the current model’s port will ever be capable of this, even if it supports the eARC feature of the Apple TV. HDMI 2.1.
The report also claims that Apple plans to launch a new device that combines Apple TV functionality with TV-optimized HomePod speakers and a built-in camera, with work on the new product line reportedly behind schedule. The new HomePod 2 will keep people going at least for now.
Analysis: what is added here?
With a new, more powerful Apple TV landing just before Christmas, Apple’s reported plan to follow up with a new model early next year – all without a great new feature, at least according to Gurman – seems somewhat redundant.
The extra processing power of a new CPU might give games a small boost, but in terms of core usage, it’s unlikely we’ll see any improvement over the existing model, which already offers the slickest performance and best picture quality of any current streaming box that are there.
We’d like to see a full HDMI 2.1 port added, or a UWB chip in the Siri remote to put an end to that frustrating hunt-for-the-side-of-the-couch-to -the-thing moments. But even with those sensible additions, it’s not a compelling reason for an upgrade, especially if you can buy the remote separately (as we hope you could).
While the move to release a new model that will have you blinking and missing out on the updates may seem questionable, in many ways it’s good news for existing Apple TV owners. The decision reaffirms Apple’s support for the platform (not something that’s always been apparent thanks to the recent lack of significant updates to tvOS), while also meaning older Apple TV models don’t seem outdated by comparison.
If you’re looking for the current model, check out our list of the best Apple TV deals.