Apple TV+ has a significant year ahead, but the Apple TV 4K streaming device is still due for its first update since 2022—and that enhancement is on the horizon. Here are four features to anticipate when the new Apple TV 4K launches later this year.
## #1: A17 Pro or A18 chip enhancement
The existing Apple TV 4K model debuted in late 2022 and contained a relatively modern chip at the time: the A15 Bionic. However, Apple’s advances in silicon continue to reach new levels, and demanding applications such as Apple Intelligence and the latest games necessitate an improved chip. The A17 Pro or A18 chips are the most probable candidates for the upcoming Apple TV 4K. Either choice can facilitate AI capabilities and provide a significant gaming enhancement just in time for the new Games app.
## #2: Support for Apple Intelligence
This comes as no shock, as Apple has been progressively integrating AI into its entire range of products. Although Apple Intelligence initially supported only iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Vision Pro received it this spring, and watchOS 26 extends it to the Apple Watch. Anticipate AI capabilities in the new Apple TV 4K as well. What can AI bring to the viewing experience? Earlier this year, Amazon showcased its AI-driven Alexa+ assistant on Fire TV, offering examples such as:
– Receiving tailored TV suggestions based on your current mood
– Navigating to different scenes with just a brief description
– Obtaining information about music from any moment of a show or movie
## #3: Apple’s inaugural Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip
Apple generated significant excitement with its new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. C1 took years to develop and offers several enhancements over Qualcomm’s modems. However, Apple has another long-term connectivity initiative nearly ready for launch: its proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This new chip will be incorporated into the upgraded Apple TV 4K. Mark Gurman indicates it will result in several upgrades:
– “Apple’s aim is to create a comprehensive wireless solution that is closely integrated with its other components and more energy-efficient”
– “With a custom wireless chip in Apple’s smart home devices, the products will synchronize more effectively and possibly share data more rapidly”
## #4: Wildcard: Integrated camera
This alteration seems somewhat uncertain, but last year, during discussions about Apple’s smart home goals, Mark Gurman noted that the company was considering adding a camera to its next Apple TV 4K. He states:
> “It has discussed…providing a redesigned Apple TV set-top box featuring a built-in camera for FaceTime video calls and gesture controls. This technology will work seamlessly with both the iPhone and Vision Pro.”
In this AI age, speculation suggests several new Apple devices will soon include cameras—such as AirPods and smart glasses. Incorporating a camera into the Apple TV 4K not only makes sense for potential AI applications but also for the two functions Gurman mentions: video calls and gesture controls. FaceTime is already a feature of tvOS, but currently, utilizing your iPhone’s Continuity Camera feature is needed for FaceTime. tvOS 26 includes FaceTime updates that imply a built-in camera may be on the way, further supporting the likelihood of this feature’s implementation.
## New Apple TV 4K features: conclusion
The anticipated features above are merely a glimpse of what Apple might be preparing for its new Apple TV 4K. As the device typically experiences several years between updates, Apple usually includes numerous new features with each hardware revision. What functionalities do you hope to see in a new Apple TV 4K? Share your thoughts in the comments.
