Apple TV+ is experiencing its most successful year to date, yet the Apple TV 4K streaming device is still pending its first update since 2022—and that revision is on the way. Here are four anticipated features when the new Apple TV 4K is released shortly.
## #1: A17 Pro chip
The existing Apple TV 4K model debuted in late 2022 and included what was considered a quite advanced chip at the time: the A15 Bionic. However, Apple’s chip development is reaching new frontiers, and resource-heavy software like Apple Intelligence and recent games necessitate an enhanced chip. Recent leaks suggest the forthcoming Apple TV 4K will incorporate an A17 Pro chip. The A17 Pro currently serves as the minimum required Apple chip to enable AI functionalities, which are forecasted to grow significantly in the upcoming year. This chip may also offer a gaming enhancement for Apple’s streaming box.
## #2: Apple Intelligence compatibility
This shouldn’t come as a shock, as Apple has been gradually incorporating AI across its entire range of products. Initially, Apple Intelligence was exclusive to iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but Vision Pro received it this spring, and watchOS 26 brings it to Apple Watch. Speculation suggests that AI features will also be integrated into the new Apple TV 4K—although potentially in a limited capacity until the major Siri update next spring.
How can AI enhance the television viewing experience? Earlier this year, Amazon demonstrated its AI-driven Alexa+ assistant on Fire TV, showcasing features like:
– Tailored TV suggestions based on your current mood
– Skipping to various scenes with just a brief description
– Retrieving music info at any moment from any part of a show or movie
## #3: Apple’s new N1 wireless chip
This year has marked significant progress in Apple-developed silicon. In addition to the C1 and C1X modems, Apple has just launched a new wireless connectivity chip named N1. N1 merges Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread and is currently featured in all new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air models. This chip will also be part of the upgraded Apple TV 4K. Apple has recently highlighted the advantages of N1 for iPhone. Anticipate similar benefits for Apple’s Home products, particularly with new Apple Home accessories approaching.
## #4: Wildcard: Center Stage camera
This potential addition appears less assured, but last year during discussions about Apple’s smart home aspirations, Mark Gurman noted that the company was considering incorporating a camera into the next Apple TV 4K. He mentioned:
> 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 age, speculation has suggested that many new Apple products will soon feature cameras—including AirPods and smart glasses. Implementing a camera in the Apple TV 4K seems logical not only for prospective AI applications but also for the two use cases Gurman highlights: video calls and gesture-based controls. FaceTime is already a feature of tvOS and is a great one. Currently, however, one must rely on the iPhone’s Continuity Camera to facilitate FaceTime. tvOS 26 introduces FaceTime modifications that hint at a built-in camera potentially being on the horizon, further supporting the likelihood of this feature’s debut. Additionally, with the new Center Stage front camera launched on iPhone 17, it would be unsurprising to see a similar capability on the new Apple TV.
## New Apple TV 4K features: wrap-up
The anticipated features mentioned above represent just a glimpse of what Apple may be planning for its new Apple TV 4K. As the device typically remains unchanged for several years, Apple generally integrates numerous new functionalities into each hardware revision. What features would you like to see added to a new Apple TV 4K? Share your thoughts in the comments.
### Best Apple TV 4K accessories
