Apple TV 2025: The Biggest Refresh in Years Is Coming

Apple’s streaming box has long been a quiet part of its product lineup, often overshadowed by iPhones, Macs, and iPads. But this year, the Apple TV is finally poised for a major refresh. With the current model running on the aging A15 Bionic, a chip that first appeared in the iPhone 13 back in 2021, Apple’s compact box is overdue for an update. In 2025, that four-year-old processor simply can’t compete with modern performance standards, and Apple appears ready to address it in a meaningful way. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out.

Early reports and leaks point to a powerful new chipset, improved gaming features, higher-quality audio, and even a design overhaul that could change the look and sustainability profile of the device. If the rumors are accurate, this might be the most ambitious update the Apple TV has seen in nearly two decades.

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A Major Chipset Upgrade

The most significant change expected is the jump from the A15 Bionic to the A17 Pro. This chip, first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, represents a leap in performance, efficiency, and graphics power. The A17 Pro brings support for Wi-Fi 6E, improved GPU capabilities, and console-level gaming features that far exceed what the Apple TV has ever offered before. While some speculated that Apple might use the A16, that chip is already more than three years old, making it an unlikely candidate for a future-proof device. The A17 Pro strikes the right balance between performance and cost, and it would give Apple TV owners access to a much more capable system.

This update isn’t just about streaming efficiency—it’s about gaming. Apple has already shown off the A17 Pro’s gaming chops on the iPhone 15 Pro, where titles like Resident Evil Village run smoothly on mobile hardware. Expanding that capability to the Apple TV could be a turning point. With the additional thermal headroom of a set-top box, developers could push graphics further, possibly even bringing graphically intense games like Cyberpunk 2077 into the Apple ecosystem. Apple’s MetalFX upscaling and Metal 4 technologies provide the tools to make this feasible, and if developers embrace the platform, the Apple TV could evolve into an affordable entry point for console-quality gaming.

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Elevating Home Entertainment

Beyond performance, audio and video quality are expected to see meaningful improvements. Leaks suggest Apple may introduce support for high-resolution lossless audio on the new Apple TV, finally giving audiophiles the features they’ve been asking for. Enhanced Dolby Atmos support is also on the table, along with potential integration of DTS: X, another high-end surround sound format. These upgrades would allow the Apple TV to serve as the central hub of a home theater system, providing cinema-level audio quality in a compact package.

For video, Apple continues to emphasize HDR performance, but the combination of improved audio and stronger processing power could also open doors for better streaming experiences and smoother performance across high-bitrate content. With Apple pushing its own services like Apple TV+, an improved hardware platform makes sense both for users and for Apple’s content ecosystem.

A New Look for the Apple TV

Perhaps the most surprising set of rumors involves the physical design of the Apple TV. The device has looked roughly the same since the second generation, relying on a small, plastic box design that has remained consistent for over 18 years. However, Apple’s sustainability goals now put plastic-heavy designs under scrutiny. The company has committed to becoming carbon neutral, and a product that relies on large amounts of plastic doesn’t fit well within that roadmap.

Leaks and renders suggest Apple is considering a shift to aluminum, with black and silver finishes that match the design language of other Apple products. Such a change would not only improve the Apple TV’s environmental footprint but also give it a more premium presence in living rooms. A metal design would feel more in line with modern Apple devices, and given the small form factor, it could be achieved without significantly increasing costs. If this design change comes to market, it would mark the most dramatic visual update to the Apple TV since its inception.

Timing and Release Strategy

Apple’s fall event is expected to be the launchpad for the new Apple TV. According to multiple sources, the event will take place during the week of September 8, with announcements likely to fall on September 9 or 10. Preorders are expected to open on September 12, and general availability should begin on September 19. This schedule aligns with Apple’s traditional launch cadence, placing the Apple TV alongside new iPhones, Apple Watches, and potentially AirPods.

This timing makes sense for Apple. Positioning the Apple TV alongside flagship devices allows it to benefit from the massive publicity surrounding iPhone launches, ensuring it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. It also puts the device in consumer hands right before the holiday shopping season, when demand for home entertainment products peaks.

Pricing Expectations

Pricing is one area that remains uncertain, but most analysts expect a modest increase. The current Apple TV with 64GB of storage and an A15 Bionic sells for $129. Given the shift to the A17 Pro, potential material changes, and increased storage, the base model is expected to move to 128GB and start at $150. A variant with an Ethernet port could cost around $170.

While a price increase is never ideal, it’s not surprising. Apple hasn’t raised Apple TV prices in years, and the improvements on offer—better performance, gaming potential, audio upgrades, and a possible design shift—help justify the change. Inflation and rising component costs also make a price adjustment likely. Still, Apple may choose to keep pricing aggressively to strengthen its foothold in the streaming box market, where competition from Roku, Amazon, and Google remains fierce.

The Biggest Step Forward in Years

For years, the Apple TV has been seen as a niche product, useful but not essential in Apple’s lineup. That perception could change with this generation. A faster processor, improved gaming capabilities, cinema-level audio, and a redesigned, more sustainable build give the Apple TV a renewed sense of purpose. Combined with Apple’s expanding content ecosystem, the device is positioned to become a more central part of the living room than ever before.

If the leaks prove accurate, the 2025 Apple TV will not only be the most capable version yet but also the most ambitious. For users, it could finally bridge the gap between a casual streaming device and a true entertainment hub, while also giving Apple a stronger presence in the gaming and home theater markets. With an expected launch in September and a starting price around $150, Apple’s compact box may finally be ready to step out of the shadows and take its place as a cornerstone of the ecosystem.

Last update on 2025-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API