Apple is preparing to launch a new generation of Apple TV, and this release promises to be far more than a minor refresh. For years, Apple TV has been a reliable companion for streaming, gaming, and smart home integration, but this upcoming model appears to represent Apple’s most significant evolution in the product’s history. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the device will arrive with a redesigned internal architecture, faster connectivity, and a focus on personalization that makes it feel like a complete home entertainment hub rather than just a streaming box. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out.
At the core of these upgrades is Apple’s brand-new combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. Current Apple TV models support Wi-Fi 6, which is solid for most households, but the next model will step up to Wi-Fi 6E. This enhancement allows the Apple TV to utilize the 6GHz spectrum when paired with a compatible router, delivering faster speeds and lower latency than the traditional 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands.
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For households streaming 4K HDR content, playing Apple Arcade titles, or connecting multiple devices, the performance gains will be tangible. Even more intriguing are whispers that Apple might leapfrog to Wi-Fi 7. If that happens, theoretical peak speeds could exceed 40 Gbps, which is roughly four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E. While most users won’t saturate that bandwidth today, the jump future-proofs the device for high-bitrate 8K streaming, advanced gaming, and rapid AirPlay transfers.
A Powerful New Chip and Enhanced Performance
Internally, Apple is preparing a substantial leap in processing power. The current Apple TV 4K runs on the A15 Bionic chip, first introduced with the iPhone 13 lineup in 2022. While that chip has handled tvOS and Apple Arcade titles well, it’s beginning to show its age as software capabilities expand. The next Apple TV is rumored to feature either an A18 or A19 chip, a generational upgrade that will significantly enhance speed, responsiveness, and multitasking.
This new chip does more than make menus feel snappier. It opens the door to improved graphics for gaming, smoother high-frame-rate video playback, and potentially the integration of Apple Intelligence on tvOS. Apple’s broader AI initiative is likely to impact every platform, and a more powerful chip in Apple TV ensures that the device is capable of supporting features like smarter recommendations, advanced Siri functionality, and real-time on-device processing for features like live captions. Gamers in particular may notice more detailed environments and reduced lag in Apple Arcade titles, while casual users will appreciate faster app loading and seamless switching between profiles.
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The Possibility of a Built-in Camera
One of the most anticipated changes could be a built-in camera. Currently, Apple relies on Continuity Camera, which allows users to connect an iPhone or iPad to Apple TV for FaceTime calls. This solution works, but it requires setup and docking, which can feel clunky for spontaneous conversations. Gurman previously reported that Apple has explored integrating a camera directly into the Apple TV, turning it into a ready-to-go family communication hub.
If Apple follows through with this feature, it could completely redefine how Apple TV is used. Family FaceTime calls would become instant and hassle-free, and integration with gesture-based controls—another concept Apple has been exploring—could open a new level of interactivity. Imagine navigating menus, pausing videos, or playing games using hand gestures detected by the built-in camera. While it remains unclear whether this generation will include full gesture functionality, the hardware support for video calls alone would dramatically enhance the device’s versatility.
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tvOS 26: Personalization and Smarter Features
The hardware upgrades are only half the story. tvOS 26 is designed to complement the new Apple TV hardware with a focus on personalization, convenience, and visual polish. FaceTime has been a key focus, aligning perfectly with the potential for an integrated camera. Contact posters will now appear on the TV when initiating calls, displaying personalized names and images to make interactions feel more natural and connected.
Live captions are also expanding significantly. Apple is adding support for new languages, including French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish, and these captions run on-device for both privacy and speed. For international families and accessibility purposes, this is a meaningful step forward.
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Beyond communication features, tvOS 26 enhances the overall entertainment experience. Movie and TV show posters now adopt a refined vertical card style, adding a cinematic flair to the interface. Profiles have also become smarter—Apple TV can automatically display the correct profile when the device wakes, eliminating the need to manually switch users. Each profile carries its own watch list, personalized Apple Music playlists, and login credentials for supported apps, keeping viewing histories separate and recommendations relevant. This is especially helpful for families where adult and children’s content can easily become mixed.
Apple Music Sing, which lets users sing along with lyrics displayed on the TV, now works seamlessly with an iPhone acting as a wireless microphone. Your voice is amplified through the TV speakers, transforming casual family nights into karaoke sessions without extra hardware. Combined with the new liquid glass design aesthetic across tvOS, the experience feels polished, modern, and consistent with Apple’s broader software ecosystem.
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Apple TV Price, Release Timing, and Market Impact
All of these enhancements come with an unexpected twist—pricing. Reports suggest Apple is targeting a sub-$100 price point for the next Apple TV, a territory the company has not entered in over a decade. The 2010 and 2012 models launched at $99 and even dropped to $69, but today’s Apple TV 4K starts at $129 for 64GB and $149 for 128GB. A reduction of $30–$50 could dramatically increase adoption, making the device appealing not just to existing Apple users but also to households seeking a high-performance, affordable streaming solution.
As for release timing, history suggests a launch toward the end of the year. September or October is the most likely window, aligning with Apple’s usual fall product announcements. However, Apple TV releases have historically been sporadic, and November or December cannot be ruled out. This timing positions the device perfectly for the holiday season, where its combination of new features, family-friendly communication tools, and potentially lower price could make it a compelling gift option.
If Apple delivers on these rumors—a faster chip, next-generation wireless, potential built-in camera, enhanced personalization with tvOS 26, and a more accessible price point—the next Apple TV could represent the product’s biggest leap since its inception. It transforms from a simple streaming box into a central entertainment and communication hub, tightly integrated with Apple’s broader ecosystem. For users who have been waiting for a reason to upgrade, 2024 may finally bring an Apple TV worth buying again.
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Last update on 2026-02-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
