Apple may be planning to launch a new version of its Apple TV this fall. BuzzFeed reports that unnamed sources familiar with Apple’s plans for its set-top box claim the company is definitely launching Apple TV 4 this September.
We’ve heard this rumor before. In fact, BuzzFeed previously predicted that an Apple TV refresh was happening this past June.
Forgive me if I’m skeptical.
According to the latest report, the next-generation Apple TV, which hasn’t seen an update since 2012, will come with Apple’s A8 processor chip and have increased storage capacity (more than the current 8GB of Flash storage) for a supposed App Store where users can download third-party apps, like YouTube, Hulu, and Netflix.
Additionally, the case will apparently have a new slimmer design and come with a completely new remote that has a touch pad. An updated software system will purportedly bring Siri into the fold, which could potentially allow users to do a lot with voiceover support.
Apple has already announced that Apple Music will be available on its set-top box later this fall, presumably when iOS 9 and Watch OS 2 are ready. Perhaps the company really will have an updated Apple TV ready to ship around the same time.
It has been rumored for a very long time that Apple is working on a subscription-based streaming television service. While the service is evidently still in the works, it doesn’t appear that it will be available this fall. BuzzFeed notes that its sources claim it is more likely to launch next year.
For years, an Apple TV unit has cost $99. However, earlier this year, the company dropped the price to just $69, which could mean Apple is clearing out its inventory to make room for a new model.
Too little, too late? My progression: ATV -> WDTV Live -> Roku 3 -> Chromecast -> Nexus Player -> Nvidia Shield Console Pro. Yeah, no love from me.