Apple’s big product launch season is almost here, headlined by the iPhone 17 line, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3. There’s a new Apple TV 4K coming too, and I’m planning to upgrade for one rumored feature alone.
Apple TV 4K will gain new chip that actually matters this time
Apple hasn’t released a new Apple TV 4K since 2022. Before that, a new model shipped just one year prior.
Unpredictable release schedule aside, all signs point to a new Apple TV 4K finally launching this fall.
And its rumored A17 Pro chip is the only reason I need to upgrade.
Normally, a new Apple TV chip wouldn’t get me very excited.
Ever since the Apple TV HD launched in 2015, every Apple TV model has felt overpowered for what it ultimately needs to do. Though marketing pitches Apple TV as a gaming device, I suspect that’s an extremely niche use case.
Apple TV hardware primarily exists to deliver a great TV experience for the streaming era.
It doesn’t take a ton of processing power to stream Netflix. Which is why cheaper streaming sticks and built-in smart TV features have long dominated the market.
But the A17 Pro will be different. It’s a chip that could matter more than any of its predecessors.
A17 Pro signals Apple Intelligence and upgraded Siri are coming
A code leak recently revealed A17 Pro as the next Apple TV 4K’s new chip. And it’s noteworthy for one main reason: Apple Intelligence support.
To be clear, most current Apple Intelligence features are a poor fit for tvOS.
But the A17 Pro will enable Apple TV users to gain Siri’s major AI overhaul that’s coming.
An AI-supercharged Siri could, in theory, do things like:
- identify actors in whatever you’re watching and show you what else they’re in
- make personalized recommendations based on viewing history
- and overall respond far more intelligently than ever before
These features are only speculation, but there’s no doubt Apple plans to bring its new and improved Siri to the Apple TV 4K.
Top comment by Davy Crockett
Still rocking original 4K hardware. And see no reason to update.
Every thing you mentioned could be handled by metadata. The same metadata that "AI" needs to operate correctly. It's not like there's some sentinel creation inside the AppleTV and saying, "Hey, that's Gene Wilder and Richard Prior. I'll watch a bunch of movies to see what else they're in and report back."
The upgraded Siri was reportedly so core to another Apple Home product that it got delayed by a year.
A17 Pro being the chip Apple gives to its new Apple TV 4K is no coincidence.
Apple Intelligence support is clearly on the way, with tvOS the last major Apple OS to not yet offer AI features.
It’s always good to be cautious when buying hardware in the hopes of future software improvement. But I have no doubt a new and improved Siri is on its way in a future tvOS update. And that will make this year’s new hardware a no-brainer purchase for me.
Best Apple TV 4K accessories
- AirPods Pro 2 (now only $169, down from $249)
- Anti-slip silicone case for Siri Remote, AirTag compatible
- TotalMount for mounting Apple TV
- iPhone Continuity Camera mount for Apple TV
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