Apple’s third-generation Apple TV 4K is already a fan favorite, thanks to its seamless UI, stunning picture, and immersive sound. It’s won the What Hi-Fi? Award three years in a row. But Apple isn’t slowing down — a fourth-generation model is on the way, and it could be a game-changer.
Let’s break down what you can expect from the next Apple TV 4K, likely launching in late 2025.
Quick Overview: What to Expect
- Built-in camera for FaceTime and gesture controls
- Faster chip — possibly the A17 Pro
- Lower price — possibly under $100
- Wi-Fi 6E support for faster streaming
- Bluetooth 5.3 for stronger, more efficient connections
- Same external design as the current model
A Built-In Camera Could Change Everything
One of the biggest rumored changes is a built-in camera.
Right now, FaceTime on Apple TV needs your iPhone to act as the camera. That’s clunky and inconvenient. Apple is reportedly working on simplifying this by integrating the camera directly into the box.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new camera might also support gesture controls, similar to Xbox Kinect. That could open the door to hands-free navigation and gaming.
New FaceTime Features in tvOS 26:
- Custom contact posters
- On-screen notifications
- Live translations in more languages
These changes hint at Apple’s push to make FaceTime more useful in the living room.
No Major Redesign — Same Look, Same Box
If you’re hoping for a sleek new look, don’t hold your breath.
Rumors suggest Apple is sticking with its signature black box design. That means no dongle-style stick like Amazon’s Fire TV or older Chromecast models.
Apple seems to believe its premium streamer should be seen, not hidden behind the TV — and that philosophy likely isn’t changing.
New Chip Could Boost Power and Gaming
The current Apple TV 4K runs on the A15 Bionic chip, the same one used in the iPhone 13. But that chip is now four years old, and it’s showing its age.
The upcoming model is likely to feature a newer iPhone chip — probably the A17 Pro. This chip supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which could help Apple TV deliver console-quality gaming.
However, Apple may choose a slightly older chip to keep the price low. The brand-new A18 chip is an option, but might be too expensive for a streaming device.
Apple TV 4K Might Drop Below $100
Pricing could be one of the biggest shifts.
Currently, Apple TV 4K starts at:
- $130 in the U.S.
- £149 in the UK
- AU$219 in Australia
But analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple is targeting a sub-$100 price point for the next model. That could make the device more competitive against Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV.
Even if the new model isn’t cheaper, Apple may keep the current one and offer it as a budget option — similar to what it does with AirPods and older iPhones.
Wi-Fi 6E Support for Faster Streaming
The next Apple TV 4K is also expected to support Wi-Fi 6E, Apple’s latest wireless tech. This lets the device connect to the 6GHz band, providing:
- Faster download speeds
- Lower latency
- Smoother 4K streaming
However, to take advantage of Wi-Fi 6E, you’ll need a compatible router.
Bluetooth 5.3: Stronger and More Efficient
Another solid upgrade is the move from Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.3.
While not the very latest (some niche devices now use Bluetooth 6.0), 5.3 still offers:
- Better power efficiency
- Stronger, more reliable connections
- Improved security
That means faster pairing with remotes, game controllers, and audio devices like AirPods or the new Sonos Ace.
Likely Launch Date: Late 2025
The third-gen Apple TV 4K launched in October 2022. If Apple follows its usual update cycle, the fourth-gen should arrive around fall 2025.
Summary: Key Takeaways
Here’s a recap of what’s likely coming:
Built-in camera for FaceTime and gestures
A17 Pro chip or newer for more power and better gaming
Wi-Fi 6E support for faster, more stable streaming
Bluetooth 5.3 for improved connections
Price may drop below $100
Same boxy design — no radical look changes
Final Thoughts
Apple may not be reinventing the wheel with its fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, but it’s refining it in all the right ways.
From enhanced connectivity to a potentially lower price tag, the new Apple TV looks set to make streaming smoother and smarter.
If Apple adds console-quality gaming and seamless FaceTime experiences — all while keeping costs in check — this could be one of the best streamers on the market by the end of 2025.