Apple is apparently working on a new Apple TV, which is scheduled to be released in 2025. Various sources speak of specific technical improvements and new features. A lower price is also being discussed. This could allow Apple to compete more strongly with cheaper streaming devices like Fire TV or Roku.
Apple typically releases new versions of the Apple TV every two to three years. The last model dates back to 2022, so a successor is likely for 2025. Initial indications point to a noticeable upgrade in performance, connectivity, and features. There's also a possible price drop on the horizon, which could make the Apple TV attractive to significantly more households. What's known about the upcoming model so far is revealed by the current state of rumors.
Faster Wi-Fi thanks to new chip
A key feature of the new Apple TV is a planned in-house wireless chip from Apple. This chip is expected to support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and enable Wi-Fi 6E for the first time. Wi-Fi 6E brings the additional 6 GHz band, ensuring faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections – provided the router is compatible. While not yet confirmed, support for Wi-Fi 7 is even being discussed. This would represent a huge performance boost. Wi-Fi 7 theoretically offers transfer rates of up to 46 Gbps, roughly four times that of Wi-Fi 6E.
New processor for better performance
The Apple TV currently runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is also used in the iPhone 13. The new model is likely to receive an upgrade, perhaps to the A18 or A19. Which chip generation Apple will ultimately use has not yet been confirmed, but a new processor is considered certain. A more modern chip would not only deliver better performance but also enable new features. One conceivable option is support for Apple Intelligence, AI-powered features directly on the Apple TV. Graphics, loading times, and multitasking could also be noticeably improved.
FaceTime directly on the TV possible
Another point concerns the camera. FaceTime has been available on the Apple TV since tvOS 17, but only in conjunction with an iPhone or iPad, which serves as a camera. The new model is the first to feature an integrated camera. This would allow video calls to be made directly via the TV—without the need for an additional device. Apple has already added several features to tvOS 26 that would be appropriate for a device with its own camera. These include personalized contact posters that appear during FaceTime calls, as well as live subtitles in several languages—including German, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese.
Notifications for FaceTime audio or regular phone calls will also appear directly on the Apple TV in the future if the corresponding user profile is active. Furthermore, Apple has been discussing internally whether the Apple TV could be equipped with gesture control. There are no official details, but the goal would be to recognize simple hand movements as inputs. Whether this feature will be included in the upcoming model is currently unclear.
Lower price as a competitive strategy
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo already suggested in 2022 that Apple was working on a more affordable Apple TV. He cited a price below $100 as the sweet spot for the product. The move would make strategic sense. Competing products like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku sticks are significantly cheaper and widely available in many households. Previous Apple TV models also cost under $100. A return to an entry-level price below $100 would help Apple compete with lower-priced offerings and increase Apple TV's market share.
Release expected in 2025
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new Apple TV will be released "toward the end of the year." This presumably means sometime between September and December 2025. The launch could take place either as part of the annual iPhone event in the fall or separately via a press release or separate event.
Apple TV 2025: Everything points to a major upgrade
The upcoming Apple TV is expected to be faster, smarter, and possibly more affordable. With Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7, a new chip, FaceTime with an integrated camera, and features like gesture control, Apple is apparently working on making the device technically future-proof. If the price also drops below $100, the new Apple TV would appeal not only to existing Apple users but also to new target groups. While concrete details from Apple are still pending, many points to a larger update than in previous years. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Masarik)
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