Since the Apple TV 4K launched in September 2017, we (naturally) haven’t heard a peep from Apple about new Apple TV hardware. Yet, in that time, the Apple TV has become an essential device for many Apple users which begs the question of whether — and when — an update isfinally coming.
Earlier this month, we asked 9to5Mac readers if they would prefer a new Apple TV with upgraded hardware or a cheaper model. More than 45% of our readers are willing to pay more for a new upgraded Apple TV, while more than 30% think Apple should offer multiple models…
The Apple TV still runs smoothly with the A10X Fusion chip and 32GB/64GB of storage. But for the set-top-box to survive for more years to come and not be discontinued like the original HomePod, Apple needs to upgrade it. Here’s what the next generation must have.
The next step should be offering 8K support… [and] if 8K isn’t enough [or is too early] to convince Apple TV users to upgrade, a more powerful processor might be. There are a pair of reasons for this: to offer multiple streams on the screen and to improve the Apple Arcade experience… It would also be a great time to redesign the Siri Remote.
MacDailyNews Take: Every year, we keep hoping this is the year we get new Apple TV hardware, with a modern A-class SoC, and that Siri Remote dies the horrible death is so richly deserves, but we have a feeling that this is the year!
yes please!
Apple’s MO is often to develop, release, and abandon.
This is not just Apple. If anything, Apple does this less than other tech giants
Ashcan, what you say is true…Apple actually does “it” less than other companies.
But Apple isn’t like other companies…it has a reputation of coming slowly and surely to the market. So, when a product is released, it’s place in the market is more solidified.
The Home Pod is a really good example of a technically well-researched device–that with a few adjustments/additions–could have made its place in the market. Apple seemingly made a significant commitment and statement with the product, but, in my mind, failed to commit to its future…when it curiously seemed bright, or hopeful.
Instead, Apple goes the cheaper and more commodity-like route. This is becoming more common. This is a Wall-Street mindset. This means more products lapped up by the generic-pop-consumer. This is just fine…bread and butter is good/needed, but Apple loses distinction with each step down this road and, it’s taking more of these steps.
Sadly true in certain products and its difficult to apply any logic to it much of the time and seems to contradict their supposed overall plan. I got a new iPad in November and due to this I get 12 mths of Apple TV+. I delayed taking it up due to the lack of options to actually use it (full size) other than through browser on my computer as software needs prevent me updating my OS there. So I had to use an HDMI splitter (I originally used for Amazon before it became integrated into my Cable box) to mirror it from my computer to my TV hardly a desirable user experience.
In the end the best option was (ridiculously) to buy an Amazon Fire stick which as they were seriously discounting I did late December. So now I watch AppleTv+ on my TV on a rival product through an app. It works but hell is the app poor in that environment. If I am watching an episode on the app whenever I go back to the app it immediately assumes I want to watch the next episode while pausing that seems to have a mind of its own and it restarts without any further input after a few seconds. Now to try to watch another series I have to go in a roundabout process that I am still not clear about but usually involves going through the library section on the stick which somehow seems thereafter to allow me back into the Apple app home page. Geez 1990 era video recorders often made more sense.
So yes I would love to buy an AppleTV (or preferably a cheaper version or stick until I upgrade my TV perhaps later this year) when I will buy one with it built in. If Apple really want people to invest in the Appletv+ platform then they need to produce a new version of the present expensive box that one feels is worth the money long term (and might be worth replacing the cable box with) or cheaper options that allow an easier user experience/entry while one considers the best options to commit to later. Preferably both. The present approach just seems infuriating and self defeating during what is inevitably a period of transformation in technological and programming developments.
The present AppleTV is already 100% worth the money. It’s one of the best two streamers on the market, and if you’re an Apple person, it’s THE best streamer. The experience is so far superior to Fire Stick, it’s ridiculous. You can find the 32GB model for $150, so we’re not talking about a lot of money, here. Just buy one. Now. Don’t wait to get a new TV. It’ll still be better than what you get in a new TV. Do it. You can thank me later.
That is curiously very true. It’s puzzling. The Home Pod was the latest punctuation in that story.
A small aside; the TV piece and, in general, the media sector is a comgloberation (intentional spelling). “I think we’ve finally cracked it,” to be seen in the flesh would be a true delight.
The Siri remote is the number one reason why I sm still with my AppleTV 3. And I have 3 of them.
What is exactly what you cant do with the current hardware?
I constantly run out of storage on my Apple TV. I am sick and tired of deleting and installing apps. FFS release a new Apple TV!!!
You got 32GB or 64GB version?
Even if Apple releases new ATV, If you buy 32GB again I doubt this solves the problem.
One thing I’ve wondered about is having two HDMI ports so the TV could be placed between the TV and the A/V receiver rather than side chained.
Not sure how ARC and CEC would handle this, but it could make the TV the hub for EVERYTHING such as Blu-ray players and game consoles, not to mention what is networked through the receiver plus all the apps that are currently on your TVs lousy welcome screen (I’m {literally} looking at you, Samsung…).
What I am getting at is Apple SHOULD be able have software similar to what Roku offers on its TVs, only more better.
Yes, please kill the current AppleTV remote. It gets my vote for the worst piece of hardware Apple has ever designed. Truly baffling how non-intuitive it is. Nearly impossible to pick up and use whilst watching something and not accidentally stop, pause, logout, or fire some command at the box that otherwise completely disturbs your viewing. It’s a deal-breaking disaster. 😞
We have 2 of the latest AppleTV boxes and have taken one completely off line, while the other is only used for my wife’s AppleFitness+ workouts. [She raves about these as best in class, BTW]
I’m a huge fan of the vision of Jobs, but this device has not “cracked TV,” as he suggested to Walter Isaacson. I really want Apple to crack TV, but this ain’t it…yet.
Even the generally agreed upon dumb remote aside, the interface is also confusing.
AppleTV+ original content (of which I’m a huge fan) is mixed in with other streaming channels’ stuff. I get that Apple wanted to be the ONE box that users use to access all streaming channels, but that just ain’t gonna happen if things are not better organized and easier to navigate. It seems to be intentionally set up to get you interested in seeing something you believe is part of AppleTV+, only to realize it’s on HBO and you need to pay $15/month.
Early AppleTV incarnations were pretty good Blockbuster boxes. We used ours to rent movies frequently. I gave one to my octogenarian, fairly tech-savvy mom as a gift I was sure she’d love.
For 2 years, whenever I inquired about it, she’d say, “Now what do I do with this again?”
“Mom, think of it like a place you go to rent movies,” I said.
She could never figure that out. She then gave hers to a guy who helped her with her iMac one day. [sigh]
This was the woman who had one of the early green-screen Compaqs in the mid 80s (running WordStar?) and let me use it to write my dissertation before I had the pleasure to meet my first Mac.
After hearing so much about Roku through the years, I bought one a year ago and fell in love. Well, maybe “love” is too strong a word, but “strong like?” At least in comparison to my AppleTV disappointments. I know that’s heresy, but Roku was simply the superior device.
Even the logical layout of channels and super fast logins is just easier than trying to figure out AppleTV’s content and where it’s actually streaming from. And fortunately, it has an AppleTV+ app so you can watch “Ted Lasso,” and “For All Mankind” there! When you want sign up for a new streaming channel, it’s fast, easy, and clear. It’s equally easy to cancel one with a few clicks when you’ve seen all you want to.
The Roku remote is far from perfect, but it’s infinitely faster and more functional. And I’m ready for Apple to give Roku a run for its money and do what it does best:
Innovate an existing idea and make it better than anyone else’s implementation.
Like yours, our family has spent tens of thousands of dollars on Apple hardware over the decades. But we expect more out of Apple than this. I think it’s really time for Apple to show up to market with superior hardware that can promote its confusingly named (but quality) AppleTV+ streaming network. But similar to Apple abandoning the Airport/TimeCapsule market, if they’re not truly committing to being in the space, don’t lead us on.
Apologies for the heresy, but I want Cupertino to get this right and AppleTV’s not…yet.