There is a growing expectation that Apple TV 4K will be refreshed at Apple’s event scheduled for September 9th. According to reports from overseas media, four new features will be released soon from the tvOS27 code, including an AI function using Siri and the adoption of the same communication chip as the iPhone 17.
It has been nearly four years since the current model was released in 2022, so for those considering a replacement, we can expect the update to be worth the wait.
The new Apple TV 4K is expected to have four new features
Below is a list of new features expected to be added to Apple TV 4K soon.
| New features | overview |
|---|---|
| AI features using Siri | Natural TV control using voice |
| Same communication chip as iPhone 17 | Stable communication using new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards |
| Advanced generation processing chip | Realization of AI processing by speeding up operation |
| new remote control | Possibility of new model appearing although details are unknown |
Of these, three changes other than the remote control are internal changes, and all are the foundations that support the AI functions. According to foreign media reports, these may be announced at an event on September 9th.
Will Apple TV 4K include a communication chip inherited from the iPhone?
Apple TV 4K is expected to include Apple’s N1 communication chip, which was first used in the iPhone 17. N1 is a chip designed by Apple itself for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and if adopted, the transition to Apple’s own designs in the wireless part will proceed. If installed, it seems that the current model’s Wi-Fi 6 will be upgraded to Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth will also be upgraded to a new generation.
If you combine it with a compatible router, you can expect faster and more stable communication. Apple TV 4K also plays the role of bringing together smart home appliances throughout the house, and if it uses the same communication mechanism as the iPhone and HomePod, it should be easier to connect the devices. This is a change that strengthens the character of the device, from a device that only plays video to a device that can be placed at the center of the home.
Will the operation of Siri on Apple TV 4K change with AI?
It’s becoming more likely that Apple TV 4K will support the new Siri. This new Siri uses Apple Intelligence, and Apple has announced that it will be available on iPhones, iPads, etc., but TVs are not yet officially included as compatible devices. However, related descriptions have been found in the tvOS27 code, and it is likely that the next model will be compatible.
If support is realized, it may be possible to search for content using more natural conversations. The new Siri will initially be available in English, with no indication yet as to when it will be available in other languages. Apple has indicated that the new Siri will be offered in English first.
Since a TV is a device used by the whole family, the timing of when it will be compatible with the local language is likely to be an important point to consider when making a purchasing decision.
Apple TV 4K’s processing performance is expected to improve significantly
The processing chip that is the brain of Apple TV 4K is also expected to be replaced with a new generation one. The current model was released in 2022 and is equipped with the A15 Bionic that was introduced in the 2021 iPhone 13. According to reports from overseas media, the next model is expected to be equipped with a new chip with higher performance, which will greatly expand its operating margin.
Renovating the processing chip may seem trivial, but it is directly connected to AI functionality. The act of listening to voices, gauging their meaning, and responding on the spot requires a certain amount of computational power. In order to support new features such as Siri AI, it is essential to strengthen processing performance and memory, and this update can be said to replace the foundation for that purpose.
The key point is not the performance numbers themselves, but what new things can be done.
I want to choose Apple TV 4K after seeing the announcement in September.
The current model of Apple TV 4K is a product that was released in 2022 nearly four years ago. The current price is 34,800 yen for the 64GB model and 44,800 yen for the 128GB model. It’s not a cheap purchase, so I don’t see much reason to rush to choose the current model when a major update is just around the corner.
At the September 9th event, new devices for the home are expected to be introduced, along with the iPhone and Apple Watch. There is a possibility that a new Apple TV 4K will be announced, and in that case, attention will be focused on price and release timing. If you’re thinking of replacing it, it’s a good idea to first look at the announcement and then make a decision.
Photo:Apple
Source: iPhone Mania