It looks like the Apple TV 4K is getting another refresh, with one of the industry’s top analysts predicting that a cheaper model will see the light of day in the second half of 2022 – although it’s unclear. not exactly what it will look like.
It comes from Ming Chi Kuo, which is generally aware of leaks from Apple. Apple’s media streaming device was last updated in April 2021, when it received a faster processor and a redesigned remote control.
It’s possible the new box will replace the Apple TV HD which launched in 2015 and is still on sale – which sells for $149 / £139 / AU$209 at the time of writing, compared to a price of starting at $179 / £169 / AU$249 for the Apple TV 4K.
Apple will launch a new version of Apple TV that improves the cost structure in 2H22. I think Apple’s aggressive strategy of integrating hardware, content, and service amid the recession will help close the gap with its competitors.May 13, 2022
The next Apple TV
Kuo doesn’t offer any details on the next device, only saying that it will appear in the second half of this year and will improve the “cost structure” – so it’s possible we’ll get a smaller streaming stick like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
We’re guessing it’ll support 4K resolutions – with 2022 and all – and it seems a given that all the usual Apple technologies will be on board, including AirPlay for streaming content from an iPhone or Mac.
Kuo’s tweet mentions Apple’s renewed focus on content and services, and any new hardware we get will of course be used to push Apple TV Plus to more subscribers (and may well come with a free trial of the service).
Analysis: Apple needs a cheap streamer
You don’t have to look far to find an inexpensive streaming gadget you can plug into the back of your TV, whether it’s the $49.99 / £59.99 / AU99 Chromecast $ with Google TV, anything made by Roku, or the Amazon stick. we mentioned earlier.
These devices deliver services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, Spotify and more right to the biggest screen in your home. In addition, many modern televisions now integrate these services.
That’s a bit of a problem for Apple: while the Apple TV 4K brings plenty of extras (including tight integration with other Apple services like Apple Arcade), it’s relatively expensive compared to competing hardware that’s out there.
That’s where a new Apple TV 4K HDMI Stick (or whatever it ends up being) will come in – everything you’d expect from a device running tvOS software, but in a smaller, cheaper form factor. , which should end up being a winner for Apple.
