The current Apple TV 4K launched in 2022, but new rumors predict that a next-generation version won't arrive at WWDC 2024 this month or anytime soon.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman predicts that there will be no hardware announcements at WWDC 2024, which begins June 10. That doesn't include any new AirTag 2 (which apparently won't arrive until 2025) and Gurman claims that “a new Apple TV is also not imminent.”
Gurman previously predicted that Apple could launch a new Apple TV in the first half of 2024, although that rumor dates back to early 2023 and there has been little speculation about Apple's streaming box since.
The main rumors about a next-generation Apple TV back then were that it would have an improved processor like the A17 Pro. The latter would make sense given the more recent rumors that it is probably a minimum requirement to run the new AI on the Apple device . Analysts such as Ming-Chi Kuo have also predicted that a new Apple TV could also hit a lower price than the $129/£149/AU$219 mark of the current 64GB model.
But we recently saw more interesting rumors resurface that Apple could be planning to add a built-in camera to a future Apple TV. That camera could support FaceTime video calling and gesture controls, according to Mark Gurman, but it's unclear whether the technology would be for Apple's upcoming streaming box or a future version.
Either way, it looks like we'll have to wait a little longer for a refreshed version of the Apple TV 4K, although WWDC 2024 could still bring news of tvOS 18 for existing owners…
Are you still the best transmission box?
The Apple TV 4K (2022) has arguably extended its lead at the top of our guide to the best streaming TV boxes simply by not covering its home screen with ads. Ad creep has become a growing concern on Roku and Google TV devices, and Amazon has also doubled down on Prime Video ads, with Fire TV equivalents to follow.
That's why it's a shame to hear that Apple apparently has no imminent plans to update its streaming box, which is increasingly being highlighted as a premium, ad-free experience.
The current 4K box is still more than capable, but the Apple TV could extend its lead by adding a new AI-enabled processor, better voice controls, and, notably, those rumored gesture controls that could make losing the remote a hassle. much less annoying.
Still, existing owners could get some software updates at WWDC 2024. Last year at WWDC 2023, tvOS 17 delivered some pretty big updates, including FaceTime calling (using your iPhone or iPad) and a redesigned Control Center .
If WWDC 2024 reveals some equally important new features, including perhaps support for video game streaming apps like GeForce Now, that will soften the blow of the increasingly long wait for a next-gen version of Apple's streaming box.
