Apple’s big product launch season is almost here, headlined by the iPhone 17 line, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3. There’s a new Apple TV 4K coming too, and I’m planning to upgrade for one rumored feature alone.
Apple TV 4K will gain new chip that actually matters this time
Apple hasn’t released a new Apple TV 4K since 2022. Before that, a new model shipped just one year prior.
Unpredictable release schedule aside, all signs point to a new Apple TV 4K finally launching this fall.
And its rumored A17 Pro chip is the only reason I need to upgrade.
Normally, a new Apple TV chip wouldn’t get me very excited.
Ever since the Apple TV HD launched in 2015, every Apple TV model has felt overpowered for what it ultimately needs to do. Though marketing pitches Apple TV as a gaming device, I suspect that’s an extremely niche use case.
Apple TV hardware primarily exists to deliver a great TV experience for the streaming era.
It doesn’t take a ton of processing power to stream Netflix. Which is why cheaper streaming sticks and built-in smart TV features have long dominated the market.
But the A17 Pro will be different. It’s a chip that could matter more than any of its predecessors.
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