Rumour: Apple has a new Apple TV in the works

Reports suggest that a new Apple TV is on the way. Let's take a look at what we know.
The smart TV space is heating up with competition. One of the most accessible ways to enjoy the functionality of a smart TV is through a digital media player like an Apple TV. These helpful set-top boxes can convert a standard TV to a smart version with ease.
But with so many other players in this space like Amazon and Google, Apple is reportedly hard at work on a new Apple TV. There are a lot of rumours to round up, so here's what we know about this speculative product. For more information, check out our review of the Apple TV 4K.
New Apple TV release date
Rumour suggests that the new and improved Apple TV will be heading consumers' way in the second half of 2022.
New Apple TV price
Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo took to Twitter to speculate that the new Apple TV will feature an "improved cost structure". He left it at that, but in the eyes of most consumers, "improved" means "cheaper". It's a safe bet that's where Apple is heading. This could either mean expanding the Apple TV line-up to include lower-end options or simply lowering the price of the current 4K and HD models.
Currently, an Apple TV 4K starts at $249, with the HD model starts at $209. There's no doubt plenty of customers would be very interested in acquiring one of these products at a cheaper price point. The 4K and HD models are both available for less on Amazon.
New Apple TV features
So what new functionality might be featured on an updated Apple TV? While a revision was released in April 2021, it involved very little new hardware, so Apple will probably be eager to include some new features in a 2022 version. Ming-Chi Kuo highlighted this possibility in his tweet, asserting that "Apple's aggressive strategy of integrating hardware, content and service amid the recession will help close the gap with its competitors."
This reference to "content" likely implies new developments on the Apple TV Plus front. Apple recently expanded TV Plus to include live sport with Friday Night Baseball. We'd expect a new edition of the Apple TV to come along with marquee announcements regarding Apple TV Plus.
There are some other reports surrounding potential future inclusions in an Apple TV. A heightened focus on gaming has been linked to the Apple TV for a while now, with rumours that Apple is developing a game controller for the media player. The world of gaming represents a big expansion opportunity. There's no question Apple would love a piece of the pie that Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo currently enjoy.
Other reports have suggested that Apple has plans to make the Apple TV a piece of an entire home entertainment system. This would involve deeper integration of the Apple TV with the HomePod speaker or perhaps the development of a new smart home speaker, one that might even come with a touchscreen.
As part of this fully integrated smart home system, the Apple TV would also have a camera, for the purposes of home security and FaceTime. We'd expect any new Apple TV to boast some kind of processing upgrade and a new remote.
Best deals on digital media players
If you don't feel like waiting around for a revised Apple TV, check out some excellent prices on digital media players that you can grab right now.
Apple TV 4K
Enjoy crystal-clear quality and the A12 bionic chip with this premium media player.
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Apple TV HD
Get all your favourite streaming services on this bona fide entertainment hub.
Buy now for $199 (was $209)
24% off Fire TV Stick and Echo Dot bundle
Amazon has beaten Apple to the punch with this fully integrated smart home entertainment system. Save some cash by grabbing it all together.
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Roku Express
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Google Chromecast
Take advantage of exceptional value on one of the best digital media players around.
Buy now for $55 (was $59)
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