New Apple TV 4K Launching Next Month September 2025
New Apple TV 4K Launching Next Month: A17 Pro Chip, Apple Intelligence, and 4 Major Upgrades
Expected Feature | Key Upgrade & Potential Impact |
A17 Pro Chip | Enables Apple Intelligence support and console-quality gaming; significant performance leap from current A15 Bionic. |
Apple Intelligence Support | Powers a smarter, more contextual Siri and could enable advanced media control and personalized recommendations. |
New N1 Wireless Chip | Brings Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for faster, more reliable connectivity and better smart home integration. |
Built-in Center Stage Camera | Would allow for FaceTime on TV without an iPhone and enable gesture-based controls. |
New Apple TV 4K Launching Next Month September 2025
The new Apple TV 4K is expected to be a significant upgrade, moving from the current A15 Bionic chip to the more powerful A17 Pro chip. This processor is currently the minimum requirement for Apple Intelligence on other Apple devices, making its inclusion here a clear indicator of Apple’s plans for its TV platform. The shift also promises a substantial boost for gaming, potentially bringing the Apple TV closer to a console-quality experience.
✅ A17 Pro Chip: The Engine for AI and Gaming
The most consistent rumor points to the A17 Pro chip being the heart of the new Apple TV 4K. This represents a major leap from the 2022 model’s A15 Bionic chip. The A17 Pro is Apple’s first 3-nanometer chip and includes a 6-core GPU that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enabling games with more realistic graphics. This power is not just for gaming; it is primarily geared toward enabling Apple Intelligence support on the TV for the first time.
The inclusion of the A17 Pro chip fundamentally changes the capabilities of the Apple TV. It transforms the device from a powerful media streamer into a potential hub for advanced AI and high-fidelity gaming within the Apple ecosystem.
🧠 Apple Intelligence and a Smarter Siri
With the A17 Pro chip powering the device, the new Apple TV 4K is poised to gain Apple Intelligence features. While most current Apple Intelligence features are designed for personal devices, its integration into tvOS is expected to revolutionize the user experience, starting with a major overhaul of Siri. A revamped, AI-powered Siri could understand more natural language commands and provide more contextual assistance. Imagine asking, “Who stars in this movie, and show me other action films they’ve been in?” and getting an immediate, detailed response. This could also extend to personalized content recommendations based on your viewing history and even your current mood.
The integration of Apple Intelligence is the standout software feature expected for the new hardware. This smarter, more contextual Siri could make navigating content feel more intuitive and personal than ever before.
📶 N1 Chip: Next-Generation Connectivity
Another significant upgrade is the expected inclusion of Apple’s new N1 wireless chip. This custom-designed chip, which debuted in the latest iPhones, combines Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread into a single component. For users, this translates to support for Wi-Fi 7, which offers increased bandwidth and is theoretically up to four times faster than the current Wi-Fi 6. It also likely brings support for Bluetooth 6, promising lower latency for controllers and audio devices. This robust connectivity is crucial for Apple’s vision of the Apple TV as a reliable smart home hub.
This advanced wireless technology ensures the Apple TV 4K is ready for the future of high-bandwidth streaming and a more connected smart home.
📷 The Wildcard: A Built-in Camera for FaceTime and Gestures
Perhaps the most intriguing rumor is that Apple has discussed adding a built-in camera to the Apple TV 4K. This feature would enable FaceTime video calls directly on the television without needing an iPhone as a camera. Furthermore, it could open the door for gesture-based controls, allowing you to interact with the TV using hand movements. While this feature is considered less certain than the chip upgrades, code in tvOS 26 related to FaceTime enhancements has lent some credibility to its potential arrival.
💰 Potential Pricing and Release Date
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously suggested that Apple might aim for a more affordable price point for the next Apple TV, with a sub-$100 price being the “sweet spot” for competitiveness. However, it remains to be seen if Apple will actually lower the price from the current starting point of $129. As for timing, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other reports indicate a release “toward the end of the year,” with a strong possibility of an announcement in October 2025.
🤔 Is an Upgrade Worth It?
For owners of a recent Apple TV 4K model, the need to upgrade may depend on how much you value the new AI and connectivity features. The 2022 model is already a very capable device for streaming. However, if you are interested in the future of AI-powered entertainment, smart home control, or high-end gaming on your TV, the 2025 Apple TV 4K shapes up to be the most significant update in years. The potential for a built-in camera adds another unique dimension that could set it apart from all other streaming devices.
The new Apple TV 4K, expected next month, is shaping up to be a substantial upgrade focused on future-proofing the living room experience with Apple Intelligence and advanced connectivity. Will you be upgrading your TV setup for these new features? Let us know which feature excites you the most.