A prominent Apple secrets leaker has revealed that the company is looking to launch a new Apple TV 4K later in the year, and some analysts believe it could well be a cheaper model.
The leak came via Ming-Chi Kuo on Twitter, who has a solid track record when it comes to Apple secrets. The company’s media streaming device last received an update in April 2021, when it introduced a faster processor and redesigned remote control for the Apple TV set-top box.
It could be that whatever new device Apple has planned is intended to replace the aging Apple TV HD that’s still on sale despite launching way back in 2015. It’s currently available for £139 - still not exactly cheap compared to other streaming devices - but more affordable than the £169 Apple TV 4K.
Unfortunately for Apple fans, Kuo didn’t have many details of the forthcoming device, simply saying it will launch in the second half of the year and that it’s intended to improve the “cost structure” of the company’s media streaming lineup. As such, many analysts believe Apple could be launching a new streaming stick, similar to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.
It’s fair to assume that the new device would support 4K resolution given that it is now a standard with most new TVs. It’s also likely the device would support Apple technologies such as AirPlay 2 for content streamed via an iPhone or Mac computer.
Kuo’s tweet reiterates Apple’s renewed focus on content and services, so we can further assume that the new stick - if indeed it is a stick - will come with Apple TV+ pre-installed, and perhaps also a free trial of that service.
A cheaper streaming device would allow Apple to better compete with rivals such as Google, which sells the Chromecast with Google TV stick for just £59.99, as well as Amazon and Roku, who also offer inexpensive streaming sticks.
These companies’ streaming devices all support big media services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime and YouTube, so that makes it tough for Apple to compete at its current price point. And although the Apple TV 4K does add in extras such as tight integration with Apple Arcade, many consumers will feel it’s not really worth the added cost.
