New AppleTV

[OneQuestionMan]

I find myself in need of a second AppleTV.

There are rumours that a new model is in the way.

Is there any evidence to back this rumour up?

[Fiffy]

There is evidence from early 2020 that Apple is working on a new model (see here). But nobody outside Apple knows when it might be released.

[jtu128]

Originally Posted by OneQuestionMan

I find myself in need of a second AppleTV.

There are rumours that a new model is in the way.

Is there any evidence to back this rumour up?

Being an Apple owner is living with continuous rumors of an impending new release.

[steve_dave]

3rd gen released 2012.

4th gen released 2015.

5th gen released 2017.

We only really got the 5th gen because 4K was becoming a viable format for digital. Apple even added Apple TV+ to the 3rd gen. With this pattern, there may be a new box or Apple could just tweak the UI for the 4th and 5th gens as they did with TVOS 13 and 14.

[spider-neil]

Is there a possibility that the next generation Apple TV 4K will increase the picture or sound quality? If not I won't bother to upgrade. I don't care about the UI or games.

[OneQuestionMan]

Originally Posted by Fiffy

There is evidence from early 2020 that Apple is working on a new model (see here). But nobody outside Apple knows when it might be released.

Yes I know only Apple knows and that people here would be guessing but was hoping for educated guessing.

I only realised later that while this can be possible for iPhones and Macs die to the frequency with which new versions are realised that it is impossible to make educated guesses for a decide like AppleTV that rarely gets upgraded.

[OneQuestionMan]

Originally Posted by jtu128

Being an Apple owner is living with continuous rumors of an impending new release.

Yes but for AppleTV it ins continuous lack of rumours.

[Socko]

I was waiting and waiting and waiting and I got tired of waiting and bought the 2017 model.
I hope they're still doing a new one in 2021, but I think AppleTv is really low on their priority list.

[OneQuestionMan]

Originally Posted by steve_dave

3rd gen released 2012.

4th gen released 2015.

5th gen released 2017.

We only really got the 5th gen because 4K was becoming a viable format for digital. Apple even added Apple TV+ to the 3rd gen. With this pattern, there may be a new box or Apple could just tweak the UI for the 4th and 5th gens as they did with TVOS 13 and 14.

Maybe there is very little that can be done to improve AppleTV hardware. It y it s already perfect.

It would probably be mid-February before I could buy a second unit so I’ll assess then whether I want to wait another few weeks.

Thanks to you all.

[calmblueocean81]

Originally Posted by OneQuestionMan

I find myself in need of a second AppleTV.

There are rumours that a new model is in the way.

Is there any evidence to back this rumour up?

Considering the high price of the AppleTV, and the fact that Apple are slowly rolling out their AppleTV+ app to various products, might it be worth looking into getting a different dongle instead of a new AppleTV box?

I have an AppleTV 4k myself, but the device I'm keeping a close eye on now is Googles new Chromecast. The only app its missing is the AppleTV+ app, but that is supposed to be coming to it early this year (see this article: https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/16/...1-announcement)

Its only $50, but is Wifi only, so I'd be shelling out for the additional ethernet adaptor too (I prefer my devices wired for stability).

[jwsg]

It's certainly not 'already perfect' and made sense a couple of years ago as the only way to view Itunes movies - but now we have ATV apps.

In fact LG TV apps have been as least as good as ATV 4K apps - supporting YouTube and iPlayer in 4K HLG for example

Since blu-ray and streaming paying more for a device gets you more features and build quality not better picture and sound although owners will want to believe it does and gets a higher bit-rate or so on

With series XS and PS5 it makes little sense as a gaming device too.

It's possible that a new model will support HDMI 2.1 if Apple are interested in moving towards 8K streaming.

But without a real need you're better off using TV apps or a cheaper stick and put the money towards buying more films.

[spider-neil]

My entire digital movie collection is on iTunes so I'm locked into the Apple eco system.

[LexInHD]

Yes, a new model is on the way. No, I have no release date. The chipset tech hasn't been nailed down yet and Apple is in the process of securing foundry space for their upcoming chips to be used in new products. The new ATV will be more gaming oriented, with a more powerful SOC like the one in the new Mac products, have WiFI 6, AV1 decoding for streaming/downloads, and maybe some other improvements.

[XanderAE]

Am I correct that the Apple TV apps (not Apple TV box) still do not allow access to extras/menus etc? If so, having the hardware is still a better option.

[darthpepsi]

Originally Posted by XanderAE

Am I correct that the Apple TV apps (not Apple TV box) still do not allow access to extras/menus etc? If so, having the hardware is still a better option.

Yes that’s is the downfall of the app, so if you have director cut as an extra you won’t be able to view it as well. I also read, can’t verify myself, that the bit rates are lower on the app as well but I’m not sure.

[calmblueocean81]

Originally Posted by XanderAE

Am I correct that the Apple TV apps (not Apple TV box) still do not allow access to extras/menus etc? If so, having the hardware is still a better option.

I actually wasn't aware of this! Would certainly give me pause before moving away from the hardware completely.

Also, not to derail this thread, but for those who have access to Movies Anywhere (its not available here in Ireland), is it the same case that you have a slightly lesser experience through as on the app, as opposed to accessing through the Apple hardware? Just curious!

[Justin101]

Not having native access to the extras is a pain in the backside, I have a 4th gen model so no 4k and I packed it away when I got my 4k TV with the app installed. I can airplay the extras from my iPad direct to the TV (Samsung) but it's such a bother and doesn't feel as fun... I have recently plugged my Apple TV back into the TV Screen so that I can watch the Lord of the Rings features easier.

Very almost bought a 4k model this weekend but I have a feeling a new model is going to come out by Q2 so I'll just hold off until then.

[jtu128]

Originally Posted by calmblueocean81

Considering the high price of the AppleTV, and the fact that Apple are slowly rolling out their AppleTV+ app to various products, might it be worth looking into getting a different dongle instead of a new AppleTV box?

I have an AppleTV 4k myself, but the device I'm keeping a close eye on now is Googles new Chromecast. The only app its missing is the AppleTV+ app, but that is supposed to be coming to it early this year (see this article: https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/16/...1-announcement)

Its only $50, but is Wifi only, so I'd be shelling out for the additional ethernet adaptor too (I prefer my devices wired for stability).

I bought a Chromecast with Google TV a few months ago. It’s really great and if you get the bundle with six months of Netflix included when purchasing on the Google site you only pay around $12 for the actual Chromecast itself... pretty much a steal. I also own an Apple TV.

[OneQuestionMan]

Originally Posted by calmblueocean81

Considering the high price of the AppleTV, and the fact that Apple are slowly rolling out their AppleTV+ app to various products, might it be worth looking into getting a different dongle instead of a new AppleTV box?

I have an AppleTV 4k myself, but the device I'm keeping a close eye on now is Googles new Chromecast. The only app its missing is the AppleTV+ app, but that is supposed to be coming to it early this year (see this article: https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/16/...1-announcement)

Its only $50, but is Wifi only, so I'd be shelling out for the additional ethernet adaptor too (I prefer my devices wired for stability).

I have no desire to read about your dongle, thank you very much.

I’m 100% Apple. And the AppleTV has all my viewing needs.

[OneQuestionMan]

Originally Posted by LexInHD

Yes, a new model is on the way. No, I have no release date. The chipset tech hasn't been nailed down yet and Apple is in the process of securing foundry space for their upcoming chips to be used in new products. The new ATV will be more gaming oriented, with a more powerful SOC like the one in the new Mac products, have WiFI 6, AV1 decoding for streaming/downloads, and maybe some other improvements.

Thanks.

So what does not having a chipset nailed down, foundry space, etc mean for a release date?

Is it much further off than the rumoured March? Like later in the year? And I am just just realising that an announcement in March doesn’t mean a release in March. It could months again before a release.