Apple may quietly launch a brand new Apple TV 4K earlier than the vacations

November is right here, which implies the vacation season and New Yr’s are quick approaching, and also you’re about to listen to Mariah Carey’s “All I Need for Christmas Is You” about one million occasions. However because the yr’s finish attracts nearer, a query on my thoughts — and I am certain many different tech followers share — is whether or not Apple has any product releases left this yr. The tech large debuted the iPhone 17 series in September, and in October, it launched the M5-powered versions of the iPad Professional, MacBook Professional, and Imaginative and prescient Professional.

Apple already signaled throughout its earnings call that extra new MacBooks will not be arriving till 2026, so they’re off the desk. Nevertheless, the 2 primary product refreshes that had been closely rumored to come back this yr however have not but are the Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini. With the vacation buying season about to kick into full gear, you possibly can wager that if Apple plans to launch new variations of those, it is going to be sooner reasonably than later — and there is one potential date left this yr after they may lastly launch.

Based on Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple retail shops are making ready for an in a single day shift on the night of November 11, throughout which they may remerchandise the shop after closing. This consists of organising new product shows, updating current ones, and putting in new retailer signage.

There’s a glimmer of hope that these in a single day modifications on November 11 may sign the launch of a brand new Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini. Gurman notes that the stock ranges for each the Apple TV 4K containers and HomePod Minis have “gotten tighter,” which is normally a telltale signal that new variations are coming. So, if Apple plans to launch up to date variations of those merchandise this yr, November 11 may very well be the day we lastly see them. Nevertheless, Gurman notes that whereas an in a single day Apple Retailer refresh usually signifies new product launches, with the vacation season approaching, it may merely be a part of its preparation, and no merchandise could also be coming.

What can we count on to see from an up to date Apple TV 4K?

A brand new chipset and Apple Intelligence assist may very well be two of the most important modifications

Apple hasn’t up to date its Apple TV 4K field in practically three years, so anticipation is rightfully excessive for its subsequent refresh. On the surface, the design of the brand new field is anticipated to resemble the present third-generation Apple TV 4K, launched in 2022, which incorporates a slim black plastic physique.

The key updates for the brand new Apple TV 4K are anticipated to be all below the hood, together with a brand new processor and Wi-Fi chipset. The third-generation Apple TV 4K options an A15 Bionic chipset, and it’s rumored that the upcoming mannequin shall be powered by Apple’s A17 Professional chipset, which was launched with the iPhone 15 Professional and 15 Professional Max. This could be a major efficiency enhance for the Apple TV 4K, probably additionally enabling it to play AAA video games, just like the iPhone 15 Professional can.

When it comes to connectivity, the brand new Apple TV 4K is rumored to function a custom-designed Wi-Fi chip by Apple that will assist Wi-Fi 7 (via MacRumors). Apple has already launched the N1 chipset within the iPhone 17 sequence, which helps Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, so it is fairly potential the brand new Apple TV 4K may have it as effectively.

In his report, Gurman additionally states that the brand new Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini will “assist showcase the brand new Siri and Apple Intelligence options deliberate for subsequent yr,” which implies Apple Intelligence assist may also be a key function. As for what the HomePod Mini refresh has in retailer, it is anticipated to come back in new colours, function improved sound high quality, and provide enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities.

What else is Apple planning for the long run?

New MacBooks, iPads, and even an iPhone are anticipated to launch in early 2026

If the refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini will not be launched this November, they’re more likely to launch early subsequent yr. Apple already has lots deliberate for then, together with the iPhone 17e, a brand new entry-level iPad with an A18 chipset, and a brand new iPad Air powered by an M4 chipset, in keeping with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The brand new MacBook Professional, that includes the M5 Professional and M5 Max chips, can also be anticipated to launch within the first half of the yr, together with new Mac displays. Apple first launched its Studio Show monitor in March 2022, so its successor has been within the works for a very long time.

Past product refreshes, Apple can also be rumored to launch its first sensible house show subsequent yr, which is anticipated to extensively make the most of the brand new private Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Within the fall, the iPhone 18 sequence is anticipated to debut, and presumably Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Apple has lots deliberate over the following yr, and with all of the merchandise within the pipeline for 2026, I am actually hoping Apple releases the brand new Apple TV 4K this vacation season reasonably than ready till early subsequent yr. If rumors are correct in regards to the new Apple TV 4K — particularly the A17 Professional chipset improve — it may simply turn into the most effective house streaming units out there, and I would need it for my TV in a heartbeat to interchange my Fire TV Stick 4K Max.