Nikkei: Apple is working on a new Apple TV for release next year

Several rumors have indicated that Apple is working on an updated version of the Apple TV, and a report today from Nikkei Asia Review it adds to speculation that Apple will release a new version of its set-top box next year.

Citing sources familiar with Apple’s plans, Nikkei’s mention of “Apple TV” appears in a more comprehensive report on Apple’s production plans for 2021.

Apple is also preparing an aggressive production schedule for its high-end computers, including the MacBook Pro and iMac Pro, for 2021, according to two other people familiar with the subject. The company replaces Intel core processors in its computer lines with self-designed CPUs built with the technology of British chip designer Arm. Apple has already unveiled three MacBook models powered by its M1 CPU in late 2020 and announced that it will take about two years to fully switch to home-designed CPUs. The American technology giant is also working on a new Apple TV, a home entertainment device for video-on-demand services, for next year, one of the people said.

Rumors have been buzzing all year about a new “Apple TV” since signs of the unreleased device were detected in a beta version of iOS 13.4 in January. At the time, rumors suggested it would include an A12 chip and have storage sizes of 64 and 128 GB.

Since then, there have been signs of a new “Apple TV” with an updated remote control in iOS 14 code, and leaker Jon Prosser has suggested that the new “Apple TV” will be equipped with an A12X Bionic chip. However, another rumor claimed that it will use an A14 chip, the same chip used in the iPhone 12 line.

Beyond possible remote changes, storage capabilities, an updated processor and a code name “T1125”, little is known about the new “Apple TV”, although Prosser recently suggested it could include a U1 chip that enable ultra broadband support to enhance spatial awareness between devices.

Given the sheer number of rumors, one theory is that Apple is working on multiple “Apple TV” decoders, which could explain the discrepancy in chip rumors. Whatever Apple’s plans are, next year’s new Apple TV sembla seems like a safe bet: Apple hasn’t updated the current ‌Apple TV‌ 4K since September 2017.