Apple is said to be pouring "big money into" Arcade, which is why it has new boxes with A12X/A12Z and "A14X-like" SoCs as well as a game controller in the works.
New Apple TV hardware
The current Apple TV 4K was launched in september 2017 and rumors about upgraded hardware have swirled for years. A known leaker who goes by the name Fudge now claims to know more about Apple's plans.
- "Apple Arcade is getting BIG money poured into it. There are currently titles in the works that are aiming to rival the likes of Breath of the Wild, which is why new A12X/Z AppleTV, "A14X-like" AppleTV, and Controller are in the works," Fudge wrote in a tweet. "Some games will require A13 and up to run."
This is not the first time that we hear about A12X and A14 powered Apple TV boxes or an Apple-developed game controller, but it is the first time we hear about "A14X". Apple usually reserves X and Z for its beefed up SoCs with more graphics power. The current Apple TV 4K is powered by A10X.
Apple Arcade momentum
Apple Arcade has been building momentum over especially the last few months, with console-quality games like The Last Campfire, Creaks, Beyond a Steel Sky, Little Orpheus, and Neversong, some of which are also available on consoles. Upcoming PS5 launch title The Pathless will debut on Apple Arcade on the same date as PS5.
Breath of the Wild, mentioned in the tweet, is the latest Zelda game for Nintendo that has been very well received.
The last note about some games requiring A13 and up to run is a surprising statement. At WWDC 2020 earlier this year, Apple detailed new frameworks to bring "high-end games" to iOS and tvOS 14. At that time, the company said that it will let developers require an A12 chip or later.
Also read: Apple sets the framework for "high-end games" with tvOS & iOS 14
Also read: Apple TV's path to becoming a real game console
By letting game developers require an A13 chip or later, some Arcade games would not be playable by the vast majority of current subscribers. If true, it could suggest that Apple is planning to introduce a more expensive Arcade tier for high-end games.
- Source: Fudge
