Apple will launch a new version of the Apple TV in the second half of 2022 with an "improve(d) cost structure", according to oft-reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple released a new revision of the Apple TV 4K in April 2021 but it was not much of a hardware upgrade – besides the new remote control. New hardware could arrive later this year.
- "Apple will launch a new version of Apple TV that improves cost structure in 2H22. I think that Apple's aggressive strategy of integrating hardware, content, and service amid the recession will help close the gap with its competitors," analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote on twitter.
It is unclear what "improved cost structure" refers to but it may suggest that Apple is planning to lower the price or expand the line-up with cheaper options. The current Apple TV 4K 32GB is priced at $179 while the Apple TV HD costs $149.
What could new hardware include? Improvements could include AV1 video decoding, 4K 120Hz output support via HDMI 2.1, faster hardware, and gaming improvements. Apple is also rumored to be developing its own game controller and a HomePod TV speaker solution.
This is the first we hear about new Apple TV hardware in 2022 so take it with a grain of salt.
- Source: Ming-Chi Kuo
