The next version of the Apple TV box may come with a new remote control while tvOS 14 may include a fitness app and a permanent audio output option for AirPlay 2 speakers, according to 9to5Mac and MacRumors.

Upgraded Apple TV hardware
References to upgraded Apple TV hardware were found in the tvOS 13.4 beta. Leaked iOS 14 code, obtained by 9to5Mac and MacRumors, now reveal additional details.

Apparently the code includes references to a new Apple TV remote although the specifics are unclear. The current Siri remote divides opinion. Some users hate it while others love it.

 Also read: Apple TV 2020 hardware: What we hope to see

The code also includes references to a new fitness app that may be named Fit or Fitness. It will be available on Apple TV, iPhone and Apple Watch and "let users download guided fitness-related videos that will walk them through various workouts".



AirPlay 2 audio output
Furthermore, tvOS 14 will apparently include a new permanent audio output option for AirPlay 2 speakers to let users select for example a HomePod stereo pair as the default TV speaker.

Apple TV already lets users output TV audio wirelessly to multiple AirPlay 2 speakers but the connection is lost if the HomePod is used for other tasks and sometimes after Apple TV standby.

The option to set AirPlay 2 speakers as permanent speakers for Apple TV could also hint that the company is planning to do more in this area. A more affordable version of HomePod has been rumored for a while and a patent application has revealed that Apple has explored HomePod surround sound via Apple TV. At this time, Apple TV's AirPlay 2 audio output supports up to stereo.

- Source: 9to5Mac (2), MacRumors