For almost four years now, my dependable Apple TV 4K has been sitting quietly behind my LG OLED TV. It has been doing its job without a fuss. I have not really thought about getting a new one. All the whispers and rumors about a new Apple TV 4K model are not changing my mind at all. It just keeps working so well.
I picked up my Apple TV 4K, which is the second-generation model, back in November 2021. Well, that is what Apple’s serial number checker told me anyway because I had totally forgotten the exact date. A third-generation model came out in 2022. It offered slightly faster performance and a more affordable price. That version is currently our top pick for media streaming players. But I am still very happy with my older one.
Since I got it, the Apple TV box has been running like a champ. The 4K streaming quality is excellent. Everything is clear and full of color. It hardly ever buffers, which is partly thanks to the device’s gigabit ethernet connection. It also has Wi-Fi 6 if you want to go wireless. The menus and overall feel of the user interface are quick and smooth. A Thread radio built right in lets the player act as an Apple home hub. This includes Matter support. It is a neat addition that I find quite useful.
I have tried other streaming players before. I used a Roku Streaming Stick 4K which is a good little device for its price. But I always came back to my Apple TV. It just feels so much smoother and more responsive. Oh, and the fact that there are no ads in the user interface definitely does not hurt. That is a big plus in my book. It makes for a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
Why I Am Not Excited About The Latest Rumors For A New Apple TV 4K Model
Despite The Talk Of Faster Chips And New Features My Current Device Just Keeps Delivering What I Need
All of this is to say that I am perfectly content with my current Apple TV 4K. That is why the latest round of rumors for a new model, which 9to5Mac has nicely summarized, are just not doing anything for me. I just do not see the need to rush out and get a new one. My current device is already doing everything I want it to.
Among the rumors there is almost certain talk of a new processor. This could be something like the A17 Pro or A18 chips that power more recent iPhones. A more powerful processor would open up new doors for the Apple TV 4K as a gaming console. This would be great news if you use your Apple TV 4K for gaming. Personally, I do not. I have a PlayStation 5 for that. So this upgrade does not really matter to me.
A new processor would also allow for Apple Intelligence on Apple TV. But let me tell you this: I bought an iPhone 16 Pro partly because of the promise of Apple Intelligence. And I am feeling pretty disappointed about that. I refuse to make the same mistake with a new Apple TV 4K. Once Apple Intelligence starts being genuinely useful for something then maybe we can talk. Until then, I am not holding my breath.
There are also hints that Apple might put a new wireless chipset into an upcoming Apple TV 4K. This chip could combine Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman writes that this new chip could theoretically allow Apple products to "work more closely together and synchronize data more quickly." But I suspect the best thing about this new Bluetooth/Wi-Fi combo chip is that Apple makes it in-house. This means they rely less on Qualcomm. That is great news for Apple I guess but as a consumer I am just shrugging my shoulders. It does not affect my daily use of the device.
Considering The Practicality And Privacy Of A Built-In Camera On An Apple TV
Why The Idea Of A Camera In My Living Room Is Not Appealing To Me Right Now
Finally there is talk that a new Apple TV 4K might have an integrated camera. This would mean you would not need to pair your iPhone with the box for big-screen FaceTime calls. That sounds like a good idea at first. But after thinking about it for a second, I have some problems with it. I just do not see how it would truly improve things for me.
First, I have no desire to have an internet-connected camera pointed at my living room sofa all the time. Would a physical lens shutter solve that problem? Yes it would. But even with that I like having my Apple TV 4K hidden behind my TV. It is out of sight. A camera would need it to be front-and-center to be useful. That is just not how I prefer to set up my entertainment area. It would be a hassle to change things around.
Lastly, pairing my iPhone with my Apple TV is not that big of a deal. It is quick and easy to do. When you use your iPhone, you also get the benefit of what would certainly be your iPhone’s much better camera quality. So for me, the built-in camera is not a feature that makes me want to upgrade. It feels more like an unnecessary addition than something truly helpful.
Is It Time To Upgrade Your Apple TV 4K Or Should You Stick With What You Have?
Advice For New Buyers And Existing Owners Looking To Make The Right Decision
Now, if you are looking to buy your very first Apple TV 4K then by all means hold on for the newer model. It has been about three years since the third-generation Apple TV 4K came out. So you might as well wait a little longer for the very latest hardware. It makes sense to get the newest version if you are buying one for the first time. You will get the most up-to-date features and performance right from the start.
But even if you ignore all the rumors, the Apple TV 4K is a great streaming player. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. It offers a smooth, reliable experience. It handles 4K content beautifully. The interface is clean and simple to use. And most importantly for me, it does not interrupt your viewing with annoying ads. This makes it a top choice for anyone who values a premium streaming experience.
For existing owners, like myself, the decision is different. My current Apple TV 4K handles all my streaming needs perfectly. I do not experience any lag. The picture quality is amazing. And it integrates well with my other Apple devices. Until a new model comes out with a feature that genuinely excites me or offers a major jump in performance that I can actually use, I will be sticking with what I have. There is just no compelling reason for me to change. Sometimes, the best upgrade is the one you do not make.