A new Apple TV was discovered in the latest tvOS beta code
It’s been three years since a new Apple TV 4K launched
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When in doubt, check the source code. That’s exactly what9to5Macdid for the tvOS 13.4 beta code and have discovered what appears to be an internal codename for anew Apple TV 4K: “T1125.”
The outlet found the codename next to the names of otherAppleTV hardware - the “J105a” that’s used as a codename for theApple TV 4Kand the “J42d” that used to reference theApple TV HD- and believes that it could point to the next-generation of Apple TV.
While we can’t be certain that T1125 is the next-gen Apple TV4K, it does appear to be some sort of Apple TV-based hardware. Internal files in tvOS show are said to show that this T1125 device leverages the same arm64e architecture that’s used by Apple’s A12 and A13 Bionic processors.
That might be because Apple is theoretically looking at what the A12 and A13 Bionic could do inside an Apple TV 4K device, you know, for science, but it could also be a hint at what’s coming next for Apple’s home entertainment hardware.
Plus, considering it’s been three years since the launch of the Apple TV 4K, the time could be right.
The Apple A13 Bionic would be a BIG upgrade
It almost goes without saying, but Apple stands a lot to gain if it decides to create a new Apple TV 4K with the A13 Bionic processor.
For comparison, the current Apple TV 4K uses the A10 Fusion chip from theiPhone 7and 7 Plus, which were introduced in 2016. The bump up to the A13 Bionic would put the new hardware on par with theiPhone 11,iPhone 11 ProandiPhone 11 Pro Max, and that would be a pretty big step up for the yet-unannounced streaming device.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Should the next-gen Apple TV 4K get a boost in processor speed, we’d expect a new wave ofApple Arcadegames hit the Apple TV App Store, better performance inside apps and potentially a better image quality depending on what Apple does to change its upscaling algorithm. That said, it’ll still likely be a4KHDRbox as Apple hasn’t invested any development in its8Kinfrastructure so far.
As for when we’ll see the announcement of the hardware, it’s hard to even speculate, but Apple is rumored to have a Spring event coming up that could potentially work in terms of timing.
Nick Pino is Managing Editor, TV and AV for TechRadar’s sister site, Tom’s Guide. Previously, he was the Senior Editor of Home Entertainment at TechRadar, covering TVs, headphones, speakers, video games, VR and streaming devices. He’s also written for GamesRadar+, Official Xbox Magazine, PC Gamer and other outlets over the last decade, and he has a degree in computer science he’s not using if anyone wants it.
Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: A powerful and truly portable projector
Sonos Arc Ultra review: the best one-box Dolby Atmos soundbar for the price, with one grating flaw
Phishing attacks surge in 2024 as cybercriminals adopt AI tools and multi-channel tactics
