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Apple has announced a price reduction for its Apple TV, now available for $69 instead of the previous price of $99. CEO Tim Cook revealed this update during the “Spring Forward” media event held in San Francisco. The new pricing applies to the third-generation Apple TV, coinciding with the introduction of HBO Now for Apple TV. However, no new model was unveiled during the event, leaving fans anticipating further announcements.

Rumors of a revamped Apple TV have been circulating for a while, but its launch is expected to be delayed until later this year or beyond. The next generation of the device is anticipated to include an enhanced remote control and a new operating system, complete with a built-in App Store. Additionally, users can expect a redesigned user interface for new apps. In other news, Apple is gearing up to launch its iPhone 17 series in the coming months.

Significant design changes are anticipated for the Pro models, particularly in the rear casing and camera area. New features are also being discussed for residents in select U.S. states, allowing them to store their driver’s licenses or state IDs digitally in the Wallet app for easy access. Meanwhile, regarding Mac updates, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has indicated that Apple may not refresh any Macs with the latest M5 chips until 2026. This means that updated MacBook Air and Pro models are now expected in the first half of that year.

As the tech world watches closely, the anticipation for the next Apple TV and other upcoming devices continues to grow. Exciting features and innovations are on the horizon, keeping consumers eager for what Apple has planned.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that the next-generation Apple TV might be priced even lower than the recently announced Apple TV 4K, which starts at $129. This new model is already a decrease from the previous version’s $179 price tag.

Kuo suggests that a price point under $100 would be ideal for this device, making it more appealing to potential buyers. Historically, Apple has launched previous generations of the Apple TV, specifically the second and third models, at $99, with the third generation later dropping to $69.

This sets a precedent for offering a sub-$100 Apple TV, allowing Apple to better compete with affordable streaming devices from competitors like Google, Amazon, and Roku. It’s also possible that when the new model is released, the current Apple TV 4K will remain in the lineup at around $99.

In the meantime, the latest Apple TV 4K presents a better value than its predecessor. Even with Apple aiming to entice customers into purchasing the $149 model—boasting 128GB of storage, Ethernet, and Thread support—the new device offers more competitive pricing than the previous models which were priced at $179 for 32GB and $199 for 64GB.

As the tech landscape evolves, Apple continues to prepare for future launches. The upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to be unveiled in the next few months, with significant updates anticipated for next year’s iPhone 18 models.

Meanwhile, potential enhancements to Apple’s product lineup are expected, such as foldable OLED displays for a future iPhone model and shifts in manufacturing strategies. These developments suggest ongoing innovation and market adaptation from Apple as it seeks to maintain its competitive edge.

Recent rumors suggest that a future Apple TV may feature a built-in camera, enabling users to make video calls through FaceTime and other applications. This speculation comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who noted that the addition of the camera would eliminate the need for an external device, as users currently rely on their iPhone or iPad for video calls via tvOS 17. Gurman mentioned in his *Power On* newsletter that such an Apple TV with a camera could introduce gesture-based controls. While he did not elaborate, recent updates in iOS 17 and tvOS 17 have allowed users to utilize hand gestures to create 3D effects during video calls.

It remains uncertain whether these gestures would be the only available controls or if entirely new functionalities would be included in tvOS. In addition to the Apple TV, Gurman revealed that Apple is exploring a “lightweight smart display,” designed for mobility within the home. This device, comparable to an entry-level iPad, is intended to be moved easily from room to room and could connect to charging stations throughout one’s home. Production testing for these screens has reportedly begun, though no final decision has been made regarding their launch.

While there is buzz surrounding these potential devices, there is no confirmed timeline for their release. Gurman has previously indicated a new Apple TV model could debut in the first half of 2024, but it’s not clear if this model will include a camera or if such a feature will take longer to materialize. As always, Apple continues to innovate and adapt in the evolving landscape of smart home technology.

Rumors are circulating about the launch of a new Apple TV later this year, with expectations that it will support the new Wi-Fi 7 standard. Highly regarded analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu have indicated that all four models of the upcoming iPhone 17 will feature an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip.

This suggests that the new Apple TV will also include this technology, as noted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Currently, the 2022 Apple TV 4K model utilizes Wi-Fi 6, while the higher-end version offers an Ethernet port for wired connections.

Gurman believes the new Wi-Fi chip will at least support Wi-Fi 6E. However, it’s improbable that Apple is developing separate chips for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, especially with the iPhone 17 models confirmed to support Wi-Fi 7 to some extent.

Thus, it’s reasonable to conclude that the upcoming Apple TV will adopt Wi-Fi 7. The benefits of Wi-Fi 7 are significant.

It enables data transmission simultaneously over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, given that a compatible router is used. Users can expect faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved connectivity, with peak speeds exceeding 40 Gbps—which is four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E.

In addition to the new Apple TV, other Apple updates are on the horizon. The iPhone 17 series is expected to debut in just a couple of months and will bring various enhancements, including potential changes to the rear casing and camera design.

While major overhauls are anticipated for future models, this year’s offerings are poised to introduce exciting new features. Overall, the anticipated launch of the new Apple TV promises to be a noteworthy addition to Apple’s evolving ecosystem.

Apple is rumored to be working on a HomeKit-enabled wireless smart home camera, with a planned release set for 2026, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He stated that this camera will be introduced alongside a new HomePod model equipped with a display. This move marks Apple’s first foray into providing an integrated home security solution designed entirely by the company. The upcoming camera is expected to offer seamless compatibility with the rumored HomePod, functioning as an optional accessory.

Apple will likely emphasize the privacy and security advantages of its camera in comparison to existing offerings in the market. Currently, the company provides HomeKit Secure Video, which uses iCloud to securely stream and store video clips from supported cameras, ensuring end-to-end encryption. Managed through the Home app, existing compatible cameras include the Logitech Circle View and the Eve Cam. Kuo anticipates that Apple will begin mass production of the display-equipped HomePod in the latter half of 2025.

While details are sparse, this new device is expected to feature a 6-7 inch display, an A18 chip, and integration with Apple Intelligence. There is some ambiguity regarding whether Kuo’s HomePod aligns with a smart home hub speculated by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, which may also debut around March 2025. Both reports suggest that the hub will feature a similar-sized display and possess advanced capabilities, including wall mounting options and connectivity to a HomePod-like speaker base. As Apple continues to evolve its hardware offerings, the anticipated camera and updated HomePod could significantly enhance the smart home experience for users.

During the 2000s and 2010s, Apple produced a range of Wi-Fi routers branded as AirPort base stations. This lineup included the standard AirPort Express, the more feature-rich AirPort Extreme, and the AirPort Time Capsule, which served as both a router and an external storage device for backing up Macs using Time Machine. Recently, Apple added several AirPort models to its list of obsolete products, sparking renewed conversation about these devices. This has led many to ponder whether Apple will ever make a return to the Wi-Fi router market after having discontinued the AirPort line in 2018.

In December, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported on Apple’s development of a custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, expected to make its debut in new Apple TV and HomePod mini models later this year. This chip is touted as being sophisticated enough to potentially allow these devices to function as wireless access points. However, it remains uncertain if Apple will pursue this direction, so it is wise to manage expectations for now. According to Gurman, the new chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, an upgrade from the final AirPort models which were limited to Wi-Fi 5.

Analyst Jeff Pu believes that the chip may even support Wi-Fi 7. Although it is unclear whether the Apple TV and HomePod will actually serve as Wi-Fi routers, it is evident that Apple is advancing technology that could make this feasible. As the conversation continues around Apple’s capabilities in networking, many are left curious about where the company may head in the future concerning wireless technology.

Recent reports from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg suggest that Apple is developing a custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip intended for new models of the Apple TV and HomePod mini, set to launch next year. This news sparked speculation that Apple might also revive its AirPort router line, which was discontinued in 2018. However, Gurman clarified that Apple is not working on new AirPort routers at this time.

Despite the lack of AirPort news, Gurman hinted at potential innovative uses for the new in-house Wi-Fi chip. He mentioned that it is advanced enough to theoretically turn devices like an Apple TV or HomePod into a wireless access point, although he did not confirm if Apple plans to implement this feature. Therefore, it’s wise for fans of Apple products to remain cautiously optimistic.

The upcoming Wi-Fi chip may bring notable advantages to the new Apple TV and HomePod mini, including support for Wi-Fi 6E, which could enhance internet connectivity and device performance. In other news, Apple is gearing up for the anticipated launch of its iPhone 17 series within the next few months. Reports suggest that the new iPhone models will include design changes, particularly for the rear casing and camera area, with more substantial upgrades expected next year with the release of the iPhone 18.

Additionally, while Apple initially planned to introduce updated MacBook Air and Pro models equipped with M5 chips in late 2025, these have now been pushed back to 2026. This change reflects ongoing adjustments to Apple’s product timeline as they aim to refine their offerings. Overall, while Apple may not be revisiting the AirPort routers, the development of new technology and product enhancements continues to be closely monitored by enthusiasts.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has provided an updated timeframe for the anticipated release of the new HomePod mini and Apple TV models. According to his latest newsletter, Apple is aiming for a launch “toward the end of the year,” which is likely to occur between September and November 2025. This timeline suggests that there won’t be releases in March-April or during the WWDC event in June.

These upcoming devices will be part of Apple’s enhanced smart home strategy. In addition to the new HomePod mini and Apple TV, the company is reportedly planning to introduce a new home hub, followed by a Face ID-enabled doorbell and a security camera next year. Both the new HomePod mini and Apple TV will feature Apple’s integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, supporting Wi-Fi 6E.

This advancement promises improved speed and reduced latency compared to the previous generation. The next Apple TV is expected to include a more powerful A-series chip, possibly starting at a price point of $99. Additionally, there’s speculation about the inclusion of a built-in camera for FaceTime video calls.

For the HomePod mini, upgrades may consist of a new S-series chip for enhanced performance and curated sound quality, along with new color options. The current model, which came out in November 2020, is powered by the S5 chip from the Apple Watch Series 5. By delaying the release of these devices until late 2025, Apple may create space for other product announcements earlier in the year.

New iterations of the MacBook Air, iPhone SE, AirTag, and entry-level iPad are among the potential releases rumored for early 2025. As excitement builds for these products, it will be interesting to see how they factor into Apple’s broader strategy.