Apple updates Apple TV models infrequently, releasing a new model only every few years. The company currently offers two models of set-top boxes for its subscription streaming service. The Apple TV HD dates back to 2015 and retails at $149 USD for 32GB. A newer iteration, 2021’s Apple TV 4K, offers 32GB and 64GB plans, priced at $179 USD and $199 USD respectively.
As the streaming service grows in popularity, however, customers will likely want cheaper set-top box options on par with the prices of competitors, such as Amazon. Independent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that Apple will meet demands with a new, cost-effective model.
“Apple will launch a new version of Apple TV that improves cost structure in 2H22,” Kuo wrote in a tweet. “I think that Apple’s aggressive strategy of integrating hardware, content, and service amid the recession will help close the gap with its competitors.”
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.
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 13, 2022
The anticipated Apple TV would arrive in the second half of the year, according to Kuo. For comparison purposes, the most expensive version of Amazon’s Fire Stick, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, costs $54.99 USD. Other options, like the Fire TV Stick Lite, which is relatively the same but lacks certain TV voice controls, are available for $29.99 USD.
Apple hasn’t given any official word on a new Apple TV model, so right now these are only predictions for what’s to come later this year.
In other tech news, Elon Musk puts the Twitter deal on hold, causing a 20% plummet in stock price.