Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch a new Apple TV model later this year, and this update could be a game-changer. 
Traditionally marketed as a premium streaming box with some casual gaming capability, the device may soon step into a whole new league-thanks to a serious chipset upgrade. Rumors suggest it will feature Apple’s powerful A17 Pro, the same 3nm processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The A17 Pro isn’t just another incremental chip refresh-it’s a silicon powerhouse with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and the muscle to run console-quality AAA games, the same kind you’d find on Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, or PC. When first showcased on the iPhone 15 Pro lineup, it wowed gamers by running demanding titles like Resident Evil Village with impressive frame rates, despite the thermal limitations of a smartphone chassis.
In the larger and better-cooled Apple TV body, the A17 Pro could unlock even more potential. Beyond gaming, its advanced Neural Engine is capable of running on-device generative AI features, opening doors to smarter, faster, and more private AI experiences right from your living room.
Apple has a history of reusing its top-tier chips across product lines, as seen with the A17 Pro’s presence in the iPad mini 7. This strategy allows the company to maximize performance gains while maintaining efficiency. However, details on other features of the upcoming Apple TV remain scarce. For now, all eyes are on how Apple will leverage the A17 Pro to elevate both entertainment and AI capabilities in its popular set-top box.