The New Apple TV Could Be As Much As $200
The next Apple TV could be a lot pricier than the company’s existing streaming box: Apple is planning to introduce a new version for either $200 or $150 by October, according to a report from 9to5Mac. An Apple spokesperson declined to comment.
Apple is expected to announce a new version of its streaming box at a September 9 press event in San Francisco. The new Apple TV will feature more powerful hardware and a revamped remote control, according to a number of reports. The device is also expected to come with a full-blown app store similar to the one available to iPhones and iPads, which will allow publishers to bring many more services to Apple TV.
Some reports have indicated that the new Apple TV will be optimized for gaming. Techcrunch reported last week that the device will have a Wii-like remote control that makes use of a gyroscope to enable more complex interactions with video games.
The device will also be tightly integrated with Siri, according to 9to5Mac, allowing users to control it directly with their voice.
However, all of these new features apparently made it necessary for Apple to go with a higher price, which is why the company may keep the existing version of the Apple TV around as an entry-level model. The existing Apple TV currently sells for just $69, and likely won’t have access to the upcoming app store or any of the other new features.
Initially absent from both models will be Apple’s TV streaming service. The company originally planned to launch a competitor to the cable bundle this fall, but has since postponed the launch. 9to5Mac reported Sunday that the pay TV service will eventually be available on both the new premium-priced Apple TV as well as the existing entry-level model when it becomes available some time in 2016.
It’s worth noting that rumors on the price of an unannounced device always have to be taken with a grain of salt. One could even argue that Apple could benefit from a $200 price point rumor if it manages to launch a significantly lower-priced device. However, 9t5Mac has developed a reputation for having excellent sources, which have helped the site to repeatedly reveal unannounced details about upcoming Apple products.
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