New Apple TV Model with Built-In Camera Could Be Coming Soon
A new report from Bloomberg indicates the Apple TV’s FaceTime functionality could be set to expand in a big way.
It hasn’t been that long since Apple released a new model of its Apple TV streaming box. The third generation of Apple TV players rolled out to customers in October 2022, but a new report from Bloomberg indicates the company’s engineers could be hard at work on a new model of the player with an important new feature: a built-in camera to make FaceTime calls on Apple TV devices a cinch.
- Now that Apple’s Vision Pro has launched, the company has time to turn its thoughts to whole-home technology.
- Gesture-based controls could help users swap video calls between screens and more without having to press buttons.
- The technology is meant to work in concert with iPhones and Vision Pro headsets as well.
Bloomberg’s report states that since the launch of the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset in February, Apple has been able to re-focus on its broader strategy. One of the company’s goals is to become a whole-home entertainment technology provider, which could include a key upgrade for Apple TV devices.
Apple is reportedly considering creating a new model of Apple TV device, one that would incorporate a built-in camera. This would allow Apple TV users to more seamlessly make FaceTime calls with their streaming player, and use gesture-based controls to switch screens, start and end calls, and more.
Can’t Apple TV Owners Use FaceTime With the Device Already?
Current Apple TV players do not have cameras embedded, but consumers can still use the devices to make and receive FaceTime video calls. That compatibility first rolled out last year, when Apple's tvOS 17 update rolled out to customers. This software update allowed Apple TV owners to use the camera in their iPhone in concert with their TV, putting video calls on the largest screen in the house.
But installing cameras directly within the Apple TV box will remove points of friction for users, allowing FaceTime to operate more smoothly with the player. Callers won’t have to make sure their iPhone is properly connected to the Apple TV before using FaceTime, nor will they have to fumble with their phone in order to initiate or end a call.
Outside of home entertainment devices, Apple has far more strategies for boosting profits and enhancing its footprint around the world. An expansion of Apple TV+ could be on the table; a recent report indicates that Apple has explored launching its entertainment streaming platform in China, a market in which no other American-based on-demand streaming service is currently available to consumers.
Apple TV+ has also been tinkering with its library to see if it can’t boost engagement among the subscribers it already has. The service recently imported 29 movies licensed from other studios, the second time in 2024 it has acquired the rights to stream movies not created by Apple originally.
Apple is a massive global corporation, with billions of customers for its various physical and digital products. It’s constantly thinking of new ways to augment its customer base, and its latest idea is to boost the functionality of the Apple TV device by adding a camera for easier FaceTime use.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a subscription video streaming service for $9.99 a month that includes high-quality original shows and movies including Best Picture winner “CODA,” popular sitcom “Ted Lasso,” and dramas like “The Morning Show” and “Severance.” Apple TV+ is also home to MLB baseball games on Friday nights and MLS Season Pass.