Apple TV Rumors: 5th Gen Will Start Testing Early 2016; ‘Dramatically Faster’ CPU Predicted By Chinese Insiders

Apple TV Rumors: 5th Gen Will Start Testing Early 2016; ‘Dramatically Faster’ CPU Predicted By Chinese Insiders - The newest Apple TV launched in October, but a new rumor predicts Apple will start testing a 5th Gen streaming device early 2016. The information comes from DigiTimes backed by the Chinese site’s sources from inside Apple’s Taiwan-based supply chain.

“The fifth-generation Apple TV will come into trial production in December and volume production in the first quarter of 2016.”

The insiders also believe a heat-dissipation solution will be incorporated into the hardware of the 5th Gen Apple TV so the streaming device can handle a brand new, “dramatically faster” CPU.

“Apple is planning to adopt a new CPU for the fifth-generation Apple TV to dramatically improve the device’s hardware performance and will add new functions to help it no longer serve only as a set-top box (STB).”

The Apple TV 5 is not expected to launch until next fall seeing the fourth-gen set-top box only launched two months ago after years of no hardware upgrades.

However, if longtime rumors about a possible Apple TV channel streaming service in 2016 prove to be true, Apple may want to link upgraded hardware with the release of new cord-cutting features.

Apple will reportedly “add new functions” which may mean 4K compatibility, a feature that would allow the Apple TV to better compete with the Roku 4 which is already compatible with 4K video.

A faster CPU would also allow the Apple TV to become a more viable dual-console with a focus on both gaming and TV streaming. The Apple TV 4 came with a heavier focus on games and even has an optional controller designed to seamlessly pair with the streaming device.

iDigitalTimes also reported last week Amazon and Apple have reached an agreement to bring Amazon Prime to the Apple TV.

iOS developer Dan Bostonweeks revealed via tweet a tvOS Amazon Video app is in the works. The app will reportedly be ready within a “few weeks.”

This would also give the Apple TV a leg up over the Roku 4 which is the only streaming device aside from Amazon Fire TV devices that allow users access to Amazon Prime Instant Video.

4K streaming capabilities, better gaming hardware, access to Amazon, and a TV channel service would all boost the Apple TV to the top of the list of best streaming devices. While the rumors are just speculation for now, it would come as no surprise Apple would want to lead the cord-cutting movement at full throttle.  Source: TechnoMeda