Apple TV+ Streaming Box a Total Disaster

So, Apple was supposed to release a new Apple TV streaming box this year. They still might, but they didn’t announce one at their recent World Wide Developers Conference. I only have two questions:

  1. Will they, really?
  2. Who cares if they do?

Apple TV 4K came out in September 2017. In November 2019, the company launched is Apple TV+ service. So, yes, it’s time the company releases a new streaming box to go with all that original content. The question is, is it even needed at this point? Keep in mind that Amazon’s Fire Stick and the Roku device access Apple TV+. Most of the new TVs being made these days do too. So, like I said, would a new Apple TV streaming box be a big deal in 2020?

What if Apple Has a Streaming Box on the Way?

In all fairness, a new Apple TV+ streaming box would actually be a pretty cool. Rumor has it, it’s supposed to be powered by the A14 chip. That’s the same one used in the iPhone 12. Then again, other sources say it’s powered by an A12X chip that’s used in the 2018 iPad Pro. Either way, hardware in this (possibly) new streaming box should be able to stream YouTube in 4K.

On second thought, maybe it won’t be so cool after all.

Yes, the A14 chip would be cool, but no one’s sure of that reality. It would be a huge bummer if they used the A12X chip. New and improved is supposed to be new and improved, not rehashed tech from 2018. Let’s face it, most tech doesn’t age well. Oh, and then there’s the YouTube 4K content. YouTube has only been broadcasting some content in that resolution since December 2013. People with $300 TVs can watch it. (Remember what I said above about “new and improved?”)

Here’s something else to consider: Apple’s streaming box costs close to $200. That really doesn’t bring any more to the table than the competition’s boxes that retail for about $50.

Maybe Apple Should Launch an actual Apple Television?

It sounds like a good idea. But, would Apple do that if it’s truly committed to its new streaming box? Some in the electronics media say yes… and it might be coming this year. The rumor of a new Apple TV started sometime in February. It popped after someone spotted files inside the tvOS that referenced certain hardware. Oh, and there’s also a rumor of a new Apple Remote in the works. All this is exciting, right?

Not if the device offers old technology or is playing catch-up on things it should’ve been able to do years ago.

My prediction: Apple will launch its new TV (and streaming box) and it will appeal to one demographic. That’s the hardcore Apple geeks who must have the latest in all things Apple. Everyone else has options, as illustrated in this Apple TV+ commercial from 2019:

I’ll Keep on Streaming… My Way

I don’t have Apple TV+ and I don’t plan on getting it. On the one hand, that stinks because I have seen the trailers for some of the streaming service’s original shows. On the other hand, Apple TV+ does have enough shows yet to make me say, “I gotta have this!” And I can’t justify the costs of another streaming service to Mrs. Buckler either. She’s not having any of that while planning out this year’s holiday gifts. (Yes, she’s already thinking about that in June!)

About the Author

Jake Buckler
Jake Buckler is a cord-cutter, consumer electronics geek, and Celtic folk music fan. Those qualities, and his writing experience, helped him land a copywriting gig at Signal Group, LLC. He also contributes to The Solid Signal Blog.