The update to Apple’s Apple TV service has been a long time coming and, in the build-up to its reveal next week, it is understood that with the addition of an upgraded unit users will also see a new streaming service launched.
The update to the Apple TV brand will mark the fourth iteration of the hardware to bring itself up-to-date with the features found in Apple’s iPhones and Macs.
According to 9to5Mac, some of these features will include the inclusion of Siri for the first time in Apple TV, the App Store, software developers kit and, as reported some time ago, an updated remote control.
It will also offer a whole new interface to again bring it in line with its other products.
Sources within the company have said that the ‘Apple TV 4’ will look very similar to the third generation but will be beefier in terms of its thickness and width.
In what appears to be one of the worst-kept secrets in the company, owners of the third generation of Apple TVs should also expect to see Apple’s first streaming service appear.
This will come as part of a major software update to give them access to Apple’s own content starting from October.
However, that is about it for those with older devices as it will not support either the addition of Siri or the ability to download apps through the App Store.
Expected to be released in the US initially this October, sources within Apple say they have not agreed on a price as yet, but the expectations are that it will cost between US$149 and US$199.
The 9 September launch event will be a major one for Apple in terms of hardware given that it will also be unveiling the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.
Third generation Apple TV remote control image via Robert S Donovan/Flickr
