By: Dipin Sehdev

A recent code leak from an internal build of iOS 18 is sending ripples through the tech and home theater communities, and for good reason: it all but confirms that Apple is working on a brand-new Apple TV. According to reporting from MacRumors—who first broke the story—the next Apple TV could be powered by an entirely new Apple-designed wireless chip, internally codenamed "Proxima." If true, this would mark the most significant update to Apple’s streaming box in years—and it might arrive as soon as this September.

Let’s break down what we know so far, what it could mean for the Apple TV platform, and why this next-generation model could finally position Apple as a more serious player in the high-end home theater space.

What the iOS 18 Code Leak Reveals

The source of this latest leak is a YouTube video, reportedly filmed in China and featuring a prototype iPhone 16 device running an internal, non-UI build of iOS 18 from March 2024. While the video doesn’t show Apple’s familiar Home Screen or user interface, it does give developers and tipsters a look at what’s going on under the hood. One such anonymous tipster provided MacRumors with access to key parts of the code, which lists several next-generation chips planned for upcoming Apple hardware.

Among them:

• A19 chip for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air

• A19 Pro for the iPhone 17 Pro series

• M5 and M5 Pro for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad Pro, and Vision Pro

• S11 for the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3

• C2 modem to further Apple's transition away from Qualcomm

• Proxima, an all-new Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip headed to the next Apple TV and HomePod mini

Of all the chips listed, "Proxima" is perhaps the most intriguing—especially for those following Apple’s increasingly bold moves in the custom silicon space.

A New Wireless Chip Designed by Apple

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who reported on the Proxima chip as early as 2023, Apple is working to reduce its reliance on Broadcom for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. The Proxima chip, likely destined for the next Apple TV and HomePod mini, represents the latest example of Apple bringing more hardware in-house—just as it did with Intel in Macs and is now doing with Qualcomm in iPhones.

So, why does this matter?

Well, for one, this is about control. Apple designing its own wireless chip means it can optimize performance, reduce latency, and potentially increase bandwidth in ways that third-party chips might not allow. And in the case of the Apple TV, that could mean better wireless streaming of high-resolution content, smoother performance when using AirPlay, and improved reliability when connecting with HomePods and other accessories.

The Proxima chip is expected to support either Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7—both of which are leaps ahead of the current Apple TV 4K’s Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. In the home theater world, that kind of wireless performance isn’t just about raw speed; it's about delivering stable, high-bitrate 4K HDR video streams, uncompressed multichannel audio, and ultra-low latency control—all without the need for Ethernet.

Apple TV: A Platform in Transition?

While Apple TV has long been a niche favorite among Apple fans, it has struggled to gain mass market traction in a world dominated by Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV devices. The latest Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), introduced in late 2022, added HDR10+ support and came with a lower price point starting at $129—but it largely recycled the A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 and made no real moves toward home theater dominance.

Yet lately, there have been subtle but significant signs that Apple has bigger plans.

For one, the tvOS 18 beta includes a long-requested feature: HDMI audio passthrough. This is a huge win for enthusiasts, as it opens the door to bit-perfect transmission of lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio to AV receivers and soundbars—something previously only possible via disc players, high-end media boxes like the NVIDIA Shield, or software like Plex running on custom setups.

The timing of this feature’s introduction, ahead of what now appears to be a major hardware refresh, seems anything but coincidental. It’s possible—perhaps even likely—that Apple is laying the groundwork for a new Apple TV that finally caters to the home theater community in a meaningful way.

Will There Be a New Apple TV in 2025?

The stars are aligning. Apple typically announces its new iPhones, Apple Watches, and sometimes other hardware at its September event. With tvOS 18 currently in beta and scheduled for public release this fall, the timing for a new Apple TV makes sense.

Plus, if the Proxima chip is truly ready for production—as the iOS 18 leak suggests—it’s reasonable to expect it would debut first in a more controlled, lower-volume product like Apple TV or the HomePod mini before rolling out to the iPhone or Mac.

Gurman also noted in his reporting that Apple had originally aimed to launch a new Apple TV and HomePod mini "by the end of 2024." If Apple sticks to that plan, a September or October launch window seems likely. That gives us only a few months to wait.

What Would a New Apple TV Cost?

While Apple hasn’t said anything officially, speculation on pricing is already beginning. If the Proxima-powered Apple TV adds support for HDMI 2.1 features, HDMI audio passthrough, Wi-Fi 6E or 7, and maybe even a redesigned chassis or remote, it could come in at a higher tier.

Our best estimate? Somewhere between $299 and $399, placing it above the current Apple TV 4K, but still well below the cost of a full Mac mini or Vision Pro accessory. This would also align it with premium streamers like the Kaleidescape Strato C (which starts at $4,995) or the Zappiti Signature—but without the ultra-niche pricing.

Such a move would also make sense if Apple intends to create two tiers of Apple TV: one lower-priced for casual streamers, and one higher-end for serious home theater users and Apple ecosystem power users.

Home Theater Implications: Why This Matters

If the Apple TV is finally getting a chip like Proxima—and if Apple is adding features like HDMI audio passthrough—it signals a shift in strategy. Apple may be preparing to lean harder into the premium home theater market, where video and audio quality, seamless device integration, and lossless content matter most.

Today’s best AV receivers, soundbars, and display technologies demand sources that can keep up. A future Apple TV capable of:

• Bitstreaming Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

• Streaming high-bitrate 4K/8K video

• Delivering rock-solid Wi-Fi 6E/7 performance

• Serving as the hub for Apple Home and Spatial Audio playback

…would be a compelling all-in-one solution for Apple fans and AV enthusiasts alike.

And with Apple’s increasing investments in original content via Apple TV+, including blockbuster films and IMAX Enhanced titles, it makes sense to deliver the best possible experience for watching that content—without having to rely on third-party streaming sticks or game consoles.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Apple TV?

Whether you’re a home theater purist or a casual cord-cutter, the signs are clear: Apple is preparing something big for the Apple TV platform. The inclusion of the Proxima chip in iOS 18’s codebase, combined with tvOS 18 beta features like HDMI passthrough, suggests that Apple’s next streaming box may be more than just an iterative upgrade.

If all goes according to Apple’s usual fall timeline, we may not have to wait long. September is just around the corner, and if history is any guide, that’s when we’ll find out if Apple is finally ready to give the Apple TV the performance—and platform leadership—it deserves.

Until then, keep your eye on tvOS beta updates and Apple’s September event calendar. If the Proxima-powered Apple TV is real, it could be the biggest shakeup in the home theater streamer space in years.