tvOS 13.4 developer beta code hints at new Apple TV 4K hardware
A reference spotted in the tvOS developer beta released on Wednesday suggests that there may be new Apple TV 4K hardware on the horizon.

Apple released developer betas on February 5, offering developer testers the first beta builds of iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4, tvOS 13.4, watchOS 6.2, and macOS 10.15.4. Inside those betas were a reference to new Apple TV hardware, tagged as "T1125."
The current Apple TV 4K is named J105a, and the Apple TV HD model number is "J42d." A report on Thursday by 9to5 Mac suggests that the letter T at the beginning implies that it is an internal model -- a prototype that isn't finished yet.
Currently, it's hard to say whether or not a new Apple TV is on the way, or what features it may have. It has been over two years since the fifth generation Apple TV launched, and an upgrade could see improved performance for Apple Arcade games.
While a new Apple TV could be released at a spring event, it remains to be seen whether or not Apple will be able to hold a spring event this year. The coronavirus outbreak has significantly slowed down product production.
As a general rule, Apple starts device production about 60 days before a Mac or iPad event, and three to four months before the September iPhone release event. With most of its major factories located in mainland China, an outbreak is potentially a threat to nearly every upcoming product release in 2020.
If Apple is planning on a March event, the production of new devices expected at that event would have needed to begin immediately after the Chinese New Year. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, the fall announcement could be threatened as production for the iPhone 12 would need to be in full swing by July.

Apple released developer betas on February 5, offering developer testers the first beta builds of iOS 13.4, iPadOS 13.4, tvOS 13.4, watchOS 6.2, and macOS 10.15.4. Inside those betas were a reference to new Apple TV hardware, tagged as "T1125."
The current Apple TV 4K is named J105a, and the Apple TV HD model number is "J42d." A report on Thursday by 9to5 Mac suggests that the letter T at the beginning implies that it is an internal model -- a prototype that isn't finished yet.
Currently, it's hard to say whether or not a new Apple TV is on the way, or what features it may have. It has been over two years since the fifth generation Apple TV launched, and an upgrade could see improved performance for Apple Arcade games.
While a new Apple TV could be released at a spring event, it remains to be seen whether or not Apple will be able to hold a spring event this year. The coronavirus outbreak has significantly slowed down product production.
As a general rule, Apple starts device production about 60 days before a Mac or iPad event, and three to four months before the September iPhone release event. With most of its major factories located in mainland China, an outbreak is potentially a threat to nearly every upcoming product release in 2020.
If Apple is planning on a March event, the production of new devices expected at that event would have needed to begin immediately after the Chinese New Year. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, the fall announcement could be threatened as production for the iPhone 12 would need to be in full swing by July.
Comments
When setting up my TV 4K, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my Sony TV remote (with traditional buttons) now controls 99% of the Apple TV functionality. Ironically, the only thing it won't do is take it out of standby. For that I use the Control Center remote function on my phone.
"Meanwhile, in other headlines from the world of the obvious, we've also confirmed reports which suggest that there may be new [INSERT ANY APPLE PRODUCT NAME HERE] hardware on the horizon. But, as with the Apple TV 4K hardware, we have no idea what might be released or when."
1: Pressing on right side of the touchpad to skip ahead on TV programming results in pausing instead, probably at a 3:1 ratio; this is generally followed by trying to discern whether it's actually paused or the video is buffering;
2: Apple reversed sides for the menu/play buttons from the previous metal design. (Metal!) This has meant that when I use the metal one, which is generally used by the wife, I often return to the menu rather than playing/pausing, unless I concentrate on my mission;
3: I frequently move remote from one chair arm to the other, often for reasons related to the infamous syndrome of Chihuahua Slobber Hand. Probably once or twice per session, this results in moronically pushing the wrong button(s), sullying the viewing experience and causing me to exclaim, "Aaa! It's upside down!"
My venerable SE is also far more comfortable in the hand, and less likely to get lost/misplaced under something on the coffee table... or in bed... or even in the laundry. About that: the TV remote mostly survived the washer AND dryer, only the microphone was permanently toasted. I doubt any conventional remote would survive such an ordeal.
The only TV OS usability glitches I've noticed are in the older HD hardware (I own a 4K also). Hulu's app is annoying unstable on the older device, necessitating almost daily reboots to escape app freezing. It's the only app I've seen fall down like this, but again, it's fine on the 4K.
Of course there is a point. The point is the AppleTV works as a smart hub, a video library system for content, games, etc. The upcoming system will have far better Audio support codecs than any SmartTV.
As for those commenting above who are like "eh, the smart TV itself does all that stuff now" ... you clearly have ZERO idea how much data you are giving the TV companies when you use their "smart" features over the Apple TV's "smart" features.
I wouldn't make the same decision. I have an LG C9 OLED and even if it does get a firmware update for the Apple TV app, I'm going to stick to the Apple TV hardware.
The main reason is privacy. I have not, and will not, connect my TV to the Internet. My TV is only going to be a dumb 4K screen and all the smarts are in my Apple TV.
Semi-related, I'm getting a modded Sony 4K player from 220 Electronics that plays Blu-rays and DVDs from all regions, which is especially helpful when I buy Criterion discs.
The Player also supports SA-CD, which is incredible.