Apple TV with a camera is the rumor that will never die
For years, Apple has reportedly been considering the addition of a camera to the Apple TV set-top box -- and the rumors about it have fired again.
A future Apple TV could include a camera
There are very few devices in Apple's catalog of computing devices that doesn't have a built-in camera. Alongside desktop Macs like the Mac mini and the Mac Studio, the other main exception is the Apple TV.
While it does not have its own, the Apple TV does have the capability to employ cameras. With the introduction of tvOS 17, Apple introduced Continuity Camera, which enabled a second-generation Apple TV to run FaceTime by taking advantage of an iPhone or iPad's camera systems.
Previously, users could also get a similar effect of putting FaceTime on the big screen by using AirPlay with an iPhone or iPad to the Apple TV. But this technique relied solely on the features of the connected device for the call, with the Apple TV just mirroring a display.
If rumors over the years are to be believed, Apple may well bring out a version of the Apple TV that houses a camera at some point. Here's what has been said about the potential device.
Early camera on Apple TV rumors
In March 2021, there were rumors Apple creating a HomeHub that fused together an iPad and a HomePod into a single smart screen device. The report also said that Apple had been working on many different home devices in various form factors, specifically employing displays and cameras.
At first blush, this sounds more like a smart speaker with a display, similar to FaceBook's Portal system. However, in April, Apple reportedly had firmed up its new product selections, and had decided that an Apple TV set-top box with a HomePod speaker was the best approach.
The device would theoretically offer multiple smart home functions within a single box. As a HomePod, it would play music, but it would also be able to be hooked up to a television, like an Apple TV.
That box would also include a camera, which would let it be used for video calls, as well as acting as a Home Hub for smart home management.
An artist's rendition of a HomePod with a display
This device was also being worked alongside the already-explored smart speaker with display concept.
Both were apparently in the early stages of design and production at the time, and could easily have had features added or removed, or be killed off entirely.
A lull then references
Rumors about the supposed Apple TV died down for a while. Still, reports about the standalone HomePod with Display persisted.
In October 2023, there were alleged rumors about code references in a developer beta of tvOS 17.2, which mentioned some unusual devices. Alongside the HomePod range, there were some listings for unannounced Apple TV models, as well as an oddity.
There was apparently support files in the firmware that allowed the software to work on an iPad mini 6. This unusual inclusion could've potentially allowed tvOS to run on a specially-configured iPad mini, which opened the door to the display-clad HomePod idea once again.
There were also drivers for the iPad mini in the tvOS 17 frameworks for audio calibration, which could signify audio capture capabilities were being tested in some way.
Heading into 2024, more beta references turned up in February, apparently pointing towards a HomePod with a built-in display. The device, "Z314," was apparently capable of running tvOS, which is effectively the software that HomePod runs except that the speaker doesn't include a user interface.
The code indicated the device was running an A15 Bionic chip, which was thought to mean it could be a device in a late stage of development.
Apple TV with camera rumor resurrection
The newsletters of Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have been a source of numerous rumors, including those surrounding the Apple TV and screen-equipped HomePod. This has amped up in 2024.
In a February newsletter, Gurman wrote that, while the products are currently in the investigative and engineering phases of production, a release in 2024 was very unlikely.
FaceTime on Apple TV is possible, but requires iPhone assistance
More recently, in an April discussion of Apple's future smart home plans, there were mentions of multiple devices being planned, including a lightweight "smart display" meant to connect to home devices.
The HomePod with a connected screen once again appeared, as well as the potential shift into robotics.
The article included a brief mention about Apple "offering a revamped Apple TV set-top box with a built-in camera for FaceTime videoconferencing and gesture-based controls."
Gurman didn't go into detail about the Apple TV, but if true, it means Apple's sparingly-rumored set-top hardware improvement could still be on the way.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
Why mess around with 3 or 4 devices tethered together with wire or wireless when you can have a single compact solution in a form factor that has already been proven to be popular and convenient by millions of users? There’s no reason to resort to a cobbled together solution. If Apple’s current designers can’t figure out how to solve this, hire Jony.
- Exercise/Interactive games.
- AR - Placing self in different environments on screen
- Facetime
It may not be release any time soon, or at all, but it makes sense that engineers are exploring it.Amazon has been successful with their Echo Show (thought limited in features) with the addition of a display and camera. It provides the essential Fire TV features, video calls, and works great for checking in on kids at home.
All other rumors sooner or latter will die!
Are there FireWire to USB-C adaptors out there?
Or do I just dig out my 1Ghz Titanium PowerBook?
A soundbar with TWO HomePods spaced far enough apart to get actual stereo image sound could be nice.
One cable to connect it all. If Apple TV 4K supported HDMI eARC, too.
I use a pair of KEF LSX (+ KEF KUBE 10b sub) with Apple TV 4K as my bedroom "soundbar".
There are a good number of "smart" soundbars for corporate meeting rooms that are a similar concept. These devices usually include 6-mic arrays in addition to a camera that can auto track room participants (most of these cameras are e-PTZ, some are actually small motorized PTZ cameras). Many have "PC-less" Zoom/Teams capability, although these can get pricey.
In the consumer space, there is the Roku soundbar. These run "apps" (even including AppleTV app). I have a Roku soundbar with the mating wireless subwoofer, and it is possible to mate a couple of extra speakers for surround.
An AppleTV based integrated soundbar that can be mated via Airplay2 to subwoofer and/or surround speakers would be cool. Come to think of it, an Apple TV soundbar that can run the Zoom or Teams apps would be a great solution for home or office users. As long as we're at it, a lower cost version without camera like the Roku should be offered too.
PS: Speaking of FaceTime...would be good if FaceTime on the Mac gets integrated screen sharing (that lets you pick which app window to share like Zoom/Teams does, not just entire desktop). And with markup/whiteboard capability.
Soundbars are for those happy about AirPods and Sonos. I have both and a rather large Beosound Shape setup. But going back to cables? No way!
The idea of a camera in a soundbar is stupid as the position is too low. Dell XPS had the Chin Cam for years. No way Apple will deliver that kind of experience.
And if your TV is on a low table, it would not be too terribly difficult to figure out how to mount a camera/soundbar above the TV...
Turning any screen into a special webcam seems like something that might have a market.
The nonsense about the TV business being a low margin industry has nothing to do with premium offerings that do far more than regular TVs.