Apple may have unintentionally signaled that a new Apple TV 4K is on the way. The company recently updated its Apple Music support documentation to say that Hi-Res Lossless audio is available on the Apple TV 4K “3rd generation or later,” even though the third-generation model remains the current version.

The wording does not confirm a new device, but it adds to speculation that Apple could introduce a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K soon. The company may have written the document to accommodate a future product, or the reference to later models could simply be an error.

What Apple’s support document says

Apple’s updated support page explains which devices support lossless audio in Apple Music. Under the Apple TV 4K section, its fine print now states that Hi-Res Lossless is available only on the third-generation Apple TV 4K or later.

Because Apple currently sells the third-generation model, the phrase “or later” stands out. Support documents sometimes use forward-looking language so they do not need immediate revisions when a new product launches, but the change by itself is not an announcement.

Possible features for the next Apple TV

A future Apple TV 4K is rumored to receive a significant internal upgrade while keeping a design similar to the current device. Possible specifications include an A19 or A19 Pro chip and between 8GB and 12GB of RAM, compared with the current model’s A15 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM.

The rumored device could also support Apple Intelligence and an AI-focused Siri experience. Other reported changes include an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support and a revised Siri Remote.

Images previously obtained of the suspected fourth-generation model did not show any obvious exterior redesign. That suggests the main changes, if the product launches, could be inside the box and in its software capabilities.

Apple TV 4K launch timing and price

The current Apple TV 4K was announced in October 2022, making it nearly four years old. The support-document update follows earlier evidence pointing toward a new generation, and the next model is expected to be announced in October, although Apple has not confirmed that timing.

Pricing could be an important factor for buyers. Apple raised the Apple TV’s price in June amid higher memory chip costs. In the United States, the device now starts at $199, compared with its previous starting price of $129.

Until Apple makes an official announcement, the support-page language should be treated as a hint rather than proof. It does, however, give prospective buyers another reason to wait before purchasing the current Apple TV 4K.