I’m obsessed with the new MacBook Neo, but what I really want is a cheap Apple TV 4K
Apple has clearly been hard at work on new product lines, as highlighted by its week of exciting launches, including the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4, as well as extensive upgrades to its Mac range.
While computers aren’t our thing, even I can’t resist the allure of the MacBook Neo, the shiny, affordable star of Apple’s new lineup. I’ve been eyeing the MacBook Neo on Apple’s website, and I’m so intrigued by it that I can almost forgive Apple for not starting a new stream during its new release week… almost.
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Maybe, though, I’ve been wishing for the wrong Apple TV…
Redefine entry level…
Apple is clearly strengthening its entry-level product portfolio. The cheap, fun and powerful new MacBook, and the upgrade to the affordable and capable iPhone 16e prove this. So what about the new affordable Apple TV 4K?
In this instance, I feel Apple should look to Amazon for inspiration in the affordable streaming space. While Amazon offers a flagship streamer in the form of the Fire TV Cube 3rd Generation, there are plenty of streaming options that cost much less.
Take the Fire TV Stick 4K Max 2nd Generation, which snagged a Product of the Year Award from Apple last year, and continues to be a smart, affordable 4K broadcaster. We reviewed it for £70 / $60 / AU$120, but it usually sells for less than that.
That’s a much easier price to swallow than the Apple TV 4K’s £149 / $130 / AU$219 asking price – and, of course, it’s Amazon’s most expensive streaming stick.
If Apple was looking to apply its five-star streaming technology to a device that would appeal to the entry-level market, including students or those looking for a streaming stick for their bedroom or kitchen TV, a cheap Apple TV 4K stick could be just the ticket.
The proposed Apple TV 4Ke or Apple TV 4K Neo would undoubtedly capture the hearts of iPhone users who want the Apple ecosystem to extend to their TVs – and any way to get the best Apple picture and sound on a cheap device would be a dream come true for me.
It would fit well into the new affordable ecosystem that Apple is building. The brand also injects fun and color into these budget segments – take the vibrant Citrus or the Blush pink MacBook Neo – and I wouldn’t be against a more cheerful speaker.
The Google Chromecast with Google TV (may it rest in peace) also comes in a selection of colors, including pink, blue, and white; so a colorful Apple TV broadcast wouldn’t be left field.
Of course, Apple remains tight-lipped about anything related to its AV products, so we’ll have to wait and see what the next Apple TV 4K will look like… if it ever arrives.
MORE:
Read our full Apple TV 4K update
And ours Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review
Also check out our selection of best streaming devices
