Yesterday, a new FCC filing was uncovered by Engadget, revealing a new Apple TV model seemingly set for release in the near future. While initial rumors claimed that the device would be slightly smaller than previous Apple TVs, Apple has confirmed in a statement to TheNextWeb that the device will not be smaller – instead, it will only feature modestly-updated internal hardware.
…the new Apple TV will, in fact, not be physically smaller and it won’t be marketed as a new version.
Instead, it appears that this will simply be a ‘stealthy’ refresh that changes some of the internals of the product without a full model refresh or any physical changes.
“We sometimes make component changes which require an updated model number for regulatory approval,” an Apple spokesperson told TNW. “The component changes we made don’t affect product features and Apple TV customers will continue to have the same great user experience.”
The updated Apple TV will feature an upgraded A5x processor similar (or perhaps identical) to the one used in the iPhone 5. The new Apple TV model was first discovered within Apple’s latest Apple TV update, which added Bluetooth keyboard support and other features to the device. Apple filed the paperwork with the FCC back in December of 2012.
It’s unclear exactly when the new Apple TV will be released – but judging by the fact that paperwork has already been filed with the FCC, it will likely launch sooner rather than later.
