Skip to main content

We can only hope the new Apple TV interface looks as gorgeous as this concept

We likely won’t get a glimpse at the upcoming Apple TV before Apple’s big event on September 9, but that hasn’t stopped an imaginative designer from putting his vision of Apple’s latest on paper. Earlier this week, Boston Area developer and graphic artist Andrew Ambrosino published a stunning series of Apple TV user interface mock-ups that, in our estimation, would make any of the engineers at the Cupertino compound proud.

First, a primer on the new Apple TV. It’s reportedly taller and thicker than previous models, packs a more powerful processor and memory, and comes packaged with a Bluetooth touchpad remote. On the software side, it will run iOS 9, and is expected to sport a dedicated App Store, Siri support, and a universal search function. In addition, the device is a planned arbiter of Apple’s new Internet TV service, though we likely won’t see that incorporated until long after the hardware launches due to recent complications in putting the pieces together there.

Ambrosino’s concept incorporates all the information about the next-gen Apple TV that’s leaked so far and more. Siri’s present as an overlay that not only interprets your commands, but suggests relevant apps, TV shows, and movies in addition. A screen saver, unlocked by a swipe gesture on the rumored touchpad remote, shows the time, day, and date set against a gorgeous, configurable background. And a revamped app launcher features a translucent backdrop and icons with drop shadows.

Not every concept is so plausible, though. In Ambrosino’s work, Apple’s Glances feature makes the jump from the Apple Watch with useful info like stories from the New York Times. There’s universal picture-in-picture for video apps. And there’s an interface for that forthcoming live TV service, replete with a list of channels and playback controls.

Reliable leaker 9to5Mac reports that the “overall aesthetic” of the new Apple TV’s software will remain largely the same, but that’s not to suggest Ambrosino’s vision isn’t prescient. The addition of an app store will necessitate the need for a tweaked home screen, after all, and the touchpad will undoubtedly support nifty wake gestures. And though Apple’s purportedly stalled in negotiations with content providers for its TV streaming service, who’s to say the Apple TV might not get PIP or Glances in some form even before the service makes its debut?

At any rate, Ambrosino’s vision is a beautiful one, and there’s nothing wrong with a little wishful thinking, after all. If this mock up isn’t in line with what’s coming down the pike on September 9, maybe even Apple will want to take note.

Editors' Recommendations

Kyle Wiggers
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kyle Wiggers is a writer, Web designer, and podcaster with an acute interest in all things tech. When not reviewing gadgets…
Apple finally releases iOS 14.5 with new privacy features and Find My app update
iPhone 12 models

After months of beta testing and delays, Apple has finally announced the release of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5, the latest and greatest versions of Apple's mobile operating systems featuring a series of long-awaited features.

Perhaps the most notable -- and most controversial -- new feature is App Tracking Transparency, also called ATT. The feature essentially allows users to determine whether or not apps are allowed to track them across other apps and services. This tracking tactic is used by the likes of Facebook and Google to collect data on users that could ultimately be used to advertise to them.

Read more
Apple’s new 12.9-inch iPad Pro has mini-LED backlighting. Here’s what that means
iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) vs. iPad Pro 11 (2021)

Apple's latest and greatest iPad Pro is getting a feature that's only recently made its way into televisions and is already transforming that industry. Along with a new iMac, Apple TV 4K, and Air Tags announced at the Apple Spring Loaded event on April 20, 2021, the company debuted a new 12.9-inch version of its iPad Pro which comes with a new Liquid Retina XDR display powered by mini-LED technology. Here's what that means and how it will improve the iPad experience.

Backlight Basics
To better understand mini-LED backlighting tech, it helps to know how LCD-based screens like those used in phones and tablets have historically worked. Unlike OLED screens which have individual pixels that generate their own light (called an emissive display), LCD screens need a light source.

Read more
New Apple TV 4K gets more power, new Siri remote
Apple TV 4K 2021 with new Siri remote

After what seems like years of rumors and dashed expectations, Apple finally announced a new Apple TV 4K at its Spring Loaded Event today.

The new streaming media device, which made its debut alongside a range of colorful iMacs and a pair of M1-equipped iPad Pros, looks identical to the previous model, that is until you look at the Siri remote. The remote control has been given a complete revamp and now looks a lot like the aluminum remote that shipped with the third-gen Apple TV.

Read more