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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Kyle Wiggers
Kyle Wiggers is a writer, Web designer, and podcaster with an acute interest in all things tech. When not reviewing gadgets…
Did Apple just forget about its brand-new Studio Display?
The Mac Studio and Studio Display on a desk.

Apple neglected to include the Studio Display in its latest iOS update, and the consequences were pretty bad: A lot of users ran into an error when the monitor tried to download the patch.

The issue came to light when Apple updated iOS to 15.4.1 and stopped supporting the previous version.

Read more
New Apple iPad 10.2 sports affordable $299 price for educators
2021 Apple iPad with pencil.

During today's "California Streaming" event, Apple announced a new 10.2-inch iPad featuring a 12MP ultrawide camera, the Center Stage app, and keyboard and Apple pencil support.

 

Read more
New Apple iOS 15 features emerge in Tips app in advance of iPhone 13 launch
Apple's Craig Federighi standing in front of the iOS 15 logo.

One week ahead of Apple’s “California Streaming” event, Apple iPhone users are getting a peek at what the future holds for iOS 15. The Tips app began pushing notifications officially announcing upcoming iOS 15 features that are likely to roll out alongside the iPhone 13, which is widely expected to be unveiled at the September 14 event.

The full preview of iOS 15 is displayed in the Collections section of the Tips app, alongside the preview for iOS 14 and other iPhone guides. We've already done a deep dive into key iOS 15 beta features, but Apple has revealed some new information.

Read more