Should Apple Make Its Own TV for Apple TV?

 Should Apple Make Its Own TV for Apple TV?

Apple is known for redefining product categories — from the smartphone and tablet to smartwatches and wireless earbuds. With its successful Apple TV streaming device and growing presence in content through Apple TV+, a natural question arises: Should Apple make its own television set?

It’s a question that’s floated around for years, stirring speculation and debate in both tech and entertainment circles. While Apple has stayed quiet on the subject, the idea of an “Apple TV” that is both the screen and the smart system itself remains compelling. But is it the right move? Let’s break down the case for and against Apple making its own smart TV.

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Why Apple Should Make a TV

1. Seamless Hardware and Software Integration

Apple’s real magic lies in its tight grip on both hardware and software. Picture this: a dedicated Apple TV set that offers an all-in-one experience that’s way better than what you get with regular smart TVs. Imagine a screen that’s perfectly tuned for Apple TV+, with spatial audio that’ll make your ears pop, AirPlay that lets you stream music and videos from your iPhone or iPad, gaming with Apple Arcade that’ll keep you entertained for hours, and FaceTime calls that are crystal clear. All this is seamlessly integrated into the OS and hardware, a true testament to Apple’s expertise.

2. Expanding the Ecosystem

Apple loves to keep its users locked into its ecosystem. If they introduce a TV, it’ll be another device that just works seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and HomePods. Imagine a dedicated Apple TV that’s not just a TV, but also a smart home hub, a gaming console, and an entertainment centre all rolled into one. It’ll pull users even deeper into the Apple universe!

3. Premium TV Experience

There's been a growing demand for high-end, design-focused TVs? Well, if anyone can deliver a visually stunning, minimalist television with studio-grade calibration, it’s Apple. Imagine a super-thin OLED panel with computational display tech, advanced HDR tuning, and a build quality that’s simply breathtaking. Apple could do for the TV what it did for smartphones with the iPhone - raise the bar and make it truly exceptional!

4. Monetization Through Content

Apple TV+ is on the rise, and with its growing content quality and recognition, owning the screen could make it easier for them to promote their original content. This could lead to increased subscriber retention and ad revenue (if Apple ever decides to enter the ad revenue space).

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Why Apple Might Stay Away

1. Low Margins and Cutthroat Competition

So, unlike phones or laptops, TVs are a bit of a different ball game. They’re a low-margin business, and big names like Samsung, LG, and TCL are the ones that really make the moves. Most people are pretty price-conscious when it comes to TVs, and they last a long time too - people upgrade their phones every few years, but TVs can last a decade or more. This might make it a bit less appealing to Apple, since they’re all about making high-margin, frequently refreshed products.

2. Apple TV (the box) Already Works Well

The Apple TV 4K box is a game-changer, bringing the Apple experience to any TV, no matter how big or small. Whether you’re on a tight budget with a $400 model or splurging on a $3,000 OLED, you can still enjoy Apple’s ecosystem without breaking the bank. For Apple, it’s a win-win situation - they can sell a $129 box that’s easy to manufacture and support, while still allowing customers to choose the best screen for their needs.

3. Strategic Partnerships Already Exist

Apple has been clever about integrating its services into other companies’ products. For instance, AirPlay and the Apple TV app are now available on many smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio. This reach reduces the need to build a proprietary display from scratch.

4. Innovation Risk

TV innovation has slowed down compared to mobile devices. Apple could definitely make the TV experience better, but there’s a chance it wouldn’t feel groundbreaking enough to justify the likely high price tag. People might not be ready to pay “Apple pricing” for something that’s usually pretty affordable like a TV.

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So… Should Apple Do It?

 If Apple can truly reinvent the TV, not just slap a logo on a fancy panel, then there’s definitely potential. Imagine a beautifully designed, deeply integrated Apple TV that becomes the heart of your modern smart home. It could be the ultimate entertainment, communication, and home automation hub.

But if it’s just about jumping into a crowded market for the sake of hardware expansion, Apple might be better off sticking to what it does best: dominating the living room through software, partnerships, and its existing streaming box.

Apple has never been in a hurry to enter markets unless it feels it can make a real difference. So, if and when an Apple-branded TV does come, it’s likely to be more than just a screen. It’ll be a statement, a true game-changer!