The Apple TV 4K, while primarily a streaming device, holds significant untapped potential as a gaming platform. Despite Apple‘s focus on streaming and services, a few key upgrades could transform the Apple TV 4K into a compelling gaming destination without shifting to a dedicated console model.
Apple TV Aims for Gaming Upgrade Without Console Shift
One crucial step is integrating the Games app, already available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, into tvOS. This app serves as a centralized hub for gaming, consolidating Game Center features, a game launcher, and a discovery tool. The macOS version particularly stands out, aggregating games from various stores like Steam and Epic Games. Currently, the Apple TV 4K only offers the Apple Arcade app, which lacks the comprehensive functionality of the Games app. Integrating the Games app on tvOS would provide a unified platform for users to launch, discover, and engage with games, significantly improving the gaming experience. Apple could further enhance usability by automatically launching the Games app upon connecting a Bluetooth game controller, mirroring the behavior of the Siri Remote’s TV/Home button.
Limited compatibility
While Apple has supported Bluetooth game controllers on tvOS since 2019, alongside the launch of Apple Arcade, the functionality remains limited. Although Xbox and PlayStation controllers can navigate menus and control media playback, they lack key features of the Siri Remote, such as Siri activation, Apple TV 4K power control, and TV volume adjustment. Addressing these limitations, even if some stem from Bluetooth constraints, would greatly improve the user experience and incentivize gaming on the platform. Enhanced controller functionality could drive greater engagement with Apple Arcade and a potential Apple Games app.
Game Mode: a step forward
The introduction of Game Mode with macOS Sonoma in 2023, followed by its arrival on iOS, provides another opportunity for enhancement. Game Mode optimizes performance by allocating system resources to games and reducing latency. Given tvOS’s shared foundation with iOS, porting Game Mode to the Apple TV 4K is a logical step. The current Apple TV 4K utilizes the A15 Bionic chip, similar to the iPhone 13. Adapting iOS features for larger, high-resolution screens can be challenging, but Game Mode appears readily adaptable, promising improved performance and reduced latency for a smoother gaming experience.
Implementing Game Mode on tvOS would allow the A15 Bionic chip to dedicate more resources to gaming, optimizing CPU and GPU usage, and enhancing Bluetooth sampling rates for lower latency with wireless headphones and controllers. This optimization would make existing games run better and open the door to more demanding titles.
Beyond software improvements, upgrading the Apple TV 4K’s hardware is essential. While the A15 Bionic is adequate for streaming, it’s not on par with modern iPhone chips in terms of gaming capabilities. An iPhone 17 Pro, powered by the A19 Pro, can handle demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, while the M-series chips in iPad Pro and iPad Air offer impressive gaming performance. While an M1 chip in the Apple TV 4K might be unlikely, incorporating a more recent A-series chip, such as the A17 Pro or A18 Pro, is a feasible upgrade.
In September 2025, reports indicated that a new Apple TV model would feature a faster processor and the N1 chip. These improvements are intended to support Apple Intelligence and a revamped Siri, but they could also significantly enhance gaming capabilities. A faster processor would enable higher fidelity graphics, more complex game mechanics, and smoother gameplay experiences.
The Apple TV 4K already exhibits surprising gaming capabilities, but these enhancements would bridge the performance gap and allow for more complex gaming experiences. By integrating the Games app, enhancing controller functionality, implementing Game Mode, and upgrading the processor, Apple can significantly improve the Apple TV 4K’s gaming prowess.
Apple can make it happen if they
Apple already possesses the necessary components to create a compelling gaming experience on the Apple TV 4K. Building a dedicated console might be unnecessary. Instead, these practical, incremental changes could have a significant impact. A revitalized Apple TV 4K, optimized for gaming, could solidify its position as the ultimate entertainment hub for the living room, appealing to both casual and dedicated gamers.
Follow us on Bluesky , LinkedIn , and X to Get Instant Updates
