With the next upcoming version of the Apple TV, the Apple brand’s media player, the manufacturer could integrate a camera into the device. As a result, users could make FaceTime video calls without needing to use their iPhone or iPad.
As you may know, Apple officially deployed tvOS 17 in June 2023. With this new version of its OS dedicated to Apple TV, the Apple brand introduced for the first time on its media player (in version 4K) FaceTime.
In this way, Apple TV 4K users can make FaceTime video calls directly to their TV via a dedicated FaceTime app. They can also transfer a video call started on their iPhone or iPad to their Apple TV. To do this, however, users must configure their Apple smartphone or tablet asCamera Continuity.
In other words, you can’t FaceTime your Apple TV without having an iPhone or iPad. At least, for now. Indeed, according to renowned journalist Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is currently working on a new version of its media player. According to him, this version could be equipped with an integrated camera.
Also read: Apple will cut off access to FaceTime, Siri, and other iMessages on older iPhones
An Apple TV soon equipped with an integrated camera?
In this way, theUsers would no longer need to use their iPhone or iPad like a webcam to make video calls on their TV via Apple TV. Still according to the journalist, the device would also support gesture controls thanks to this camera. We imagine that Apple is trying here to reproduce what was done with FaceTime on iOS 17.
As a reminder, the latest version of the OS allows add reactions during a video call with simple hand gestures. Users can, for example, make a heart appear on the screen by miming a heart with their fingers, or trigger a shower of confetti by making the V for Victory with both hands. It also remains to be seen whether gestures will be limited only to FaceTime or if we can use them to navigate the Apple TV interface. Of course, this information should be taken with a grain of salt, due to lack of confirmation from Apple.