The next-generation Apple TV will reportedly transform the Apple Watch into a remote control. Its new software development kit will allow developers to produce more third-party apps for the Apple set-top box.
It is yet to be revealed exactly how the Apple Watch will operate the Apple TV. However, the Apple smartwatch will be the "primary input device" for the Apple TV, according to Mashable.
Apple is planning to launch the newest version of its Apple TV next month. That will be at the tech giant's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Previous reports mentioned that the device would be bundled with an updated remote, featuring touchpad controls and Siri functionality. Apple also will reportedly launch a future wireless TV service.
Since Apple's Steve Jobs era, Apple has been interested in becoming a major player in the TV set industry. However, due to being unable to license the same live video quality as cable companies, it has reduced the scope of its product line to Apple TV, according to Venture Beat.
In the past, major holders of content rights such as Warner Brothers and HBO, gave exclusive distribution rights to Pay TV providers. That included cable TV and satellite TV companies.
However, the TV industry landscape is changing quickly. For example, HBO now offers its convent through HBO Now on Apple TV, without requiring a cable subscription.
Besides providing the content of full set-top box, the new Apple TV will even resemble its structure and tech. That includes doubling its motherboard's size, and adding tons of extra onboard storage.
John Paczkowski, a BuzzFeed writer, has explained that Apple's strategy it not simply using the Apple TV to grab streaming TV market share. Instead, it wants to become a fixture in the so-called "digital living room."
The last Apple TV model was unveiled in 2012. Apple recently slashed the price from $99 to $69.