Apple's gaming ambitions for its Apple TV have fluctuated since the introduction of the device more than a decade ago. The Apple TV has struggled to establish itself as a competitive gaming platform, particularly due to hardware limitations and the evolving gaming landscape. Initially, the device featured a A8 chip and supported select iOS games and MFi controllers, but these efforts did not yield significant success.
In 2019, the launch of Apple Arcade allowed Xbox and PlayStation controllers to connect with the Apple TV, although the platform still faced challenges, including a strict 4GB app bundle size. The following year, an upgrade to the A12 chip provided a minor performance boost, but it came at the cost of compatibility with previous game titles due to changes in the Siri Remote design. Currently, the Apple TV is powered by an A15 chip, yet it has not benefited from the gaming enhancements seen on other Apple devices.
Looking ahead, Apple plans to introduce a new chip, potentially the A17 Pro, which could enhance gaming capabilities significantly. The anticipation surrounding upcoming Apple events, which have featured major gaming titles, suggests that the company may be preparing for a renewed focus on gaming for the Apple TV. Key improvements, like the introduction of the Apple Games app, could be pivotal for the platform's future success.