New Apple TV 4K Supports WiFi 6, Thread and HDMI 2.1

[MacRumors]

In addition to a new Siri Remote and a faster A12 processor, the refreshed Apple TV 4K that Apple announced today has a number of other notable hardware improvements.

The new Apple TV 4K is equipped with an HDMI 2.1 port instead of an HDMI 2.0a port, and it offers support for 4K 60 fps HDR video output. Code recently found in tvOS 14.5 suggested the new Apple TV could support 4K 120Hz output, but that does not appear to be the case.

Along with HDMI 2.1, the new Apple TV supports 802.11ax WiFi 6 with MIMO. Apple has been introducing WiFi 6 support in its newest devices, and WiFi 6 is the newest and fastest WiFi protocol available with improved speeds, expanded network capacity, lower latency, better power efficiency, and upgraded performance in locations with many smart home devices.

The Apple TV 4K is the second Apple device that has built-in Thread support, following the HomePod mini. Thread is a low-power networking technology that offers a secure, mesh-based system able to interface with other Thread-enabled smart home devices for improved connectivity.

Though not mentioned in the Apple TV specifications, the tvOS 14.5 beta suggests that the new Apple TV model supports eARC, which offers a bandwidth and speed boost for sending higher-quality audio from the TV to a soundbar or receiver.

Article Link: New Apple TV 4K Supports WiFi 6, Thread and HDMI 2.1

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

Wi-Fi 6 is incredible. I never thought they would add it. But I’m not too excited for HDMI 2.1.

 

[Ballis]

Hell yes!

 

[gugy]

I'm interested in the new ATV. I don't have a 4k set but the new remote working in conjunction with my home theater sound like a good option. Plus the Dolby features .

 

[averagenerd81]

Wi-Fi 6 is incredible.

It is. I am finally adding a 802.11ax AP to my home network after reading the benefits of OFDMA and while the increase in speed isn't gigantic, OFDMA is the leap we needed for homes with a lot of WiFi devices.

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

I'm interested in the new ATV. I don't have a 4k set but the new remote working in conjunction with my home theater sound like a good option. Plus the Dolby features .

Don’t forget the new A12 CPU in it.

 

[Squillace]

Any hint if the new AppleTV supports spatial audio on the AirPods Max?

I have a pretty light use of my AppleTV 4, just watching occasional TV channels or movies and shows. I don't have a 4K TV yet but maybe I'll get one in the future. So... I'm kinda divided if it's worth it to buy one or just keep my old AppleTV 4 and just buy the new remote...

Any thoughts ?

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I don’t even have a 4K TV so I’m not too concerned about this, but the remote is interesting and the speed bump might be worth it.

My Apple TV 4K is connected via Ethernet.

Is there a price?

 

[snow755]

Don’t forget the new A12 CPU in it.

I wish that was A14X or M1 on A12 is not much of a upgrade over the A10X I think A12X would have been better

 

[mastercheif91]

Though not mentioned in the ‌Apple TV‌ specifications, the tvOS 14.5 beta suggests that the new ‌Apple TV‌ model supports eARC, which offers a bandwidth and speed boost for sending higher-quality audio from the TV to a soundbar or receiver.

What? This doesn't make any sense. "Source" devices like the AppleTV or a Blu Ray Player don't support ARC or eARC, it's a feature of the TV.

 

[Kylo83]

What’s hdmi 2.1 for if it doesn’t do 120Hz

 

[Kylo83]

Apple have many a12 chips left over and they thought let’s just put it into an Apple TV and give it one new feature hfr

 

[Force332]

Since I haven’t seen it promoted anywhere, I’m assuming the remote doesn’t have a U1 chip and work with Find My. I’m also assuming the new AppleTV doesn’t support Spatial Audio. Those both seemed like no-brainers to me. Swing and a miss. Especially at that price.

 

[dojoman]

What’s hdmi 2.1 for if it doesn’t do 120Hz

I think it's mainly for future proofing eventually Apple can add 4K 120Hz via software update, maybe more apps and games will support it? I've been telling people when they buy new TV get the one with HDMI 2.1 even though they don't have game console. Eventually streaming boxes will have HDMI 2.1 and here it is...

 

[connormw]

Biggest thing is the new remote.

Thank god the old Siri remote is going away. The new remote looks great - keeps Siri and touch controls, but makes the touch not required for basic input. The iPod-like scroll wheel for track jogging looks like an amazing upgrade.

Will be buying a new remote for my current-gen 4K as soon as they're available.

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

Any hint if the new AppleTV supports spatial audio on the AirPods Max?

I have a pretty light use of my AppleTV 4, just watching occasional TV channels or movies and shows. I don't have a 4K TV yet but maybe I'll get one in the future. So... I'm kinda divided if it's worth it to buy one or just keep my old AppleTV 4 and just buy the new remote...

Any thoughts ?

Yes it should. It shouldn’t matter on the model. It is just about the app I think.

 

[Exhale]

What’s hdmi 2.1 for if it doesn’t do 120Hz

Future proofing for the event that they do 120Hz, and eARC.

 

[Dhock_Holiday]

Recently got a newer Samsung TV and it has AppleTV baked in, not really sure what the benefit is as newer TVs that support 4K HDR, HDMI 2.1 already have Netlifx, Amazon etc. built in. For older non-smart TVs I can see the appeal of an Apple TV but a FireStick Lite is $20.

 

[Macintosh IIvx]

Not surprising additions. They're looking to have it continue to be the center of your HomeKit home.

 

[BeefCake 15]

Wi-Fi 6 is incredible.

I'll wait for the WiFi6e version.

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

I'll wait for the WiFi6e version.

Or Wi-Fi 7.

 

[ryanmp]

Any word on audio passthrough with this new model? This is essential to make the Apple TV a true home theatre device.

Although I believe it is software that is limiting this rather than hardware.

 

[jdblas69]

Recently got a newer Samsung TV and it has AppleTV baked in, not really sure what the benefit is as newer TVs that support 4K HDR, HDMI 2.1 already have Netlifx, Amazon etc. built in. For older non-smart TVs I can see the appeal of an Apple TV but a FireStick Lite is $20.

Best benefit for me is Apple TV will be supported with updates for years to come. Most Smart TV manufacturers are not that reliable when it comes to updates and support.

 

[richpjr]

I wish that was A14X or M1 on A12 is not much of a upgrade over the A10X I think A12X would have been better

Kind of surprised by this as well. You can never have too much CPU/GPU for gaming so releasing something based on the A12 seems kind of odd. Cost must be a big factor in this decision.

 

[mwy23]

Since I haven’t seen it promoted anywhere, I’m assuming the remote doesn’t have a U1 chip and work with Find My. I’m also assuming the new AppleTV doesn’t support Spatial Audio. Those both seemed like no-brainers to me. Swing and a miss. Especially at that price.

100% agree; finding these small remotes when they're lost is a pain.