Apple has announced the next generation of Apple TV 4K, delivering high frame rate HDR with Dolby Vision and a new remote.
At the heart of the new Apple TV 4K is the A12 Bionic chip, which Apple says provides a significant boost in graphics performance, video decoding, and audio processing. With the Apple-designed chip, Apple TV 4K now supports high frame rate HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Dolby Vision video, enabling action at 60 frames per second (fps) to play more smoothly and appear more lifelike than ever before, according to Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
He adds that Apple is working with leading video providers around the world, including FOX Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Red Bull TV, and Canal+, as they begin to stream in high frame rate HDR. And with high frame rate support in AirPlay, videos shot on iPhone 12 Pro can be displayed in full 60-fps Dolby Vision on the new Apple TV 4K.
Borcher says that through an innovative color balance process, the Apple TV works with an iPhone and its advanced sensors to improve a television’s picture quality. The set-top box uses the light sensor in iPhone to compare the color balance to the industry-standard specifications used by cinematographers worldwide. Using this data, Apple TV automatically tailors its video output to deliver more accurate colors and improved contrast — without customers ever having to adjust their television settings.
The all-new Siri Remote has a one-piece aluminum design and features a clickpad control that offers five-way navigation for better accuracy, and is also touch-enabled for the fast directional swipes. Apple says the outer ring of the clickpad supports an intuitive circular gesture that turns it into a jog control that’s handy for finding a scene in a movie or show.
The new Siri Remote also has a power button that controls a TV’s power, and another for mute, so it’s the only remote needed while enjoying TV. Using Siri, customers can search for specific shows or movies, control smart home accessories, check sports scores or the weather, and much more. Siri now works on Apple TV in Austria, Ireland, and New Zealand, joining the 13 countries and regions that already support Siri.
The new Apple TV 4K will be available starting at US$179 from apple.com, in the Apple Store app, and Apple Store locations. Apple TV 4K is also available through Apple Authorized Resellers and select pay TV providers. You can order the new Apple TV 4K beginning Friday, April 30, with availability beginning in the second half of May in more than 30 countries and regions, including the U.S.
The Apple TV HD with the new Siri Remote will be available for $149. The new Siri Remote will be available separately for $59,and is compatible with the previous-generation Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.
For the first time, AppleCare+ will be available for Apple TV, providing three years of technical support and additional hardware coverage, including up to two incidents of accidental damage protection every 12 months.
Customers in the U.S. can get 3% Daily Cash back when they buy directly from Apple with Apple Card. And when they choose Apple Card Monthly Installments, they can pay over time, interest-free.
