More evidence has been discovered this week reinforcing the rumour that Apple is edging closer to launching a new Apple TV supporting both 4K Ultra HD and HDR.
Adding to the evidence is now a snippet of code which has been discovered by developer Guilherme Rambo, referencing both 4K and HDR support in an upcoming Apple TV model.
Discovery in HomePod Firmware
The reference was discovered in the HomePod’s firmware and adds further evidence to the growing rumour that Apple is preparing to launch an Apple TV 4K HDR system. Although no details on a release date or pricing have been leaked as yet, the code also suggests that the 4K Apple TV could support both the Dolby Vision and HDR10 colour formats for high-dynamic-range video. This is significant because Dolby Vision and HDR10 are two of the most popular HDR formats, offering superior picture quality with enhanced contrast and color accuracy.
Previous Evidence and Market Implications
Last week, evidence was discovered in the form of receipts which listed iTunes movies as 4K and HDR in iTunes purchase history. This aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to enhance its ecosystem by offering high-quality content that takes full advantage of its hardware capabilities. The inclusion of 4K and HDR support would make the Apple TV a more competitive option in the streaming device market, which includes rivals like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google’s Chromecast Ultra.
Moreover, the potential support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10 means that users would not be limited to a single HDR format, providing greater flexibility and compatibility with a wider range of content. This could be a significant selling point for consumers who are looking to future-proof their home entertainment systems.
As soon as more information becomes available either from developers or officially from Apple itself, we will keep you up-to-date as always. The anticipation surrounding the new Apple TV model is palpable, and it will be interesting to see how Apple positions this product in its lineup. Will it come with a new design or additional features beyond 4K and HDR support? Only time will tell.
4K HDR Apple TV? CONFIRMED! 😍 pic.twitter.com/nBKg022A4B
— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) 5 August 2017
The potential launch of an Apple TV with 4K and HDR support could also have implications for Apple’s content strategy. With the rise of streaming services and the increasing demand for high-quality video content, Apple could leverage this new hardware to bolster its own streaming service, Apple TV+. Offering 4K HDR content could attract more subscribers and provide a better viewing experience for existing users.
The discovery of 4K and HDR references in the HomePod firmware adds substantial weight to the rumours of an upcoming Apple TV model with these features. While we await official confirmation and further details from Apple, the evidence so far suggests that the company is preparing to make a significant upgrade to its streaming device lineup. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
Source: Engadget : AppleInsider : MacRumors
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