Next-gen Apple TV could output 120Hz video, beta code suggests

Code strings discovered in the latest tvOS 14.5 beta release suggest an expected next-generation Apple TV device will support 120Hz video output.

Current Apple TV models do not incorporate hardware capable of streaming 120Hz 4K content. Aside from internal silicon and operating system limitations, the set-top box's reliance on HDMI 2.0 restricts 4K refresh rates to 60Hz (85Hz at a 16:9 ratio).

According to code uncovered by 9to5Mac, however, Apple appears to be preparing tvOS software for a model capable of outputting high-resolution video at 120Hz. The publication claims multiple instances of text strings including "120Hz" and "supports120Hz" have been added to PineBoard, the system responsible for Apple TV's user interface.

If legitimate, the code suggests a next-generation Apple TV will incorporate the HDMI 2.1 specification to support 120Hz output in 4K.

Apple is widely rumored to unveil a so-called "Apple TV 6" device sometime this year. The revamped streamer is expected to boast a more powerful processor, enhanced gaming capabilities and a redesigned remote control.

More recent rumbling hint at a launch in the coming months, potentially at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

46 Comments

CheeseFreeze 1334 comments · 7 Years

About 3 years ago

I see zero use for an AppleTV now I have the Apple TV+ app on my Samsung TV.
What is the device’s purpose other than supporting users that don’t have such a smart TV yet?

Unless Apple would positioned it more as a console as well, including an exclusive game line-up?

Japhey 1772 comments · 6 Years

This is the first I’ve heard about a potential WWDC announcement. But if Apple is really going all in on gaming, as LOvetodream suggested last fall, then that date starts to make more sense. I’m hoping we won’t have to wait that long, however. Maybe tomorrow will be the day we finally get confirmation on this mythical spring event (fingers crossed).

wood1208 2932 comments · 10 Years

Cheaper streaming devices from Roku and most sold smart TVs today support airplay2 and AppleTV+ App; It's time for Apple build it's own cheaper single SOC based HDMI plug-in streaming device and let the current AppleTV box to go unless Apple has plan for M1 based massive multi-core CPU/GPU console that completes well against XBOX and PS5.

entropys 4302 comments · 13 Years

CheeseFreeze said:

I see zero use for an AppleTV now I have the Apple TV+ app on my Samsung TV.
What is the device’s purpose other than supporting users that don’t have such a smart TV yet?

Unless Apple would positioned it more as a console as well, including an exclusive game line-up?

You can’t count on TV manufacturers updating their Apps after a couple of years, and that includes Samsung, even though it is more reliable in that respect than others. Others may not even have an ATV app, still. A smart TV box is a much cheaper option than a whole new Tele.

But yes, Apple should probably try to get real about games for the Apple ATV, or more generally. Something it hasn't done for well, ever. At least 120 Hz is a sign Apple is at least pondering doing so.

CheeseFreeze said:

I see zero use for an AppleTV now I have the Apple TV+ app on my Samsung TV.
What is the device’s purpose other than supporting users that don’t have such a smart TV yet?

Unless Apple would positioned it more as a console as well, including an exclusive game line-up?

I can’t speak for anyone else, but personally I prefer the UI of my ATV to all the other smart devices in my house. These include tv’s, smart Blu-ray players,Fire sticks, PS4, etc…The UI is just more intuitive to me than those other devices. Also, it’s tight integration with all of my other Apple gear and services, data privacy, Fitness+, and screen savers make it my streamer of choice. After my iPhone, it’s actually my second most used Apple product. It’s not perfect, of course…The TV app is a mess, and the remote’s issues are well documented; but it’s still better than my alternatives. Still holding out hope for that massive gaming upgrade next gen.