# Is Apple TV 8K? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-apple-tv-8k/ - Published: 2024-07-24 - Author: Kara Masterson - Categories: [Technology](https://33rdsquare.com/category/tech/) --- As a streaming media enthusiast, you may be wondering if the latest Apple TV 4K supports ultra-high resolution 8K video. I‘ve explored this topic in detail to provide insights on Apple TV‘s capabilities now and where it‘s headed for 8K support. ## What is 8K resolution? First, let‘s quickly understand what 8K resolution is. – 8K resolution contains 7680 x 4320 pixels, which is 33.2 megapixels in total. – This is 4 times the pixel resolution of 4K content (3840 x 2160 pixels). – It provides incredibly sharp visuals with fine details that can be seen even on large screens. According to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), to fully appreciate 8K resolution, you need a minimum screen size of 65-inches when viewing from 9 feet away. Sitting closer allows you to enjoy 8K clarity on smaller screens too. ## Current generation Apple TV 4K maxes out at 4K The current 4th generation Apple TV 4K model supports the following video formats: – Up to 2160p 4K resolution at 60 fps – High Dynamic Range (HDR10, Dolby Vision) – Surround sound (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, Dolby Atmos) **It does not have native support for 8K resolution**. The max resolution it can decode and display is 4K UHD. According to Apple, the Apple TV 4K uses the A12 Bionic chip with a proprietary upscaling mechanism to enhance HD/4K content. But it still tops out at 4K. ## Apple TV hardware technically capable of 8K Although limited by software, Apple TV‘s hardware should be able to support 8K playback. Here are its relevant specs: – **HDMI 2.1** – The Apple TV 4K has an HDMI 2.1 port that can handle up to 10K resolution at 120 fps. This meets the HDMI bandwidth requirements for 8K at 60fps. – **A12 Bionic chip** – The A12 chip can decode high resolution 4K HEVC streams at 60fps. With hardware acceleration, it should be able to decode 8K streams as well. – **32 GB storage** – Local storage is enough to buffer 8K video segments temporarily during streaming. So in summary, the HDMI 2.1 interface and fast A12 chip give Apple TV 4K the *hardware* capability for 8K support. But this is contingent on having the supporting software. ## 8K streaming services and content availability A key factor limiting 8K support is that there is currently minimal 8K content available to stream. According to Nielsen data, as of 2022 less than 1% of U.S. households own an 8K TV. Major streaming platforms have little incentive to offer 8K given the tiny user base. Some key stats on 8K streaming content availability: – Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Apple TV+ do not support 8K yet. – YouTube has some demo 8K videos but 8K streaming not enabled on Apple TV. – While Samsung and LG have 8K smart TVs, they mostly run demo reels rather than full content. Until more 8K native content is produced and made available, Apple TV has no reason to enable 8K streaming. For now, streaming services are focused on expanding their 4K and HDR libraries. ## When will Apple TV support 8K streaming? Reliable analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo predict that Apple is working on a new Apple TV model planned for 2024. It is expected to have an upgraded A14 Bionic chip. **However, Kuo has indicated that this Apple TV revision will continue to top out at 4K.** It seems 8K support may not arrive until few more years. According to J.D. Power research, 8K TV ownership in the U.S. is only expected to reach 12% by 2025. Streaming services are likely to wait until 8K TV adoption rises further before introducing 8K tiers. So while Apple TV may technically be ready for 8K, limited content availability will keep the next generation focused on 4K as well. ## How does Apple TV compare to other streaming devices? Among major competitors in the streaming device market, current support for 8K is limited across the board: – **Roku**: No Roku devices currently support more than 4K. The newest Roku Ultra (2022) and Roku Streaming Stick 4K max out at 4K 60fps. – **Amazon Fire TV**: The Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Cube top out at 4K. Fire TV models do not have HDMI 2.1 ports needed for 8K. – **Nvidia Shield TV**: The high-end 2019 Shield TV Pro model supports 8K playback since it runs Android TV. But content options are scarce. Therefore, Apple is not alone in lacking 8K support in this product segment. Across the industry, streaming devices remain focused on 4K video for now. However, as 8K content slowly becomes available over the next 2-3 years, I expect premium streaming boxes to add 8K compatibility. The aforementioned HDMI 2.1 ports will help devices like Apple TV handle 8K smoothly when the time comes. ## Should you care about 8K for Apple TV today? For most consumers shopping for an Apple TV in 2022 and 2023, 8K support should not be a major concern. Here are some reasons why you can ignore 8K for now: – **You probably don‘t own an 8K TV** – As mentioned earlier, 8K TV adoption is still under 1% in the U.S. Even 4K TV ownership stands at just 25% per CTA research. – **Viewing distance matters more** – From a typical couch viewing distance of 9 to 10 feet, you are unlikely to notice a major difference between 4K and 8K on TVs smaller than 65-inches. – **Internet speeds insufficient** – Streaming native 8K requires internet speeds of around 50 Mbps minimum based on YouTube‘s recommendations. Median U.S. internet speed is currently closer to 100 Mbps. – **Apple TV 4K provides excellent 4K experience** – With deep integration of tvOS with 4K HDR content, Apple TV 4K already delivers superb visual quality for today‘s streaming needs. If you already own one of the latest high-end 8K TVs, it‘s understandable to want 8K readiness. But for a majority of buyers, the Apple TV 4K is arguably the best 4K streaming box available, even without 8K. ## When will 8K streaming be mainstream? While Apple TV may not get 8K support for a few years, major industry players are gearing up for the rise of 8K streaming slowly but surely: – **Motion Picture Association** – Movie studios have stepped up shooting films in 6K/8K resolution anticipating demand for ultra-high resolution home viewing. – **YouTube** – It already supports limited 8K streaming for early adopters. YouTube plans to expand its 8K content library moving forward. – **Samsung, LG** – The TV giants are pushing 8K aggressively in their flagship TV lines and building user familiarity. – **Nvidia** – Its latest RTX 40 series GPUs are optimized for 8K gaming and streaming which helps create an 8K content pipeline. According to market research firm OMDIA, 8K TV demand could reach 25 million units globally by 2025, putting adoption at just under 10% worldwide. If this forecast holds true, Apple TV and other streaming devices will likely enable 8K streaming support within 2-3 years. So while broader mainstream availability of 8K content may not arrive before 2025, expect incremental progress until then. ## Conclusion In summary, the current Apple TV 4K tops out at 4K streaming and does not yet support 8K. While its HDMI 2.1 port and A12 chip give it the hardware capability, 8K video decoding is not enabled at the software level due to lack of content. It remains unlikely that the next Apple TV coming in 2024 will be 8K compatible either, given low 8K TV adoption. However, as 8K TV sales rise in the coming years, Apple will eventually bring 8K support to Apple TV to stay competitive. For now, Apple TV 4K offers phenomenal performance as a 4K HDR streamer. While 8K streaming may still be 3 or more years away, Apple TV owners can enjoy the best in 4K viewing until then. --- Source: [Is Apple TV 8K?](https://33rdsquare.com/is-apple-tv-8k/)