At Apple’s Spring Loaded event, the company launched a follow-up to the antiquated Apple TV 4K, launched 3 years ago in September 2017. The next-gen Apple TV 4K starts at $179 and brings to the table new features for an improved experience.
The design remains the same, but the company improved what mattered the most – the innards.
Main changes introduced in the second-gen Apple TV 4K include a performance boost due to the A12 Bionic chipset, a new remote, high refresh rate support, and smart color calibration.
Starting with the processor, Apple has replaced the older A10X processor with the A12 Bionic, which powers the iPhone XS and XR. Yes, it’s still not the newer A14 Bionic, but the A12 brings noticeable performance improvement for the Apple TV 4K.
Even with its six-core CPU, the A12 Bionic has enabled Apple to play 4K HDR content at higher 60 frames per second(fps). Besides, AirPlay now supports 4K Dolby Vision HDR at higher 60fps. While the old Apple TV 4K already supported different HDR formats like Dolby Vision, the new version plays content at a high frame rate.
Apple is also tabling a new color balance feature that fine-tunes the picture quality when you connect your iPhone to the TV.
A new remote was announced at the event to go along with the new media player. But it works even with the old Apple TV 4K. There’s a new directional pad with gesture support and a Siri button on the side for searching with your voice. A power button has been placed at the top of the remote as well.
The new Apple TV 4K runs the company’s latest tvOS software, launched at the company’s 2020 developer conference. tvOS features extensive services from Apple; Apple Arcade, Fitness+, Apple Music, and AirPlay.
Price and Availability
The Apple TV 4K costs $179(~KES 19 400 ) for 32GB of storage and $199(~KES 21,500) for double the storage space. Apple TV 4K preorders will open April 30, but the devices will ship later “beginning in the second half of May.”
If you own the old Apple TV 4K and only want the new Remote, that’ll cost you $59(~KES 6,400). Of course, availability will start in the US and select markets.
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