Apple TV 4K (Generation 5) Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 195
Article Title = Apple TV 4K (Generation 5) Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 12th September 2017
Article Last Updated = 22nd September 2017
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?195

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Apple TV (Generation 5)

Q. When was the Apple TV 4K (generation 5) launched?

A. The Apple TV 4K (generation 5) was announced on the 12th September 2017 with pre-orders on 15th September 2017 and it started shipping on the 22nd September 2017.

Q. What's different about the 4K 5th generation model versus the older models?

A. Quite a lot:

Faster processor (A10X)
2160p video output (4K)
Dolby Vision and HDR10 support
Gigabit Ethernet
802.11ac Wi‑Fi with MIMO; simultaneous dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
Bluetooth 5.0
HDMI v2.0a

Q. What models are available?

A. There are two models - one with 32GB of storage and the other with 64GB.

Q. Is the Apple TV (generation 4) still available?

A. Yes - but only with 32GB.

Q. What happens if I lose/break the remote control?

Q. Can you buy extra remotes e.g. for multi=player gaming?

A. Yes. They are available direct from Apple (£59 in the UK).

Q. Does the Siri remote control require a battery/charging?

A. The Siri remote has a built in battery that requires charging but it should last several months without needing to be charged. When it does need to be charged it has a lightning connector so it can easily be charged using a standard Apple USB to lightning cable and charger.

Q. Does the new Apple TV still support AirPlay?

A. Yes.

Q. Do I need a 4K compatible TV to watch 4K content?

A. Apple TV will scale down 4K content if you don't have a 4K TV but to get the proper higher quality benefit of 4K content you must have a 4K compatible TV.

Q. Can I buy 4K content on iTunes?

A. Yes - Apple stated that the cost is the same as normal HD content.

Q. I've previously bought film/TV content on iTunes. Is there an upgrade for the same content in 4K?

A. Yes - Apple stated that any previously purchased iTunes content that becomes available in 4K will automatically be made available to previous purchasers free of charge.

Q. Will Netflix 4K content be available?

A. Yes.

Q. Will Amazon Prime 4K content be available?

A. Yes, when the Amazon Prime app launches.

Q. Will YouTube 4K content be available?

A. No. YouTube streams 4K content using a video format "VP9" - this is a codec that the Apple TV does not support.

Q. Can I download 4K content to play at a later time?

A. No. 4K content needs a minimum 25Mb/s download speed because the content bitrates/file sizes are so large - for this reason 4K content is streamed and not downloaded/stored on the Apple TV device.

Q. Does the TV app work in European countries?

A. Apple stated that it is coming to France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the UK by the end of 2017.

Q. Is the BBC iPlayer service available on the new Apple TV in the UK?

A. Yes it is

Q. I've seen various web sites, articles, videos that show programmes/TV/films that do not appear to be available on my Apple TV?

A. Apps, streaming services, TV programmes and films are all region specific. Some of them may not be available in the country where you are located.

Q. I've heard there are Made For iOS (MFi) game controllers. What's available?

A. We've put together a list:

NOTE:

SteelSeries Nimbus - coming soon…
Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i - buy it now at
SteelSeries Stratus XL - buy it now at
Hori HoriPad - buy it now at
SteelSeries Stratus - buy it now at
Gamevice for iPad mini - buy it now at
Gamevice for iPhone 6 - buy it now at
Gamevice for iPad Air - coming soon…
MOGA Rebel MFi - buy it now at
Mad Catz Micro C.T.R.L.i - buy it now at
MOGA Ace Power - buy it now at
Logitech PowerShell - buy it now at

NOTE:

not

Ion iCade Mobile - buy it now at

Q. With my older Apple TVs I used to use my iPhone/iPad/iPod touch as a "remote control" with the Apple Remote iOS app. Does this work with the Apple TV 4K (generation 5)?

A. Yes, there's a new app

Q. Does the new Apple TV have it's own operating system?

A. Yes - it's called "tvOS".

the tvOS 11.3 bug fix/security update was released on 29th March 2018.
the tvOS 11.2.6 bug fix/security update was released on 19th February 2018.
the tvOS 11.2.5 bug fix/security update was released on 23rd January 2018.
the tvOS 11.2.1 bug fix/security update was released on 14th December 2017.
the tvOS 11.2 bug fix/security update was released on 4th December 2017.
the tvOS 11.1 bug fix/security update was released on 31st October 2017.
tvOS 11 was released on 19th September 2017 and included:

Home screen syncing
Automatic switching between light and dark mode based on local time. On your Apple TV go to Settings > General > Appearance > select "Automatic"
Full support for AirPods
AirPlay 2 support
New background modes and notification support
iOS Control Center support - iOS 11 or later required. Add your Apple TV and setup via Settings app > Control Center on your iOS device.

For more FAQ, especially about tvOS, see our Apple TV (generation 4) article.

Article Keywords: AppleTV Apple TV gen generation 5 tvOS tvOS11 4K 2160p HDR10 Dolby Vision

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