If you’re hankering for 4K support on your next Apple TV device, you might have to wait a bit.
Sources close to the story stated that the fourth-generation Apple TV will not support 4K content streaming at launch.
“4K is great, but it’s still in its infancy,” said an unnamed source.
In November, a report claimed Apple’s latest A8 system-on-chip as found in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus was capable of outputting 4K video. If Apple sticks with convention the chip will likely power a next-generation Apple TV, leading some to believe the set-top box would also offer 4K support.
Given that 4K video is still very much a niche product, however, Apple’s supposed decision to not include the tech makes sense. As seen with fledgling services from Netflix, Amazon and Sony, the amount of 4K content available can be considered limited at best. Further, only a handful of expensive televisions are capable of displaying ultra high-definition.
Cost remains a factor, as 4K has yet to benefit from serious industry competition and, with low uptake relative to vanilla high-definition hardware, does not enjoy attractive prices afforded by economies of scale.
On Apple’s side, bandwidth support for 4K streaming would put tremendous strain on its existing content delivery network. Apple began migrating downloads to in-house infrastructure last July in preparation of iOS 8, but it is unclear if the network would be able to serve up 4K content. Consumer-grade broadband is also a problem, as many U.S. household connections simply can’t handle speeds required for 4K streaming, the report said.
No word has been given as to when Apple may include 4K support in its Apple TV hardware.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via BuzzFeed News and AppleInsider