Back in 2017, Apple announced the 4K version of its popular 2015 Apple TV box. Since then, it seems the tech giant completely forgot about the product. Well, that was not so now as Apple has finally introduced a much-awaited refreshed version – meet the second-gen Apple TV 4K. The new model this time around comes with a powerful chipset, a new premium remote, and smart features. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Second-Gen Apple TV 4K Comes with A12 Bionic Chipset
The refreshed version of the smart TV box uses the company’s in-house A12 Bionic chipset. It’s the same chipset that powers the iPhone XS and iPhone XR. The chipset has six cores with two high-performance ones and four power-efficient ones. It also has a quad-core GPU. The second-gen version of the product supports 4K HDR video playback in 60fps. Furthermore, you can now directly AirPlay the 4K 60fps Dolby Vision videos from iPhone to Apple TV. Sadly, it will stay exclusive to the iPhone 12 series.
The iPhone maker has also added a new improved remote that comes with Siri integration. With the new remote, the company has brought a new and improved design with a circular direction pad. The surface is touch-sensitive meaning you can swipe on it to navigate through the UI. The remote also has a Siri button. It also supports a mute and power button allowing you to directly control your television.
Another good addition is the smart color calibration feature that leverages your iPhone’s sensors. For this feature, you need an iPhone with a Face ID and at least iOS 14.5. In this feature, you start the Color Balance option and then hold the front of your iPhone within the marked area on your screen. This feature should come in handy if you’re unhappy with your television color calibration.
Apple has also partnered with a bunch of television networks to bring their high frame rate HDR content to the product. We’re talking about Fox Sports, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, Red Bull TV, and Canal+.
Pricing and Availability
Apple TV 4K will be available for purchase as from coming Friday, April 30 and will cost around $179. While the pre-orders will kickstart later this month, the product will only be available in the second half of May. The new product will make its way to more than 30 countries and regions.
