We’ve been hearing rumors about the next generation of Apple TV for over a year, and although more evidence has been found, Apple’s plans for its set-top box remain unknown. But, 9to5Mac found references to 120Hz support in the tvOS 14.5 beta code, something that would not work on the current generation Apple TV due to the hardware limitations.
Several references to ‘120Hz’ and ‘supports120Hz’ have been added to tvOS’s PineBoard in the latest beta. For those unfamiliar with the matter, PineBoard is the internal name of the system that controls the Apple TV interface, similar to the SpringBoard on iPhone and iPad. These references strongly suggest that Apple test at least a 120Hz mode for Apple TV internally.
However, it’s important to note that the current Apple TV 4K does not support 120Hz, even with a software update. This is because the current generation Apple TV is equipped with an HDMI 2.0 port, which is limited to 4K resolution at 60Hz. To enable 4K resolution at 120Hz, an HDMI 2.1 port is required.
With a higher refresh rate, the interface will feel much smoother – and games can also benefit from this technology. Of course, this also requires a 120Hz compatible TV.
Back in 2019, a source told 9to5Mac that a new Apple TV model with an HDMI 2.1 port was in development. At the same time, the learner known as Longhorn said that the new Apple TV (identified as Apple TV 11.1) will contain the A12 chip. More references about this model were found in the tvOS 13.4 beta, but Apple never introduced this product.
More recently, Bloomberg reported that an upgraded Apple TV is still on track for 2021, and although we believed it would have a new remote, it appeared that Apple was only working with cable companies to provide a universal remote control that works with the Apple TV works.
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