The new Apple TV model can offer a frame rate as high as 120 Hz at 4K resolution.
Thanks to tvOS 14.5 beta , it turned out that the new Apple TV model will support 120 Hz playback at 4K resolution . 9to5Mac underlines that the current generation cannot offer such support due to hardware limitations.
It is also among the information that there are more than one reference “120Hz” and “supports120Hz” in the Pineboard of tvOS . Note that PineBoard is the internal name of the system that controls the Apple TV interface, similar to the SpringBoard on iPhone and iPad. These references show that the company is testing the 120 Hz mode for Apple TV, at least internally.
The current Apple TV 4K model is not able to support 120 Hz even with a software update. This is because the current generation Apple TV is equipped with an HDMI 2.0 port limited to 4K resolution at 60 Hz. An HDMI 2.1 port is required to enable 4K resolution at 120 Hz . When the refresh rate is higher, the interface feels much smoother, while games can also take advantage of this technology. Of course, it is imperative to have a 120 Hz compatible TV.
In 2019, there were rumors that a new Apple TV model with HDMI 2.1 port was being developed. In addition, the device was said to have the A12 chip . Even references to the model appeared in the tvOS 13.4 beta version. On the other hand, no such model was ever released.
The new Apple TV model is expected to be released this year.
