Apple TV 4K to Stream Hi-Res Lossless Music with tvOS 27 Update
Apple Music is expanding Hi-Res Lossless audio support to the Apple TV 4K with the upcoming tvOS 27 update. This allows subscribers with compatible external speakers to experience studio-quality sound, a significant upgrade from the previous 24-bit/48 kHz limit. The developer beta is available now, with a general release expected this fall.
Key points
- Apple Music is enabling Hi-Res Lossless audio playback on Apple TV 4K devices via the tvOS 27 software update.
- This feature allows playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz for subscribers using compatible external speaker outputs.
- Previously, Apple TV 4K supported Lossless audio up to 24-bit/48 kHz but not Hi-Res Lossless.
- The tvOS 27 developer beta is currently available, with the final version anticipated for general release in the fall.
- Lossless audio maintains original data fidelity, potentially improving sound quality, though the extent of audible difference is debated.
Apple is bringing higher fidelity audio streaming to its television platform. The upcoming tvOS 27 update will introduce support for Hi-Res Lossless audio playback for Apple Music subscribers on compatible Apple TV 4K models.
This enhancement means users with appropriate external audio equipment can now access studio-quality sound, reaching up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution. This represents a significant leap from the previous limitation of 24-bit/48 kHz standard Lossless audio that tvOS 26 offered. While Lossless audio is designed to preserve original sound data for a potentially richer listening experience, the audibility of higher resolutions remains a point of discussion among audiophiles.
Registered developers can currently test the new capabilities through the tvOS 27 developer beta program. The wider public release of tvOS 27, which includes this feature for Apple Music, is scheduled for the fall.
Sources
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