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Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K 2022 launch: With an A15 Bionic chip inside a slightly smaller form factor, the new Apple TV 4K performs better yet is more energy efficient.
The new Apple TV 4K.

Apple TV is a line of digital media players, with Apple TV 4K the latest. Despite the name, these are not actually televisions, but a set-top box that connects to a TV to stream digital content. The devices run tvOS.

It supports popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

There’s also deep integration with Apple services, including the Apple TV+ streaming service, Apple Music, Apple Arcade (gaming), Siri and iCloud Photos. And there are thousands of apps and games specifically designed for the Apple TV.

The latest Apple TV 4K is powered by an A12 Bionic chip and supports high frame rate HDR playback. A redesigned Siri Remote is also bundled with the box. Unlike the previous iteration of the remote, the new Siri Remote features a clickable wheel reminiscent of the iPod.

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on Apple TV 4K:

HomePod mini 2 and next-gen Apple TV 4K are coming in hot

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HomePod mini 2, Apple TV 4K
Here’s when to expect HomePod mini 2 and a next-gen Apple TV 4K.
AI Image: ChatGPT

Apple isn’t done launching new products this fall. Rumors point to the much-anticipated HomePod mini 2 finally coming soon, along with a next-gen Apple TV 4K.

Here’s everything we know about these upcoming home-entertainment devices.

Dolby Vision 2 could fix Apple TV’s darkness problem

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Dolby Vision 2 arrives
Think movies and shows on Apple TV 4K tend to be too dark? Relief could be on the way.
Photo: Dolby

Dolby unveiled Dolby Vision 2 Tuesday with big changes to the industry-leading HDR picture quality technology — and the timing couldn’t be better for Apple users. With Apple expected to announce next-gen Apple TV 4K at its September 9 Awe dropping event or shortly thereafter, the streaming device could be perfectly positioned to support the updated display standard as Dolby Vision 2 arrives, from day one or soon.

And Dolby Vision 2 could even solve users’ “too dark” complaint about Apple TV content.

Faster chip will bring Apple Intelligence to next-gen iPad

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2025 iPad 11 with Apple A16
iPad is getting a speed boost.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The 2026 version of the budget iPad will be able to use Apple Intelligence thanks to an A18 processor, according to information leaking out of Apple. And the next Apple TV 4K refresh could feature Apple’s A17 Pro chip. The company is working on an iPad mini update with an A19 Pro chip, too.

Internal code accidentally shared by Apple revealed key details about these upcoming devices and their processor upgrades.

How to control volume with your Apple TV remote

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One Remote To Rule Them All
All hail the mighty Siri Remote.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can set up your Apple TV to control volume on a separate sound system, like a sound bar. It may not work out of the box, but poking around in Settings, you can use the convenient volume buttons built into the Siri Remote.

If you have a separate sound system or an older television, the volume buttons on your Apple TV remote may not work directly. You don’t have to keep two or three remotes sitting around — you can make it all work from just one. It just takes a little setup

How to turn off those irritating Apple TV sports notifications

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Fix the Apple TV’s Most Annoying Problems
Turn off those pesky sports notifications, and much more.
Image: Davidbspalding/Wikimedia Commons/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

You can turn off those annoying Apple TV sports notifications to stop the constant interruptions while you’re watching your shows and movies. Considering I have no interest in sports, I never watched live sports on Apple TV, and I never agreed to be shown these notifications, every time they come up, I’m intensely irritated.

Apple did a fairly good job of hiding the setting that lets you turn off those irritating sports notifications. However, you can do it — if you know where to look. In this how-to, I’ll show you how to shut them down, along with some of the other Apple TV settings you should change while you’re at it. Keep reading or watch our video.

More Messi: 2024 MLS Season Pass opens to new subscriptions

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MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
MLS Season Pass gives fans access to every MLS game, in-depth analysis and exclusive content.
Photo: Apple

Major League Soccer’s 29th season kicks off February 21 on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, but fans can subscribe to the service starting Monday, Apple said.

International superstar Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami CF late last season, so 2024 will see his first full season with the club, and fans can also check out a variety of exclusive content.

Zoom video-chat app launches on Apple TV [Awesome Apps]

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Zoom for Apple TV
You can now make Zoom calls on your biggest screen via Apple TV.
Photo: Zoom/Cult of Mac

Awesome AppsFrom the “better late than never” category, a version of the Zoom video conferencing app has launched for Apple TV. This means it’s now easier to make Zoom calls using a TV’s large display.

Turns out the long wait was actually Apple’s fault.

tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to Apple TV 4K

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With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time.
With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time.
Photo: Apple

Apple TV 4K became a more versatile living room device with Monday’s launch of FaceTime on tvOS 17, Apple said, referring to it as “a powerful integration of hardware and software.”

“Users can make calls directly from Apple TV 4K, or start calls on iPhone or iPad, and hand them off to Apple TV 4K,” Apple noted. “FaceTime on Apple TV 4K takes advantage of Continuity Camera support to wirelessly connect to iPhone or iPad, and leverages the devices’ cameras and microphones to bring participants together on the TV.”

Never lose your Apple TV remote again

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A place for everything and everything in its place -- including your Apple TV remote.
A place for everything and everything in its place -- including your Apple TV remote.
Photo: Elago

Always wondering where you left the Apple TV remote? Maybe you should always put it in the same place when you’re done with it. And Elago makes that easy with its updated magnetic Metal Plate R1.

Just stick it to a surface on or near your TV and your R1 remote sticks to it. And viola, once you get in the habit of putting it back there, your remote is always where it’s supposed to be.

tvOS 17 takes FaceTime to the big (TV) screen

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With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time.
With the tvOS 17 update, FaceTime comes to Apple TV 4K for the first time.
Photo: Apple

WWDC23Apple said Monday in the WWDC23 Keynote that tvOS 17 brings FaceTime to Apple TV 4K for the first time. So you can put your calls with family, friends and colleagues on the biggest screen you have.

“tvOS 17 transforms the biggest screen in the home with FaceTime and new video conferencing capabilities, giving Apple TV 4K users the ability to easily connect with anyone right from their living room,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

“New features and enhancements make Apple TV simpler to use and even more enjoyable, reinforcing it as the absolute best option in the living room for Apple customers,” he added.

Apple TV 4K now lets you watch 4 sports streams at once

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Multiview now available for MLS Season Pass and Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV 4K
The new multiview feature on Apple TV 4K can show up to four simultaneous streams on MLS Season Pass or Friday Night Baseball.
Image: Apple

Apple rolled out its new multiview feature on Apple TV 4K Thursday. It lets sports fans watch four streams at once, mixing and matching programming in a choice of layouts.

And that programming can include not just Major League Soccer matches and Friday Night Baseball games, but also selected MLS and MLB live shows with commentators.

The faster new 4K Apple TV is now on sale

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Apple TV 4K 2022 launch: With an A15 Bionic chip inside a slightly smaller form factor, the new Apple TV 4K performs better yet is more energy efficient.
The new Apple TV 4K is cheaper than its predecessor.
Photo: Apple

Announced in mid-October, Apple’s latest streaming box—the 2022 Apple TV 4K—is now on sale. Pre-order customers are also receiving their units today.

The newest Apple TV 4K is faster and cheaper than its predecessor and has Thread support to control your smart home devices.

Apple’s new products leave us slightly perplexed [The CultCast]

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The CultCast 565 Apple podcast: Not too bad for an Apple product launch event that never actually happened, I guess.
Not too bad for an Apple product launch event that never actually happened, I guess.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: For once, Apple’s new products leave us scratching our heads more than reaching for our wallets. We let loose our first impressions of this week’s new iPads, the surprisingly affordable Apple TV 4K, that ridiculous Apple Pencil dongle and more.

Also on The CultCast:

  • Is the new Magic Keyboard Folio really all that magical? Some features sound great, but we don’t think it will turn your iPad into a laptop — at least not one you can use on your lap!
  • Apple might’ve burned a cool million on the #TakeNote Twitter hashflag for the event that never happened.
  • Logitech knows how to make a stylus right.
  • What’s up with that USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter? Like everyone else in the Apple universe, we’re not diggin’ the dongle.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

Our sponsor: Squarespace

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Squarespace. Get all the tools you need to set up your very own website and commence selling anything online. Start your free website trial today at squarespace.com/cultcast (no credit card required). Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain with code cultcast at checkout.

New Apple TV 4K is faster and cheaper

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Apple TV 4K 2022 launch: With an A15 Bionic chip inside a slightly smaller form factor, the new Apple TV 4K performs better yet is more energy efficient.
The latest Apple TV 4K is more powerful than ever.
Photo: Apple

Apple has unveiled the 2022 Apple TV 4K with significantly faster internals and a lower price. It features the same A15 Bionic chip found inside the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series.

The 2022 Apple TV carries a lower starting price of $129, making it $50 cheaper than the previous model.

Apple TV 4K drops to its lowest price again

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Apple TV 4K
Grab the set-top streamer at this irresistible price.
Photo: Apple

In the market for a new streaming device? The 2021 Apple TV 4K is once again down to its lowest price on Amazon, making it the perfect time to pick one up.

Apple’s streaming box retails for $179, but you can get it for $119.99 after a massive 33% discount.

Home automation gets smarter for Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini owners

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HomePod mini is one of the devices that can be a Thread 1.3.0 border router.
HomePod mini is one of the devices that can be a Thread 1.3.0 border router.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

A major Thread networking standard update Tuesday brings the Matter home automation technology standard a step closer for those who already own certain devices. Namely, gear that can act as a border router in the smart home — like Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini.

Thread 1.3.0 lets Thread devices work with any other Thread border router. That’s big because Thread will be Matter’s main wireless protocol, along with Wi-Fi.

Apple TV 4K hits lowest price ever

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The current Siri Remote was an improvement on its predecessor.
Apple TV 4K at 32GB and 64GB are both at best-ever prices right now.
Photo: Apple

Amazon Prime Day runs officially on Tuesday and Wednesday, but many deals, including bargains on Apple gear, tend to creep in early.

Earlier today it was Apple Watch 7 hitting a new low price, and now it’s Apple TV 4K — now at its lowest price ever on Amazon.

How to master the Siri Remote scroll wheel

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Does the Siri Remote have you going around in circles?
Does the Siri Remote have you going around in circles?
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

When Apple TV 4K launched last year, it had fans salivating. But not for the sharper picture or faster processor. It was the new Siri Remote that caught everyone’s eye. Had Cupertino finally made a TV remote control that didn’t suck?

With its iPod-style scroll wheel, the second-generation Siri Remote promised to make scrolling through content effortless. In reality, the scroll wheel turned out to be hard to use, and lacked support from third-party apps like YouTube.

But don’t throw your remote at the TV just yet. When you get the hang of its quirks, the Siri Remote scroll wheel works surprisingly well. And you can use it with loads of essential apps, including Netflix, HBO Max and, of course, Apple TV+.

Apple TV 4K drops to new low of just $129.99

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Apple's new Apple TV 4K with redesigned Siri Remote
Apple TV 4K is a real steal after a massive 27% discount
Photo: Apple

Looking to buy the Apple TV 4K? Amazon currently has an irresistible deal that drops the streaming box to its lowest-ever price of $129.99. That’s a massive $49.01 discount off its MSRP.

The deal is unlikely to last for long, so pull the trigger on it as soon as possible.

You won’t be repairing the Apple TV 4K Siri Remote in a hurry

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The new Siri Remote comes with exciting new input options, like a jog wheel.
It's a big improvement from its predecessor. But not easy to open up.
Photo: Apple

Most people haven’t gotten their hands on the 2021 Apple TV 4K yet. The good folks at iFixit have not only picked one up, but they’ve also stripped it down to peer inside.

A new teardown video suggests that the next-gen set-top box could be fairly straightforward to fix. However, don’t expect that same repair ease to apply to the upgraded Siri Remote.

The flimsy reason Apple TV Siri Remote doesn’t feature AirTag tracking tech

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Apple's new Apple TV 4K with redesigned Siri Remote
Wouldn't it have been great if the Siri Remote featured some of Apple's smart AirTag tracking tech?
Photo: Apple

Of all the items that get misplaced regularly in my home, the TV remote has got to rank up there as number one. Other items, such as keys and wallet, may have a smaller footprint, but for whatever reason it’s the TV remote which constantly winds up going MIA.

With Apple redesigning the hated Siri Remote for its 2021 Apple TV 4K, you’d think it would be the perfect time to add some kind of tracking functionality to the device. After all, Apple’s just introduced AirTag, its location-tracking smart tech which promises to help you locate those hard-to-find with impressive accuracy.

Surely Apple could have squeezed its U1 Precision Tracking tech into the revamped Siri Remote? Apparently not. And according to a somewhat cryptic comment by Tim Twerdahl, Apple’s vice president of product marketing for home and audio, it’s to do with it being too thick. Or something.

Want a new Apple TV 4K? Sell your old model for upgrade cash

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apple tv upgrade
Apple might combine video and music into one subscription.
Photo: Apple

The new Apple TV 4K with faster A12 Bionic processor, high frame rate HDR, and all-new Siri Remote is out now. Prices start at just $179, and there is a way to make yours even more affordable.

Sell your old Apple TV (and other Apple devices) to Cult of Mac today and we’ll send you a nice stack of cash to make your upgrade more affordable.