The new Apple TV 4K (4th generation) will support AV1 video through a dedicated decoder, along with Dolby Vision Profile 8.1. Apple never listed either format for the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation). Both changes come with the new Apple TV 4K and its A19 chip, which Apple announced on October 13.
The two formats change how video is compressed and delivered, so what you notice depends on what apps and files send to the new Apple TV 4K.
AV1 gets its own decoder in the A19 chip, so streams can use less bandwidth
AV1 is an open video codec, the format video is compressed in before it streams. The A19 chip decodes it in dedicated hardware, which Apple says allows more efficient streaming with less bandwidth.
That helps most on slower connections and busy home networks. Video still tops out at 2160p and 60 fps in SDR and HDR, the same as before, so AV1 affects data use only.
Dolby Vision Profile 8.1 joins Profile 5 on the new Apple TV 4K
Dolby Vision comes in several profiles, and a player has to support the one a video uses. Profile 5 has no HDR10 base layer, so it needs a Dolby Vision display. Profile 8.1 is built to stay compatible with HDR10, so a display without Dolby Vision can fall back to standard HDR10.
The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) handled Dolby Vision through Profile 5 alone. The new model adds Profile 8.1 and keeps Profile 5, along with HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, so content that already plays in Dolby Vision is not affected.
Neither format helps until an app or file uses it
A streaming service has to deliver AV1 for the new decoder to be used, and Apple has not named which apps or files will use AV1 or Profile 8.1. Apps that stream in H.265/HEVC or H.264/AVC will keep working as before.
To see the difference you need a 4K and HDR TV and an HDMI cable, which is sold separately. The HDMI 2.1 port supports up to 4K at 60 fps HDR, and the new model adds Wi-Fi 7 with 2×2 MIMO in supported regions and Gigabit Ethernet on its single 128GB configuration.
If your apps already look good on an Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), the format changes are a small reason to upgrade. The A19 chip will bring up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to 2x faster GPU performance than the previous generation, and three far-field microphones allow hands-free Siri. Siri AI is also coming to older Apple TV 4K models, so software features alone are not a reason to buy.
Apple TV 4K (4th generation) costs $299 in the U.S., or $49.83 a month for six months with Apple Card Monthly Installments. Pre-orders are open in 30 countries and regions, including the U.S., with stores getting stock on Friday, November 13.
