Apple is reportedly outride out of the 4 K picture chicken - and - nut job with the next Apple TV place - top box .

Citing unknown sources “ in a position to know,”BuzzFeed ’s John Paczkowski reportsthat the next Apple goggle box wo n’t sustain 4 thou video streaming . Apple isrumoredto launch its new set - top this summer , with a quick processor , more memory , and an overhauled version of iOS that permit for Siri voice commands and HomeKit controls . A long - awaited television version of the App Store may also be part of Apple ’s plans .

4 kibibyte , or UltraHD , consult to video with a minimum resolution of 3840 - by-2160 , which is four times the number of pel in 1080p telecasting . The first 4 M televisions started demonstrate up in 2013 , andprices have steadilyfallen to the point that they ’re just a few hundred dollars more dear than 1080p set .

But cyclosis in aboriginal 4 K requires more than just a supported television set and set - top boxwood . You also need 4 K content , of which there is n’t presently a lot available . While Netflix and Amazon have been turn some of their original series in 4 K , traditional telly networks have beenslow to adopt the Modern criterion . Even cable and satellite TV provider that support 4 K still require special receivers to follow the limited amount of content usable .

This all create a state of gridlock , as people do n’t finger compelled to empower in 4 K TVs and rigid - top boxes . And without a rapid net connexion — Netflix recommends at least 25Mbps — the benefit of streaming in 4 K would be minimal anyway .

Why this matters : In theory , Apple could give the intact 4 K ecosystem a hike by make its weight behind the monetary standard . But take in fresh technology just for the sake of future - proofing is n’t really Apple ’s style , and the company may not need to publicise 4 kB without clear benefit for users . If Apple can get itsrumored TV serviceoff the background , perhaps a marriage of 4 K cyclosis and hardware will follow .