Apple TV 4K Specs, Features Include A10X Fusion Chip, 2160p Video Support

Apple is preparing for its Sept. 12 press event silently, but many leaks and reports have already outed what to expect when the launch event goes live this Tuesday. Matter of fact, new code discoveries have uncovered what could possibly be the fifth-generation Apple TV that’s part of the lineup for Apple’s highly anticipated presentation.

Over the weekend, developer Steve Troughton-Smith once again shared via Twitter what he discovered upon checking the iOS 11 GM software. According to him, there is information that the upcoming set-top is debuting officially as “Apple TV 4K.” There are also details about the processor of the device as well as the size of its RAM.

When Troughton-Smith checked the iOS 11 GM software, he discovered that the next-generation Apple TV is capable of playing 4K video at 60 frames per second. As for the processing power of the new Apple TV, the developer learned that it is likely housing the three-core A10X Fusion processor. This is the same chip found inside this year’s 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro devices. It was also revealed that the digital media player may be likely sporting 3GB of RAM.

The final software build that was leaked over the weekend contains a code that suggests the new Apple TV will be able to play 2160p video. It is also worth noting that earlier reports have hinted at support for Dolby Vision and HDR10. As per Apple Insider, the only thing that would limit the immersive user experience the fifth-generation Apple TV provides is bandwidth. After all, streaming 4K movies or shows would require consistently strong and fast internet speeds.

Though the A10X is nowhere near the A11 chip that’s powering the new iPhone 8 and iPhone X, MacRumors points out that consumers can still experience significant performance gains across the board. The publication also believes that tvOS game developers will most likely be taking advantage of the processing power of the new Apple TV to create immersive 3D experiences so as to rival modern console games.

The inclusion of 3GB of RAM is also a notable addition, since this would be perfect for streaming 4K HDR content. As previous leaks have revealed, the iTunes Store is rolling out content that has 4K and HDR support. The additional RAM is also perceived as Apple’s stepping stone into introducing augmented reality as part of its plans for its Apple TV series.

On the software side of things, the fifth-generation Apple TV is coming loaded with tvOS 11. This updated operating system has features like notification support, automatic light/dark mode switching and homescreen sync with other devices. Other software features are expected to be revealed at Apple’s big event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino.

Apart from the new Apple TV, Tim Cook’s company is also expected to introduce the new Apple Watch Series 3, as well as the 10th anniversary iPhone and yearly updates iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. It’s also being rumored that Apple could be introducing a slightly upgraded version of its AirPods this Tuesday.