Apple’s own firmware for the upcoming HomePod speaker has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving for enthusiasts. This time, it reveals that a next-generation Apple TV will boast support for 4K video, as well as high dynamic range in both 10-bit and Dolby Vision formats.
Developer Guilherme Rambo once again dove deep into the HomePod firmware to find reference to a “4kHDR” display mode. Digging even further, he found references to display modes for “HDR10” and “Dolby.
The references would seem to confirm that the next-generation Apple TV will not only include support for ultra-high-definition 4K content, but also three popular HDR modes for better contrast and colours.
The HomePod firmware leak comes just a few weeks after Apple also seemingly accidentally confirmed 4K and HDR plans on the iTunes Store. Users found that some new releases listed availability in 4K resolution and high dynamic range —going well beyond the 1080p high-definition content that currently populates the iTunes Store.
Apple’s planned support for 4K content on iTunes isn’t a surprise, as films and other programs are now becoming available in UHD resolution to support new high-end 4K TVs. Netflix, for example, streams its new original series in 4K, and the Xbox One S is capable of reading 4K Blu-rays.
