Posted Thu Sep 13, 2018 at 10:55 AM PDT by Steven Cohen
The update is set to arrive next week.
Though a beta version has been available since June, Apple has now announced a September 17 launch date for the official release of tvOS 12 for the Apple TV 4K. The update will offer several new features, including Dolby Atmos audio support.
Dolby Atmos is an immersive, object-based audio technology that can add overhead effects to supported content and sound systems through ceiling speakers or Dolby Atmos speakers with upward firing drivers.
Once installed, tvOS 12 will make the Apple TV 4K the only streaming media player on the market that is both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos certified. Likewise, iTunes will offer the industry's largest library of Dolby Atmos-supported movies. And just as Apple provides free 4K HDR upgrades to iTunes titles that customers already own (when available), Dolby Atmos audio mixes will also be added for no extra charge on supported films. And based on the beta update, it appears that Atmos audio will be available for both 4K and HD playback of supported titles.
In addition to iTunes, VUDU will also offer a large selection of Dolby Atmos titles via tvOS 12 at launch. Meanwhile, Netflix is also expected to offer select Dolby Atmos titles as well, though it's not yet clear if that will be part of the initial launch.
Beyond Dolby Atmos support, the upcoming tvOS 12 update will also provide several additional features, including a zero sign-on option for all supported pay-TV apps; new aerial screensavers; the ability to autoFill passwords from iPhone and iPad; Apple TV Remote support via the Control Center on iPhone or iPad; and Apple TV compatibility with Home control systems like Control4, Crestron and Savant.
The Apple TV 4K utilizes the A10X Fusion chip and offers 4K playback capabilities at up to 60 frames per second with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 content. In addition, the device includes 4K scaling for HD sources, Siri voice search, iCloud support for media sharing, standard AirPlay capabilities, and the ability to serve as a smart home hub for HomeKit accessories with remote access and automated control. Apple TV 4K models are now available in 32GB ($179) and 64GB ($199) versions.
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