Apple updated the Apple TV 4K Apple Music app to support Hi-Res Lossless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz under tvOS 27, though hardware limits and television resampling mean only specific 2022 models paired with dedicated audio gear can deliver these higher frequencies to listeners.
Apple Music streaming on television sets has long capped playback at 24-bit/48kHz, leaving home theater enthusiasts unable to fully utilize the higher-resolution catalog available on iPhones and dedicated hi-fi streamers since 2021. The tvOS 27 update officially alters that ceiling, elevating the platform’s support to match high-resolution lossless standards.
The catalog itself has spent years expanding. Apple rolled out lossless audio across its entire library of more than 100 million songs in 2021, accompanied by Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos support designed to give artists the opportunity to create immersive audio experiences.
Per Apple’s support page, lossless audio allows listeners to experience uncompromised tracks spared from any frequency loss, preserving every detail from the original recording. Some users likened its sound quality to that found on CDs and vinyl records, with one user noting it provides the same sample rate found on the compact discs played in cars years ago.
Hardware Differences Between Generations
While tvOS 27 is compatible with multiple hardware generations, the high-resolution upgrade excludes the 2021 second-generation Apple TV 4K. The operating system update reaches both the second-gen device and the 2022 third-generation model, but Apple’s official support documentation restricts full Hi-Res Lossless streaming to the third-generation box or later.
Under the hood, the 2021 model runs on an A12 Bionic chip, whereas the 2022 version upgraded to an A15 Bionic chip. Because both devices feature HDMI 2.1 ports, the hardware division likely stems from how the newer processor handles high sample-rate audio processing. Owners can confirm their hardware variant by checking the model number under the system settings, where A2737 and A2843 designate the third-generation box, while A2169 identifies the 2021 unit.
Television System Resampling Limits
Possessing the correct media box and enabling the setting under the audio menu does not guarantee untouched sound reproduction. Most living room configurations route the Apple TV directly into a television set, which then forwards the audio to a soundbar or receiver via HDMI ARC or eARC.
Despite the high bandwidth of eARC connections, television operating systems frequently resample incoming digital audio streams down to 48kHz before outputting them.
Bypassing Television Bottlenecks
Ensuring that high-resolution data reaches speakers intact requires routing the Apple TV to hardware that intercepts the stream before it hits the television operating system. Plugging the media player directly into an AV receiver or a soundbar equipped with its own HDMI input keeps the television out of the loop entirely.
For traditional stereo hi-fi setups, users can rely on audio extractors placed between the Apple TV and the display.
These specialized hardware solutions ensure that high-resolution audio signals remain intact, allowing listeners to experience the full fidelity of the stream without any degradation from the television.