Is Apple TV’s Lossless Audio Update Just a Tease for Audiophiles?
Apple TV’s audio upgrade misses the mark for home theater enthusiasts—and the clock is ticking. Apple’s latest tvOS 18.4 update finally delivers lossless audio… but only for AirPods Max users. For those with premium home theater setups, it’s another reminder of the Apple TV 4K’s lingering limitations. Let’s dive in.
🔇 The Silent Struggle: Why Audiophiles Feel Shortchanged
- 🚫 No HDMI Audio Passthrough: Unlike $100 competitors like Roku Ultra, the $150 Apple TV 4K can’t pass raw audio to receivers, forcing compression.
- 🎛️ Limited Codec Support: Only handles Dolby formats (Atmos, Digital 5.1/7.1), skipping DTS:X and Hi-Res Lossless—critical for Blu-ray enthusiasts.
✅ The 2025 Fix? What a New Apple TV 4K Must Deliver
- 🔌 HDMI Passthrough: Let AV receivers decode audio natively—a standard feature on budget streaming devices.
- 🤖 Apple Intelligence Integration: Rumored 2025 model could add AI-driven recommendations and smart home controls.
⚠️ Roadblocks: Why Apple Might Keep Us Waiting
- 🛠️ Hardware Limitations: Current Apple TV 4K (2022) uses A15 Bionic chip—may lack bandwidth for uncompressed audio workflows.
- 📈 Profit Over Perfection: Apple prioritizes AirPods/Music ecosystem over niche home theater market.
- ⌛ Upgrade Cycle Fatigue: First-gen Apple TV 4K (2017) users still waiting for compelling reason to upgrade.
🎬 Final Thoughts: A Make-or-Break Moment for Apple TV
The 2025 Apple TV 4K needs to justify its premium status with:
- ✅ True audiophile-grade passthrough
- ✅ Competitive pricing
- ✅ Vision Pro-level ecosystem integration
Until then, even loyalists like the author admit: “I don’t typically recommend it unless they’re looking for the best of the best.” Is Apple willing to fight for the home theater crown—or settle for being a glorified AirPods accessory? Sound off below!
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Sources: Eli Becht. Apple TV finally supports lossless audio, but here's why audiophiles are still disappointed, 2025-04-03. https://www.pocket-lint.com/apple-tv-4k-passthrough-audio-missing/
