Clues uncovered about Apple TV revamp New remote and 120Hz video references found in beta code
The Apple TV could be in for a major revamp featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and a new remote. Both features have been referenced in beta code for the Apple TV’s operating system, tvOS, suggesting that the device could be updated imminently.
According to MacRumors, the Apple TV remote could be redesigned to include a central button. Uncovered tvOS code contains the phrase “Press the center button or the touch surface to continue”, yet the current remote has no such button. One possibility is that Apple is looking to design the remote after the iPhone’s Apple TV virtual remote, which does have a centre button. And what about 120Hz? The current Apple TV is limited to a 4K resolution at 60Hz due to its HDMI 2.0 port, yet 9to5Mac has discovered references to “120Hz” and “supports 120Hz” in tvOS beta code. That indicates the next Apple TV might not only support 120Hz video, but could also come with an HDMI 2.1 port to enable it. A 120Hz Apple TV would offer much smoother scrolling, video, and gameplay.
The Apple TV was last updated in 2017 and is due for an update. Still, it is possible Apple is just testing both the new remote and 120Hz capabilities and could decide to forgo both in the final product.