6 reasons the Apple TV 4K is huge news for Ultra HD

Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, famously used to refer to the Apple TV as no more than a "hobby" for the powers that be at Cupertino.

The company's various iPhone, iPad and Mac divisions were so strong, that the relatively measly returns from Apple TV boxes and related iTunes purchases - which still ran into the billions - were seen as something of a sideshow. The staggering success of the iPhone, and indeed the higher prices of the new iPhone 8, iPhone 8S and iPhone X, mean that balance is unlikely to change any time soon.

But the new Apple TV 4K box certainly does look a far more serious proposition than previous Apple TV devices, and could not only be the most compelling Apple TV yet, but potentially the most complete 4K source on the market for anyone who doesn't want to buy 4K discs. It may be late to the 4K party, but as with the iPod, this iteration of the Apple TV could yet steal the show.

MORE: iPhone X hands-on review

1. 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision

Apple hasn't missed a beat when it comes to the necessary specs. As well as the obvious 4K resolution video, there's support for the two biggest HDR formats straight out of the box: HDR10 and Dolby Vision. This is far from a given on 4K hardware and with Apple's preference for doing its own thing when it comes to formats, it was far from guaranteed, so it's good to see Apple saw no reason to confuse HDR matters further (ahem, HDR10+).

2. Amazon and Netflix 4K content

And Apple didn't shy away from mentioning two of its biggest rivals when it comes to content - both Amazon Prime Video and Netflix will be supported on the Apple TV 4K, bringing all that 4K content (we assume) with them. The Apple press site shows "coming soon" against these two services but having been name-dropped in the Apple event, we'd be surprised if punters have to wait too long.

This means the Apple TV 4K already offers the two biggest players when it comes to 4K TV and films. You can also stream YouTube over AirPlay to existing Apple TV boxes, so 4K YouTube isn't out of the question either.

3. iTunes 4K

But there's more: 4K films are also coming to iTunes. So if you prefer to download and own your content, now you can do it in 4K. And with anything up to a billion iTunes accounts in the world, depending on whose guess you believe (Apple confirmed 885 million iTunes accounts in 2014), that's a huge potential customer base that now has access to 4K video. Apple is still said to have around 30% of the market for movie downloads, and now it has a 4K carrot to dangle, too. All told, it gives the new Apple TV another 4K string to its bow.

4. 4K at HD prices

What's more, Apple has said it will charge the same price for 4K films as it does for HD films. So when it comes to buying the content, there'll be no barrier to entry for the 4K experience.

This is in sharp contrast to the price of 4K Blu-rays and the premium charged for 4K Netflix (and the price of lossless and hi-res audio for that matter). And it's another reason why the Apple TV 4K could seem a tempting way to dip your toe into the 4K market.

5. Free upgrades of HD purchases to 4K

In fact, you may not even have to spend any money on content. Apple has also promised to upgrade any of your existing HD downloads from iTunes to the corresponding 4K versions, at no extra charge. Apple really wants you to ~~buy an Apple TV 4K~~ watch 4K films. The breadth of the library is likely to be similar to that offered by existing 4K services, so that could soon change...

6. Apple as 4K studio

But all the above is surely only the beginning, and the means by which Apple builds a 4K-watching user base to which it will ultimately deliver exclusive 4K content. Rumours abound that Apple could bid for James Bond rights, both for existing films but also to make new ones, while an Apple video streaming service has long been rumoured. And Apple is already making inroads into streaming sport in the US.

With Amazon and Netflix already spending huge sums on original content, it makes sense that Apple would look at its own piles of cash and contemplate some serious investment. Then it really could make a dent in the TV world, and the Apple TV may no longer look like such a hobby...

Apple TV 4K box supports 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision

Apple to add 4K films to iTunes and offer free HD to 4K upgrades

How to watch 4K video online and on TV

New Amazon Fire TV to feature 4K, HDR and built-in Alexa?

11 truly wireless alternatives to the AirPods

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).