An Apple TV bug is muting some purchased and rented movies

Apple TV app
(Image credit: Apple)

Some viewers who buy or rent films on the Apple TV app are finding that the content plays back without any sound, according to a report from 9to5 Mac.

The bug, first reported at the beginning of July, appears across different platforms supporting the Apple TV app, including on tvOS, smart TVs and external streaming devices like Chromecast with Google TV and Roku sticks.

Some users claim to have been affected when using other streaming apps on Apple TV, including Netflix and Amazon Prime.  

The cause of the issue is unknown, and customers contacting Apple Support have described receiving mixed responses. Some users have been reimbursed after complaining, in lieu of receiving a functioning copy of the film, whereas others say they have been left totally without a refund. 

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Mary is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi? and has over a decade of experience working as a sound engineer mixing live events, music and theatre. Her mixing credits include productions at The National Theatre and in the West End, as well as original musicals composed by Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Guy Chambers, Howard Goodall and Dan Gillespie Sells. 

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  • Readingfan
    I have a problem where S.W.A.T only plays in stereo and sub ? When it should be 5.1 and Mel Gibson Payback is framed in 4:3 with everyone tall and thin , but can’t fix it with the tv aspect remote .
    It’s putting me off from making anymore purchases unless they are on a very good low price offer .
    I’ve reported it to Apple and very friendly staff have promised to call back , but don’t.
    I have SWAT now on Rakuten and it plays 5.1 fine
    Reply