Apple TV 2021 killer upgrade just leaked — what you need to know

Apple TV
(Image credit: T3/Future)

The rumored Apple TV 2021 refresh is gearing up for gaming with news that the upcoming set-top box will support a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. 

The current line-up of Apple TV devices are hampered by the hardware, with Apple TV 4K capped at 60Hz. But 9to5Mac spotted references in the tvOS14.5 beta code that mention 120Hz support, bolstering the case for a new Apple TV this year.

We already know that Apple is shoring up the Apple Arcade game library, adding NBA 2K21, Fantasian, and a slew of classic iOS games to the service just last week. Given that the tvOS14.5 beta rolled out support for the PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers earlier this year, it's a safe bet to assume that Apple is focusing on gaming this year. 

The new Apple TV will need to ship with an HDMI 2.1 port to support 120Hz at 4K. 9to5Mac reported that such a device was in the works back in 2019, but we've yet to see it. But Cupertino is never one to rush things to market to play catch-up with competitors either, so it could be testing this internally and waiting for the opportune moment to launch a new gaming-focussed Apple TV. 

Just look at Apple's iPhones; the iPhone 12 series comes with a 60Hz refresh rate, while Android devices boast 90Hz to 120Hz — even budget handsets like the OnePlus Nord. And while Apple is rumored to be working on a foldable iPhone, it doesn't seem to be in any rush to release it.

But from what we've heard about the Apple TV 2021 refresh, the set-top box should be perfectly poised to win gamers over. Bear in mind, you'll need a TV that supports 120Hz, so head over to Tom's Guide's pick of best gaming TVs

Ideally, you want a 4K TV with 120Hz support if a next-gen console is on the cards, and the upcoming Apple TV refresh is just another reason to futureproof your setup.    

Shabana Arif

Shabana is T3's News Editor covering tech and gaming, and has been writing about video games for almost a decade (and playing them since forever). As well as contributing to Tom's Guide, she's had bylines at major gaming sites during her freelance career before settling down at T3, and has podcasts, streaming, and video content under her belt to boot. Outside of work, she also plays video games and should really think about expanding her hobbies.

Read more
Apple TV
New Apple TV 4K tipped for 2025 — here's when it could arrive
Playing Metaphor ReFantazio on the Xbox Series X Digital Edition
Here’s how gaming TVs are getting better in 2025 — 165Hz TVs are almost here
Renders of the iphone 17 in teal, green and dark green
iPhone 17 just tipped for the one big upgrade we've been waiting for
Tom's Guide Awards 2023: Apple TV 4K
Prime Video on Apple TV just got a whole lot better — here's how
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
iPhone 17 just tipped for this Pro feature after years of waiting
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro on track for PlayStation VR 2 controller support — here’s what we know
Latest in Streaming Devices
Chromecast with Google TV connected to display
Google finally pushes out full Chromecast fix for users who factory reset — here’s what to do
Google Chromecast
Google has a fix for broken Chromecasts as long as you didn't factory reset
Sonos logo on a smart speaker
Sonos halts work on rumored super streaming device — what's next?
Google Chromecast in TV
Chromecast fail — users across the world are saying that their Chromecasts are not working
Google TV Streamer
How to set up and stream with your Google TV device — 7 easy steps
Chromecast with Google TV
Google just stopped selling the Chromecast — and this is the replacement
Latest in News
Surface Laptop 7 from the front
Amazon just gave Surface Laptop 7 a 'frequently returned' label — here's what's going on
23andME box
23andMe has declared bankruptcy — here's how to delete your data now
half-life alyx
Latest Half-Life 3 rumors point to a 2025 release — and maybe pigs will fly
NFL Sunday Ticket logo for YouTube
NFL Sunday Ticket 2025 pricing revealed — and it's bad news
Ben Mendelsohn in Andor season 2
'Welcome to the Rebellion' — new ‘Andor’ season 2 trailer teases a darker edge
Russian flag with padlock smashing through glass
47 VPNs could be axed from Google Play Store following Russian demands