Apple TV 4K set to receive major free update in December — here’s what’s coming

Apple TV 4K on black background
(Image credit: Apple)

The much-beloved Apple TV 4K, still one of the best streaming devices on the block, is getting a nice (and free) update in December. With it, you can stream your favorite content in new aspect ratios.

Apple has long promised that its streaming set-top-box would gain 21:9 support, and now it seems those wishes are coming to fruition — and then some. Apple is not only adding 21:9 native support but also a slew of additional aspect ratios, which are now being discovered in the tvOS 18.2 beta.

An automatic setting is also coming with the new ratios, which will help users who may not know precisely what aspect ratio they’re watching. The aspect ratio pertains to the scaling of the picture on a particular screen, with 16:9 being the de facto format for most LCD screens, TVs, and the like.

Some of the best PC monitors, like curved ones or widescreen models, will sport 21:9 or even 32:9 aspect ratios, making the new update for Apple TV 4K a brilliant new addition for users who may want a bit more out of their streaming device. Very few movies and shows support different aspect ratios, but this still gives users more options to experience their favorite content.

Wide screen, bigger picture

Apple TV 4K aspect ratio settings

(Image credit: FlatpanelsHD)

Apple launched its new tvOS 18 update this past September, which wrangled together several significant updates to the platform, including InSight, Enhanced Dialogue, on-device Siri, and more. Now, it's set to get even more functionality with support for additional aspect ratios, according to discoveries by Sigmund Judge in a tvOS 18.2 beta leak.

Here's the complete list of added aspect ratios coming to the Apple TV 4K:

  • Automatic
  • 16:9
  • 21:9
  • 2.37:1
  • 2.39:1
  • 2.40:1
  • DCI 4K
  • 32:9

The automatic setting is a simple plug-and-play feature that lets the device itself automatically fit the aspect ratio of your screen — streamlining the entire process. Apple's even included several aspect ratios that are rarely used by everyday consumers, like the 2.39:1 aspect ratio primarily found in movie theater projectors.

Beyond making it easier for users to customize their viewing experience far more fluidly, it also allows creators to create more content that fits these ratios, even if the primary aspect ratio for most TVs and screens is 16:9.

But you'll have to wait a bit as the new tvOS 18.2 update isn't set to launch officially until early December. With it, missing features from the initial launch of the tvOS 18 update will also be included, like Snoopy and Apple Originals screensavers — though these require an Apple TV 4K second gen or later.

This new update should make the Apple TV 4K even more appealing as a streaming device in the face of its Quick Media Switching functionality, an HDMI 2.1 function that allows content to remain on-screen without a 1-3 second blackout period when the refresh rate changes. The Apple TV 4K is one of the only devices, aside from select Samsung QD-OLED TVs, to leverage this feature.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Ryan Epps
Staff Writer

Ryan Epps is a Staff Writer under the TV/AV section at Tom's Guide focusing on TVs and projectors. When not researching PHOLEDs and writing about the next major innovation in the projector space, he's consuming random anime from the 90's, playing Dark Souls 3 again, or reading yet another Haruki Murakami novel. 

Read more
Tom's Guide Awards 2023: Apple TV 4K
Prime Video on Apple TV just got a whole lot better — here's how
Apple TV
New Apple TV 4K tipped for 2025 — here's when it could arrive
LG C2 OLED TV on wall in living room
These older LG OLED TVs just got a major free upgrade — see if yours is on the list
Samsung The Frame Pro 2025 TV Lineup
Buying a TV this year? These are the 5 biggest TV trends to watch in 2025
Sony TV connected to PS5 with Ratchet & Clack on the screen
The top new gaming TVs will have this one spec — here's what you need to know
LG G4 OLED TV
What to expect from TVs in 2025 — OLED, Micro-LED and more
Latest in TVs
Sony A95K QD-OLED TV in front of windows in a living room
This new TV breakthrough looks like a game-changer for OLED TVs
Sony UBP-X700 on stand in living room
Forget streaming — I think Sony's new 4K Blu-ray player is coming at just the right time
woman shopping for TV with retail worker giving advice
I've been testing TVs for a decade — 5 things to avoid when shopping for a cheap TV
All-new Roku TV unveiled at CES 2023
Roku is facing a huge backlash over auto-playing ads that pop up before the home screen
Apple TV hand gestures
Say goodbye to your TV remote — how interactive gestures and AI could reshape the way we watch
LG G4 OLED in living room
This is the one setting on your HDR TV most people don't know about — here's how to tweak it
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Thursday, March 20 (#648)
A phone with the Plex logo in front of an out-of-focus background of movie posters
Yikes! Plex is getting a price hike and this key feature is going behind a pay wall
Richard Gere in Arbitrage
5 must-see mystery movies on Prime Video you (probably) missed I'd stream right now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
An open lock depicting a data breach
Half a million teachers hit in major data breach with SSNs, financial data and more exposed — what to do now
Sony A95K QD-OLED TV in front of windows in a living room
This new TV breakthrough looks like a game-changer for OLED TVs