Level 1 (9 points)

Apple TV app on Android TV: 4K titles in HD

On my Android TV which supports 4K with all the other features, Apple TV titles are badged as "4K", yet when I play them, they're around 1080P, without the Apple TV app notifying me or ask for my preference.

That TV plays confirmed 4K on all other apps including YouTube, Netflix, TiviMate and other 2 streaming apps I've confirmed.

My HW:

Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 75″, model MiTV-MOOQ0, Android TV 10, firmware 22.9.4.5135.

Apple TV version: 17.0.0

Why is the Apple TV app of an inferior user interface, in terms of info observation for users, than about any arbitrary streaming app? Why is it kinda blurred info we need to guess or hope about?

I've spent hours of my free day without any clue as for why movies/series quality is downgraded.

Posted on Oct 24, 2026 2:07 PM

2 replies

Community User

Oct 24, 2026 2:10 PM in response to InterFan7

This happens because the Apple TV app uses very strict security and DRM checks on Android TV devices. Even if your TV supports 4K on Netflix and YouTube, if Apple has not fully certified your specific TV model or processor for 4K playback, the app silently drops the video stream down to 1080p.

First, try going into your Android TV settings under Apps, select Apple TV, and clear both the cache and data. After that, restart your TV completely by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Also check your TV picture settings to make sure the display output is set directly to 4K 60Hz rather than an automatic resolution mode.

If it still plays in 1080p after trying those steps, it is an app restriction placed on that TV model by Apple, and using a dedicated 4K streaming device would be the only way to get full 4K playback.

InterFan7 Author

Level 1 (9 points)

Oct 24, 2026 3:45 PM in response to Community User

Than you for such a speedy and detailed response - you've actually responded within 3 mins of me posting!

I've tried your suggestion except clearing data as I have not wanted the accounts, continuations and settings be all reset. The issue persists.

> he app silently drops the video stream down to 1080p.

I find this to be an annoying behavior. Apple definitely shall do better here, the users shall know specifically the behavior and the reason.

I've contacted Apple support, they've filed the details and shall be back to me in a couple of days.

I'll update here too for the good of others in the community which may bump through same problem.

It is also not great for Apple that many ppl would feel the Netflix, Youtube, Disney and Amazon look great on their Android appliances whereas Apple is rather blurred (for what is expected from 4K Dolby Vision). Most of those users won't even realize the issue and just attribute it to Apple quality deffiency.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256382293