Apple TV 4K Introduces Audio Passthrough Enhancing Home Theater Experience

Currently, the Apple TV 4K processes all audio internally before delivering it to connected devices. While this approach suffices for most use cases, it falls short for advanced formats like DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, which are staples among audiophiles who rely on AV receivers to unleash their potential. The addition of passthrough functionality finally addresses this longstanding limitation, allowing supported audio streams—such as Dolby Digital Plus and, potentially, specific lossless formats—to pass to the receiver untouched, maintaining fidelity and clarity in high-resolution audio.

There's a technical caveat, however: the inclusion of passthrough on the platform will depend not only on tvOS updates but also on compatibility adjustments for individual streaming applications. For audio passthrough to function as intended, apps will need to enable support for the feature, passing data directly to external devices rather than decoding audio internally. While streaming apps like Plex and Infuse stand out as likely participants due to their direct playback of Blu-ray rips and high-fidelity audio files, major streaming services may remain focused on more commonly supported formats, such as Dolby Digital Plus, which typically meet the needs of most users.

The new feature is expected to roll out alongside tvOS 26 in the fall of 2025. This update will also bring with it a major user interface enhancement called "Liquid Glass," featuring transparency-focused visual elements, while improving overall performance on Apple’s latest-generation devices. Rumors suggest that the upcoming Apple TV 4K models slated for 2025 will include hardware capable of better handling gaming applications and interfacing seamlessly with Smart Home ecosystems. Although these advancements are exciting, for audiophiles, audio passthrough remains the headline addition.

For advanced setups, such as users reliant on AV receivers decoding DTS:X, Dolby Atmos over TrueHD, or similar formats, the arrival of audio passthrough on Apple’s platform demonstrates promising progress toward making the Apple TV 4K a hub for both next-gen video and uncompromising audio quality. While passthrough capability doesn’t instantly translate to universal codec support—Apple would also need to secure additional licensing for formats like DTS-HD—it is nonetheless a leap forward in supporting high-resolution playback beyond current limitations. Now, enthusiasts can look forward to unleashing the full potential of their Blu-ray collections and sound systems, transforming the Apple TV 4K into an indispensable centerpiece of their home theater arrangement.