Windows Apple TV App only plays in 720

The windows Apple TV app will not play videos higher than 720 resolution. Windows 11 24H2 on a AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U. I have purchased the $0.99 HEVC codec from Microsoft and it did nothing. Youtube and plenty of other services play in 4k. My TV is 4k, its connected to the PC with an AudioQuest Carbon HDMI cable. How do I resolve this issue?


Windows, Windows 10

Posted on Mar 5, 2025 10:54 PM

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3 replies

Mar 8, 2025 8:16 AM in response to AzanderJ

The Apple TV app may play a download file at the downloaded resolution settings. You may need to re-download if you want a higher resolution than what you downloaded before. Downloads from Apple’s media Store are at 1080p max.


The streaming quality for non-downloaded media will be according to the other setting. Streaming in 4K is possible for screens and computers set to 3840×2160 or more, else a lower resolution source is used.


Some titles available from your region’s Store in 4K, some in 1080p, maybe some in 720p. ‘Ad Astra’ (2019) seems to be available in 4K in my country, but that might be different in some other countries and country-like regions. It depends on local representation for the supplying studios.


4K HDR HDMI output from or to HDMI 2.0 ports requires HDCP 2.2 or later compatibility, and would need no more than 60 Hz, YCbCr w/ Chroma 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 (not RGB or 4:4:4), as exceeding that would require more bandwidth than HDMI 2.0 offers. A full HDMI 2.1 chain could support almost 3× more HDMI bandwidth though.

4K SDR HDMI output from or to HDMI 2.0 ports stays under the bandwidth limits when configured for 60 Hz regardless of Chroma setting.


For persistent issues, please contact the Apple Support staff for further assistance.

Mar 8, 2025 10:22 AM in response to Urquhart1244

It is being streamed at 720 and no higher. The videos in my screenshot are in the library category labeled “4k & HDR” and have been played on this same TV with other devices in 4K. I have not and do not plan on downloading the videos. I explained that the setup works with other services in 4k. I explained that its a 4k TV with a cable that is definitely 4k capable.


If you do not know why this problem happens say that. Do not patronize me by ignoring what I wrote and instead pretending as if I'm ignorant to whether or not the movies are even in 4k and if the TV can handle 4k. I bet AI would provide an answer that at least acknowledges what I wrote.

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Windows Apple TV App only plays in 720

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