Apple TV 4K Audio Experiment Converts TrueHD Atmos Through APAC
A developer has demonstrated a conversion path for TrueHD Atmos files on third-generation Apple TV 4K, TechRadar reports. It needs a self-built app and does not preserve a lossless output format.
The Short Version
A developer known as Agathorpt has put together a way to play converted TrueHD Atmos movie audio through a third-generation Apple TV 4K, according to TechRadar. The process converts the source into Apple’s Positional Audio Codec, or APAC. TrueHD is lossless; APAC is not, so this is a conversion workaround rather than lossless passthrough.
Why It Matters
The workflow separates decoded sound from the Atmos positioning information, renders that material into a fixed 9.1.6 speaker configuration, then encodes it for native tvOS playback. That explains how the audio reaches the device without remaining in its original TrueHD format.
TechRadar reports positive listening impressions from the developer and other users. Those impressions are not independent measurements of audio fidelity or proof that every home-theater setup will behave the same way.
The Bigger Picture
The project aims to offer an open-source alternative to audio functionality available in the closed-source Native Player app. It builds on other developers’ work, including AetherEngine and the LibTrueHD object-audio decoder. The potential benefit is code that other players can inspect and improve, rather than dependence on one implementation.
What to Watch
This remains a build-it-yourself project. The reported requirements include a Mac, Xcode, an Apple development account for app signing, tvOS 26 or later and files containing 48kHz TrueHD Atmos audio. Integration into Nuvio has been proposed, but the account gives no confirmed release date. Broader compatibility and measured audio results remain questions for further testing.
Would you build an experimental media player yourself, or wait for the feature to reach a supported app?
Connie Brew