Apple has begun providing free 4K upgrades for select TV shows previously purchased through the iTunes Store or Apple TV app. This initiative mirrors the company’s 2017 policy, where customers received complimentary 4K upgrades for purchased movies alongside the launch of the Apple TV 4K.
The rollout is in its early stages, with initial titles receiving 4K enhancements including:
- Mad Men
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
- RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
- Q: Into the Storm
- The Twilight Zone (Reboot)
- The Hunting Wives
- Blossoms Shanghai
- Ice Airport Alaska
- The Wingfeather Saga
- Aftertaste
Customers who have purchased these series can now stream them in 4K at no additional cost. The list of upgraded titles is expected to expand over time.
In 2017, Apple introduced 4K content to the iTunes Store, coinciding with the debut of the first Apple TV 4K. At that time, the company upgraded previously purchased movies to 4K quality for free, setting a precedent for this recent extension to TV shows.
It’s important to note that, as with the earlier movie upgrades, 4K versions are available for streaming but not for download. Users can download HD versions for offline viewing, but 4K content requires a stable internet connection for streaming.
This move underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience by providing higher-quality content without additional charges. As the entertainment industry increasingly shifts towards 4K and higher resolutions, such initiatives not only add value for existing customers but also position Apple competitively in the digital content market.
