The upcoming version of tvOS brings the automatic frame rate switching feature to the previous Apple TV4. It apparently also makes Apple TV 4K compatible with Sony’s special implementation of Dolby Vision.

Match frame rate on Apple TV4
Apple recently added a major new feature on its latest Apple TV 4K that allows it to automatically change frame rate output to match the frame rate of the content.

This feature is coming to the previous Apple TV4 with tvOS 11.3, which is it the next major software release for Apple’s TV platform. tvOS 11.3 is currently in beta. The new software also supports frame rate switching for Airplay videos on both Apple TV4 and Apple TV 4K.

To see how the ’match frame rate’ feature works check out our video from November 2017 (on Apple TV 4K).




Dolby Vision on Sony TV
Sony recently started rolling out the long awaited Dolby Vision update for its high-end TVs. However, the way Sony has implemented it means that it offloads Dolby Vision processing to the player. 

Each player must therefore be updated to implement this new Dolby Vision profile, and it appears that Apple will do just that with tvOS 11.3. People on the Blu-ray.com forum are now able to succesfully output Dolby Vision from their Apple TV 4K to their Sony TV.


Other updates in tvOS 11.3
There are signs of Airplay 2 working in the beta, according to Macrumors. The player also shows up in HomeKit. To use it you must also have the iOS 11.3 beta installed on an iPhone/iPad. Strangely, Apple has released detailed preview information on the new features in iOS 11.3 but not commented on Airplay 2.

In addition, Apple will improve privacy on Apple TV by introducing a new privacy icon that show up whenever an ”Apple app or feature is asking to use your personal information”.

tvOS 11.3 has been released to beta testers only. It will be available to the public later but it will likely take several weeks.

 
tvOS 11.3 beta release notes
 
 
 Enhancements to Match Content support
 
 Automatic frame rate switching on Apple TV 4th Generation. 
 
 Automatic mode switching for AirPlay video sessions.