Does Apple TV Support 120Hz Refresh Rate?

Apple TV 4K supports 120Hz, but only on specific models and content

The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, released in 2022) supports 120Hz output when connected to a compatible television and HDMI 2.1 cable. Older Apple TV models — including the 2nd generation 4K and the HD model — do not support 120Hz. Your TV must also have a 120Hz-capable HDMI port, and the content you're watching must be encoded to play at 120 frames per second.

120Hz support on Apple TV 4K is most useful for gaming and sports content. Apple Arcade games that support 120fps will display smoother motion on a compatible setup. Live sports broadcasts and some streaming apps may also offer 120Hz streams, though this depends on what the content provider sends and what your TV can receive.

Key Takeaways

Only the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022 model) supports 120Hz output; earlier models max out at 60Hz.
Your television must have at least one HDMI 2.1 port rated for 120Hz, and you must use a HDMI 2.1 cable to carry the signal.
The content itself must be encoded for 120fps playback — most streaming movies and shows are still 24fps or 60fps, so 120Hz won't improve them.
Gaming through Apple Arcade and certain sports broadcasts are the main uses where 120Hz actually appears on screen.
Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm which HDMI port supports 120Hz, since not all ports on a 120Hz TV have this capability.

Which Apple TV models support 120Hz

The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is the only model in Apple's current lineup with 120Hz support. This model was released in October 2022 and carries the model number A2737. If you own an Apple TV 4K from 2017 or 2021, or an Apple TV HD, your device will not output 120Hz no matter what you connect it to.

You can check which model you own by going to Settings > About on your Apple TV. The screen will display the model name and year. If you see "Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)" or earlier, 120Hz is not available to you. The 3rd generation is the only one that includes this feature.

HDMI 2.1 cables and TV port requirements

To use 120Hz, you need both a HDMI 2.1 cable and a television with a HDMI 2.1 port. Standard HDMI cables and older HDMI 2.0 ports cannot carry a 120Hz signal — they physically lack the bandwidth. A HDMI 2.1 cable is visually identical to older cables, so you cannot tell by looking; the label on the cable or its packaging will say "HDMI 2.1" or "Ultra High Speed HDMI".

Not every HDMI port on a 120Hz television supports 120Hz. Many TVs have one or two 120Hz-capable ports and the rest are standard HDMI 2.0. Check your TV's manual or settings menu to find out which port number supports 120Hz — often it is port 3 or 4. Plug your Apple TV into that specific port, not whichever one is most convenient.

If you are unsure whether your cable is HDMI 2.1, contact the manufacturer or check the original packaging. Replacing a cable costs $15 to $30 for a certified model. If your TV does not have any HDMI 2.1 ports, upgrading to a newer television is the only way to use 120Hz.

What content actually plays at 120Hz

Most streaming content — movies, TV shows, and documentaries — is encoded at 24 frames per second or 60 frames per second. Switching to a 120Hz TV will not make these look smoother or better. The content itself does not contain 120 frames per second, so your TV cannot display what is not there. You will see the same picture quality as on a 60Hz television.

120Hz content on Apple TV appears mainly in two places: Apple Arcade games and live sports. Apple Arcade offers a growing library of games built to run at 120fps on compatible hardware. Sports broadcasts from some streaming services may also send 120Hz streams, though this is still uncommon. Check the app or broadcast details to see if 120Hz is available for what you want to watch.

If you are primarily watching movies and standard TV shows, a 120Hz setup will not change your viewing experience. The investment in a 120Hz TV and HDMI 2.1 cable makes sense only if you plan to use Apple Arcade regularly or watch live sports that offer 120Hz streams.

How to enable 120Hz on your Apple TV

Once you have the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), a 120Hz TV, and a HDMI 2.1 cable connected to the correct port, 120Hz is usually enabled by default. Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Resolution and Frame Rate. You should see an option that shows your TV's maximum supported resolution and refresh rate — for example, "4K 120Hz" or "4K 60Hz".

If your TV supports 120Hz but the Apple TV is only showing 60Hz, try these steps: first, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Second, unplug the HDMI cable, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Third, check that you are using the correct HDMI port on your TV — the one marked as 120Hz-capable in your TV's manual.

If the Apple TV still shows only 60Hz after these steps, your cable may not be HDMI 2.1, or your TV's HDMI port may not actually support 120Hz despite the TV model being 120Hz-capable. Verify the cable label and double-check your TV manual for the exact port number.

Performance differences between 60Hz and 120Hz

At 120Hz, motion appears noticeably smoother than at 60Hz because the screen refreshes twice as often. In fast-moving games or sports, this reduced blur and faster response time can make gameplay feel more responsive. For casual viewing of movies and shows, the difference is invisible — your eye cannot detect the extra frames if they are not in the content.

Gaming is where 120Hz shines. If you play Apple Arcade games that support 120fps, you will see sharper, faster motion compared to 60fps. The input lag — the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen — also drops, which matters in competitive games. For non-gaming use, 120Hz is a nice feature but not a practical necessity.

Troubleshooting 120Hz issues

If your Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is not outputting 120Hz, the most common cause is using a standard HDMI cable instead of HDMI 2.1. Replace the cable first before troubleshooting anything else. The second most common issue is plugging into the wrong HDMI port on your TV — use only the port your TV manual identifies as 120Hz-capable.

If you have confirmed the cable is HDMI 2.1 and you are using the correct port, restart both your Apple TV and your television. Turn off the Apple TV, unplug it for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Do the same with your TV. After both devices restart, check Settings > Video and Audio > Resolution and Frame Rate again to see if 120Hz now appears.

Some TVs require you to enable 120Hz in their own settings menu before the Apple TV can detect it. Check your TV's picture settings or HDMI settings for an option like "Enhanced HDMI" or "HDMI 2.1 Mode" and turn it on. Consult your TV's manual for the exact menu path, as this varies widely by brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 120Hz with an older Apple TV 4K model?

No. Only the 3rd generation Apple TV 4K (2022) supports 120Hz. The 2nd generation (2021) and 1st generation (2017) models are limited to 60Hz maximum. If you own an older model, upgrading to the 3rd generation is the only way to access 120Hz.

Will 120Hz make my movies look better?

No. Movies are filmed and encoded at 24 frames per second. Your TV will display 24 unique frames per second regardless of whether it is a 60Hz or 120Hz display. 120Hz only improves content that is actually encoded at 120fps, such as certain games and sports broadcasts.

Do I need a new TV to use 120Hz with Apple TV?

Only if your current TV does not have a HDMI 2.1 port. Most TVs made after 2019 include at least one HDMI 2.1 port, but check your manual to be sure. If your TV has HDMI 2.1, you may only need to buy a HDMI 2.1 cable.

What is the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz in gaming?

At 120Hz, motion is smoother and input lag is lower, making games feel more responsive. In fast-paced games, this is noticeable. For slower games or casual play, the difference is minimal. Only Apple Arcade games that specifically support 120fps will display this improvement.

Can I use any HDMI 2.1 cable for 120Hz?

Yes, as long as the cable is certified HDMI 2.1 or labeled "Ultra High Speed HDMI". The cable must be plugged into a 120Hz-capable HDMI port on your TV. Cheaper HDMI cables may work, but certified cables are more reliable for this purpose.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.