Apple TV App Now Upgrades Some Purchased TV Shows to 4K for Free

Apple has started offering free 4K upgrades for select TV shows bought through the iTunes Store and Apple TV app, giving users better video quality without charging them again for the same purchase.



The move expands a benefit Apple first offered for movies in 2017, when it launched the first Apple TV 4K and began upgrading eligible movie purchases to 4K at no extra cost. Now, Apple has quietly started doing the same for some TV shows.



Sigmund Judge spotted the change and shared a list of shows that are now appearing in 4K for some users. The rollout is still in its early stage, so not every purchased TV show will receive the upgrade right away.



Apple TV Shows Getting Free 4K Upgrades



Some of the shows listed for free 4K upgrades include:




Mad Men



Star Trek: Strange New Worlds



RuPaul’s Drag Race UK



Q: Into the Storm



The Twilight Zone



The Hunting Wives



Blossoms Shanghai



Ice Airport Alaska



The Wingfeather Saga



Aftertaste




These upgrades currently appear to be available in SDR only, which means users get a sharper 4K picture but not necessarily HDR support.



If you previously bought one of the eligible shows through Apple’s digital storefront, you can check your library in the Apple TV app to see whether the 4K version is now available.



Apple has not shared a full official rollout plan yet, but the list should grow over time as more TV purchases become eligible for free 4K upgrades.