Apple’s dual-core 64-bit A8 chip that is powering both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus appears to be capable of handling 4K video playback, despite the fact that neither of the two devices have a 4K display.
The video playback capabilities were first discovered by the developers behind WALTR, an app for OS X that makes it easy to upload and convert music and video files to an iOS device for native playback. According to a report from TUAW, even though Apple has not officially announced 4K playback capabilities on the iPhone 6, the company may be looking to include this feature in future products.
“The discovery was made by the developers of WALTR, a great Mac app that allows users to quickly upload video files to their iPhone which aren’t supported by iTunes, such as FLAC and MKV files. While testing the app developers found it is possible to playback 4K videos on the iPhone 6. Even if Apple hasn’t announced it, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are ready to play 4K videos.
Given the company’s recent launch of the Retina 5K iMac it’s obvious Apple has its sights on an even more high-definition future.”
Even though neither device has a display that is capable of 4K video playback, the A8 allows scaled 4K videos to be watchable on the iPhone 6 Plus. The 6 Plus has a display resolution of 1920 x 1080, which is exactly one quarter of 4K (3840 x 2160).
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Could this just be for AirPlay? I mean why would any want 4K on such a small screen?
That could be a possibility but that would require an Apple TV (set top box) that supports 4K output as well.
You’re right, perhaps that will be released early next year??
One can only hope. Its been a long time since Apple has updated the Apple TV so hopefully the next update is a big one.
Or 4K on any screen right? Seeing as how the human eye can’t detect anything above 720p unless you’re eyes are 1″ in front of the screen lol.
Exactly. It’s a scam but don’t tell anyone that owns a 4K because they “can see the difference” … I wish I had their super eyes!!
Yet Apple has a 5K mac. I wonder why apple would produce something so useless if everyone has bad eyesight? hmmm
Close up, like a computer, okay you might see something. But science says that on a TV at ten feet away the human eye can not see the difference between 720p and 1080p so what’s 4K good for?
Even close up, 5K on a 27″ screen is overkill. Text is razor sharp though when your face is constantly glued to the monitor. It’s only going to get better (or worse your case). 4K is said to be mainstream by 2017, and 8K displays will be the new 4K (as 8K prototypes were seen at CES last year). So, brace yourself.
It’s up to the consumer to accept it.
My eyes are preparing to go blind
Correction: the iPhone 6 Plus’s 1080p screen is exactly 1/4 the size of 4K. You can fit 4 1080p screens in one 4K.
Corrected thanks! 🙂