Since tvOS 18 update Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD output only stereo despite 5.1 selected

The stereo output exists for premium streaming apps (Max, Prime Video, Paramount+). It appears that only Home Sharing still plays 5.1 audio. Audio output for both Apple TVs has always been set to Format Change On, Dolby Digital 5.1, but setting to Auto doesn't provide a remedy. A week ago (before the update), all programs for which 5.1 was available played 5.1 output. Have tried force-quitting apps, restarting Apple TVs, deleting and reinstalling apps. No difference. Any idea when this will be fixed, Apple?

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Posted on Sep 22, 2024 12:59 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 1, 2024 4:40 AM

As a developer I have found that the SDK API function AudioConverterFillComplexBuffer has stopped working for EAC3 in tvOS 18. This means it is not decoding EAC3 streams that use this API. The same function worked correctly on tvOS 17, and continues to work correctly on macOS.


Perhaps this is related, perhaps it isn't.


I've reported this via the developer Feedback Assistant.

43 replies

Oct 24, 2024 3:08 PM in response to filipinohitman

I have had the same problem since the update. Support told me to do a firmware update on my receiver but no such update exists. I have a digital audio extractor because my surround receiver has HDMI pass thru only. I realize it is an older model but this is how it has worked for years. I know the problem is not with the extractor because I hooked up my Gen 1 Apple TV the same way and I had 5.1 surround. I used to work for a company called Tweeter Home Entertainment and I own pretty nice gear. The only thing that changed in my scenario was updating to OS18. Very frustrating.

Since tvOS 18 update Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD output only stereo despite 5.1 selected

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