Skip to main content

Vudu update finally lets Apple TV users stream Marvel, Disney films in 4K

When the Apple TV 4K was released last year, Apple fans were thrilled that they could finally watch 4K UHD movies complete with high dynamic range (HDR) on their platform of choice. There were some issues with HDR early on, but they were eventually fixed. Another problem remained, however: While most studios made 4K versions of their movies available via the iTunes store, Disney wasn’t one of them, so neither Disney hits like Star Wars: The Last Jedi nor the latest Marvel superhero blockbusters were available in their full glory.

Fortunately for movie lovers, that is no longer the case, as Vudu has added the Apple TV 4K to its official list of supported UHD devices and updated its Apple TV app to add 4K and HDR support. Disney, Pixar, and Marvel movies aren’t the only movies available in 4K via the service, but they’re the ones that weren’t available (at least officially) on the Apple TV 4K until now.

Recommended Videos

While Disney movies are now available on the Apple TV 4K, you still won’t find them in the iTunes Store. This is surprising considering how closely Apple and Disney have worked together before. Disney CEO Bob Iger has sat on Apple’s board since 2011, and iTunes was the first place that Disney made its content available in digital format.

The main reason behind this is pricing. Apple insists on selling 4K movies at the same price as HD movies — usually $20 — while Disney prices its 4K releases higher at $25. The fact that Disney movies are now available on the Apple TV in 4K via Vudu hasn’t changed this. When you buy a Disney movie via the service, you can expect to pay $25. Whether or not this may change in the future is up in the air, but at least for now, it doesn’t seem likely that Disney will change its stance.

Vudu is available for the Apple TV as a free download in the App Store. If you’ve just recently added an Apple TV or Apple TV 4K to your living room and are wondering how to make the most out of it, we’ve got a list of the best Apple TV apps to help get you started.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Nit Nerds News: Exciting new Apple TV 4K features, new Xbox consoles
Nit Nerds News

Exciting New Apple TV 4K Features, New Xbox Consoles | Nit Nerds News

Today on Nit Nerds News: New Apple tvOS features that will freshen up existing Apple TV 4K boxes. Updated Xbox consoles are a bit of a letdown for home entertainment. Asus has unveiled some eye-popping new PC monitors.

Read more
Apple apes a major Amazon Prime Video feature in tvOS 18
An Apple TV 4K sitting on a wood entertainment center with a HomePod Mini behind it.

WWDC 2024 was all about improving platforms and software within the Apple ecosystem, and that continued into Apple TV, with the best streaming hardware you can buy getting a few minutes of face time. And the improvements are not only just targeted to Apple TV hardware (which includes Apple TV 4K) but also integrating with other Apple hardware and features.

"We design our Home products to elevate users’ everyday lives, and our latest updates reinforce that goal by delivering even more convenience and connection,” Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch, Audio, Health, and Home Product Marketing, said in a press release announcing the new features. “This fall, tvOS 18 and our services take entertainment in the home to the next level by bringing timely information to fans about their favorite characters and scenes.”

Read more
Onn 4K Pro vs. Chromecast with Google TV 4K: $50 streaming devices face off
The 2020 Google Chromecast and 2024 Onn 4K Pro.

There's a nearly four-year difference between the Chromecast with Google TV 4K and the new Onn 4K Pro. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

You’ve read our Onn 4K Pro review. You’ve watched our Onn 4K Pro video. You’ve seen how we have a new Google TV leader on our list of the best streaming devices. And you still want to see them head-to-head.

Read more