Leaked Sony Pictures documents reveal Apple’s requests for 4K video content for possible digital distribution through iTunes, or on-demand streaming through Apple TV. Apple’s interest dates back almost two years, according to one letter, which was obtained during last year’s big Sony hack.
The “materials access letter” from Culver Digital Distribution (PDF), a company associated with Sony Pictures, “served as a formal agreement for “testing and/or preparing” 4K film and television content for non-exclusive distribution,” AppleInsider reports.
The letter is signed by Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet software and services, as well as Jim Underwood, a former Sony executive who has since moved to Facebook. In addition to the signed letter, dated September 26, 2013, there are also several digital drafts from the same month.It’s not too surprising that Apple would be interested in 4K content, given that it’s going to become commonplace eventually. However, the company is yet to begin selling 4K content through iTunes, and its existing Apple TV doesn’t support 4K output.
It has been rumored that the next-generation set-top box might support “Ultra HD” movies and TV shows, but other reports have dismissed those claims. Apple will almost certainly wait until 4K TVs are cheaper, and more widely adopted.
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