How to use Apple’s TV calibration function

Faster processor, better picture and all-new remote control

Announced along with the new model Apple TV 4K, Apple is about to introduce a new TV calibration feature which uses your iPhone to adjust the output of your Apple TV for the best possible result on your TV. Available in iOS 14.5, this is what we know concerning the feature.

What it does

The calibration tool makes use of the front-facing sensors on your iPhone to check color calibration and accuracy of content from your Apple TV as it appears on the TV screen.

If it notes an inconsistency the tool will calibrate output from your Apple TV to improve the appearance on screen. Apple says you’ll see much more accurate colors and improved contrast after the calibration process takes place.

What Apple says

“Through an innovative color balance process, Apple TV works with iPhone and its advanced sensors to improve a television’s picture quality. Apple TV uses the light sensor in iPhone to compare the color balance to the industry-standard specifications used by cinematographers worldwide. Using this data, Apple TV automatically tailors its video output to deliver much more accurate colors and improved contrast — without customers ever having to adjust their television settings.”

What you need

The calibration feature requires iOS 14.5, tvOS 14.5, an iPhone with Face ID and an Apple TV 4K or 2015 Apple TV HD

How to use Apple’s TV calibration function

You must be playing content from your Apple TV to your screen.

• Open Settings>Video & Audio to access the tool. You’ll find it as Color Balance under Calibration.
• An instruction card will appear on your iPhone.
• Hold your iPhone around an inch away, up in front of the iPhone shaped area on your TV so it can assess the output.
• Tests will take around a minute.
• If the iPhone light sensor detects the color is inaccurate, it will adjust the Apple TV output.

NB: The process only calibrates Apple’s TV content, so if you use Netflix or Prime on your device via an app you’ll see no difference.

More tips here.

Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolic’s bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.