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128GB Apple TV 4K Can Only Use Half Its Storage Due to a tvOS Bug

A bug in tvOS 16.1 stops any storage above 64GB being used (and the same bug is in the 16.2 beta).

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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Anyone who purchased the 128GB model of the new Apple TV 4K is likely to experience an annoying limitation if they fill the available storage quickly enough.

As Macworld reports, a bug is present in tvOS 16.1 which doesn't allow more than 64GB of storage to be used on the Apple TV 4K. 128GB model owners attempting to use more than 64GB of storage will be presented with the error: "The app can’t be installed because there isn’t enough space. Delete one or more apps or manage your storage in Settings."

If you're hoping for a quick fix for your media streamer, prepare to be disappointed as the latest tvOS 16.2 beta contains the same bug. For now, the only workaround seems to be queuing downloads before you've reached the 64GB false storage limit. This won't trigger the error message even if those queued downloads require up to the real 128GB limit.

Hopefully Apple is already aware of the bug and can implement a fix before tvOS 16.2 exits beta. The final 16.2 release is expected at some point in December, so fingers-crossed Apple TV 4K owners aren't having to put up with this annoying bug over the holiday period.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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