Time flies. It’s hard to believe that 4K steaming content started to trickle into the home entertainment landscape almost a decade ago. Roku introduced its first 4K streamer, the Roku 4 (model number 4400X) back in 2015. However, it is now 2023 and Roku has decided to begin the Roku 4’s retirement.
Roku began informing Roku 4 users that OS and “feature” updates will be ending in March 2023 with this message:
Dear Roku Streamer,
Thanks for being such a loyal Roku user! You’ve been streaming with us for a long time and we’re glad you’ve been enjoying your Roku player even after all these years. While your current player will continue to stream and receive critical updates, it doesn’t have the latest capabilities and will soon stop receiving feature updates.
You can keep using your Roku player to stream the channels you currently have. However, this device will no longer get new features or streaming channels, updates to existing channels, or other software-related updates. You may lose access to some channels over time as those channel partners make updates.
Disney+ and Roku 4
As a result of Roku’s move, if you’re a Roku 4 owner and subscribe to Disney+, enjoy all of those Star Wars and Marvel movies and shows by May 30, 2023, because Disney+ is also ending its support for the retiring device.
When you open the Disney+ app and use a Roku 4 you should be seeing the following displayed message:
Disney+ will no longer be available on this Roku model after May 30, 2023. To continue using the Disney+ app, along with all of its newest features and functionalities, please upgrade your device to a newer model.
What This Means for Roku 4 Users
This means that going forward, a growing number of streaming channels and apps may stop working on the Roku 4 as providers stop making updates to work with the older Roku OS. Disney+ appears to be the first major provider to take this approach.
The last OS update that the Roku 4 received was version 11.5 which was provided in September 2022. Roku did not include the OS version 12 update for the Roku 4. Going forward, the Roku 4 will only receive critical background updates, but no more feature updates.
For Roku 4 users, the streamer will work as long as content providers support it. However, as time goes on, some favorite apps may stop working.
Tip: If you own the more recently released Roku Ultra, you don’t have to worry, it will continue to receive updates and is compatible with the recently released Roku 12 OS. Also, Roku has not replaced the Roku Ultra in its product line as of 2023.
Roku 4K Streamer Comparison Chart
If you are looking for a 4K video streamer as a replacement for the Roku 4 or buying your first plug-in Roku, they several convenient and affordable options:
Model Ultra (4802R) Streaming Stick 4K+ (3821R2) Streaming Stick 4K (3820R2) Roku Express 4K+ (3941R2) Roku Express 4K (3940RW) MSRP $99.99 $69.99 $49.99 $29.99 $34.99 TV Resolution Compatibility 720p, 1080p, 4K UHD 720p, 1080p, 4K UHD 720p, 1080p, 4K UHD 720p, 1080p, 4K UHD 720p, 1080p, 4K UHD Upscaling and Downscaling Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes HDR Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, HLG Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, HLG Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+, HLG HDR10/10+ and HLG HDR10/10+ and HLG WiFi 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi®️ (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)/ 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi® (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) Ethernet Yes No No Yes – via optional adapter Yes – via optional adapter HDMI Ver 2.0b Ver 2.0a Ver 2.0b Version not indicated Version not indicated USB 3.0 (media playback) Mini USB (power or long-range WiFi dongle only) Mini USB (power or long-range WiFi dongle only) Micro USB Micro USB Audio features Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital Surround, Atmos, DTS Digital Surround Digital Stereo, Dolby Audio, DTS Digital Surround Digital Stereo, Dolby Audio, DTS Digital Surround Digital Stereo, Dolby Audio, DTS Digital Surround Digital Stereo, Dolby Audio, DTS Digital Surround Remote control Voice Remote Voice Remote Pro Voice Remote Voice Remote IR Remote Works with Roku Mobile App Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Bluetooth Yes No No No No Apple Compatibility Airplay and Homekit Airplay and Homekit Airplay and Homekit Airplay and Homekit Airplay and Homekit Works with Google Home Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Works with Alexa Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tip: For a more detailed specifications comparison go to the Roku Product Comparison Page.
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