After Samsung, Apple brings AirPlay 2 support to LG and Sony smart TVs

HIGHLIGHTS

• Apple is bringing AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to LG’s ‘rollable’ Signature OLED TV R.
• Apple is bringing AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to Sony’s Z9G series, A9G series and X950G series smart TVs.
• AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support on Sony’s series of smart TVs will be made available later this year.

Earlier this week, Samsung announced that its series of 2018 and 2019 smart televisions will feature support for AirPlay 2. And now, new reports suggest that the Apple AirPlay 2 will not only be available on Samsung's smart TVs but also on smart TV by LG and Sony.

Both LG and Sony have unveiled new smart televisions at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2019 in Las Vegas. While the Korean electronics company has unveiled world's first OLED TV-- LG Signature OLED TV R (model 65R9)- that comes with a gigantic 65-inch screen that can be rolled when not in use. On the other hand, the Japanese tech giant has added a series of super-large sized 8K TVs and OLED 4K TVs to its Master series lineup.

Now, LG's smart TV and select smart TVs from Sony's Master series lineup are getting support for Apple AirPlay 2. Besides LG's Signature OLED TV R, AirPlay 2 support is coming to Sony Z9G series, A9G series and X950G series smart televisions.

As far as the utility is concerned, the Apple AirPlay 2 will enable users with Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and Mac to stream photos, music, podcasts, movies and TV shows from iTunes directly on to the compatible LG or Sony smart TV.

But that's not it as the newly launched smart TVs from LG and Sony are also getting support for Apple HomeKit. To recall, Apple HomeKit allows users to control their smart home devices using the Home app or by asking Siri on the Apple devices to perform the required tasks.

Sony says that the support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit on Z9G series, A9G series and X950G series smart TVs will be made available later this year.

Notably, while Apple has introduced the support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit on to LG and Sony smart TVs, it has introduced exclusive iTunes support on to Samsung smart TVs. iTunes will be available on Samsung's smart TV via an exclusive iTunes app, which, as the company says, will be available in more than 100 countries.

Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that the latest move marks a stark diversion from Apple's traditional tactics wherein the Cupertino, California based company has restricted the access of its services on to its own devices. So, can we expect to see more such integrations in future? Possibly yes.