Crossing the streams: Apple AirPlay coming to 2019 Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs

In somewhat surprising news, a swathe of TV manufacturers have announced that their 2019 models will support Apple's AirPlay 2 beaming protocol. iPhone, iPad, and Mac owners will be able to wirelessly push video, music, and photos from their devices directly to 2019 Samsung, LG, and Sony TV models. This news is extra wild in Sony's case; its TVs are powered by Android.

Notably, Samsung's 2019 TVs will also ship with the iTunes Store, allowing customers to buy and rent content through Apple's digital store-front without the need for an Apple TV. Select 2018 Samsung TVs will also receive a software update later this year to add iTunes and AirPlay 2. It's currently unclear if Sony or LG TVs will get an iTunes app.

Sony and LG TVs will both support HomeKit - Apple's smart home technology - which will allow them to be included in routines and automations with other compatible accessories. You could, for example, create a "Movie Night" routine that turns on the TV and dims your lights at the same time. At this stage, we're not sure if the same will be possible on Samsung's AirPlay-enabled TVs.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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