Roger Fingas
A third TV maker, LG, said on Monday that it will bring AirPlay 2 and HomeKit compatibility to its 2019 models.
AirPlay 2 will allow people to push photos, video, and audio to LG TVs. It should also enable some limited Siri control through devices like iPhones and HomePods, and interweaving with HomeKit automations. Via Apple's Home app, people should be able to turn a TV on or off, change volume, or even switch inputs.
LG didn't immediately provide any more details, such as whether it might update software on existing TVs.
The announcement follows Vizio's earlier on Monday, and Samsung's on Sunday. Samsung went a step beyond, promising a native iTunes app. Until this week AirPlay 2 had been limited to speakers and receivers, and iTunes to Apple hardware and a Windows app.
Apple is presumably laying the groundwork for its upcoming streaming service, due to launch sometime in 2019 with $1 billion or more in original shows and movies. While first-party video could be free on Apple hardware, the company may also be aiming to sell subscriptions to outside services, and eventually its own paid content. Limiting access to Apple platforms would likely make it hard to turn a profit.
AppleInsider will be attending the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show starting on January 8 through January 11 where we're expecting 5G devices, HomeKit, 8K monitors and more. Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos throughout the event.
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6 Comments
Apple continues to be the ever-present elephant-in-the-room at CES yet again. Just like they are at MWC.
Even though they don't have a booth, it seems like products that can work with Apple are all over. From HomeKit accessories to AirPlay 2 to Samsung and iTunes support.
Great news!! The more the better. I’m so happy about all the AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integration. I hope they update the software to work with my LG C8.
HomeKit and AirPlay support... nice 👍
Still not sure I get the iTunes play here. How does Apple control the quality and experience? Will this actually sell more services? I may buy an LG tv bc it supports HomeKit. (Altho my current TV is on a homekit plug).
This and Apple Music on Echo are a bit confusing to me. If a consumer has a bad experience with iTunes on a piece of sh*t smart Tv it will only hurt the Apple brand. Anyway, it is what is at this point and time will tell.
Great to see the ton of AirPlay 2 / HomeKit announcements this year
https://twitter.com/BenBajarin/status/1082317915716632576