AirPlay 2, too

Apple’s streaming app is one of many set for built–in TV support

Apple did not have an official presence at CES 2019, but it nevertheless made a splash with the announcement that the latest TVs from leading manufacturers will have AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support built–in (beginning later this year).

These include new 8K and 4K models from Vizio and Sony, including the Sony Z9G Series, A9G Series, and X950G Series TVs. There’s also LG’s Signature OLED TV R, a 65–inch 4K HDR unit that rolls up and down from a cabinet with built–in speakers and ports. It has Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support. Sony’s TVs are based on the Android TV platform, raising the prospect of users having a choice between Google Cast and AirPlay.

AirPlay 2 enables streaming of videos, music, and photos direct from Apple devices, as well as synchronized multiroom audio; HomeKit enables control using Apple’s Home app or Siri.

Going one better, Samsung announced the world’s first Smart TV with iTunes built in, in addition to AirPlay 2. Although Apple and Samsung are implacable rivals in the smartphone market, the two companies have been ready to work together (Samsung manufactures the screens for several iPhone models, for example). Samsung will offer iTunes Movies and TV Shows on its 2019 Smart TV models beginning in spring, and on 2018 models after a forthcoming firmware update.

You’ll be able to access iTunes on a Samsung Smart TV, as well as browse the iTunes Store to buy or rent hundreds of thousands of movies and TV shows, including the largest selection of 4K movies.