Apple Shares List of AirPlay 2-Enabled Smart TVs From Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio

[Cryates]

No one would buy an AppleTV just to use airplay either. I mean honestly, how often does this situation of needing to toss a video to the TV really come up?

Agreed. I get annoyed in the rare times I do want to AirPlay to maybe show my family something where everyone can see, or stream live sports from my iPad, just because I shouldn't really have to use another device as a bridge, but it is what it is for now.

 

[nicho]

It is on their Beta enrollment page.

In that case, you're probably right in that it "already" supports it... but it doesn't really, as it's Beta and therefore not officially released. Apple probably tested Airpower internally, but that doesn't mean it was ever available.

 

[xnu]

I am very glad that Apple is working with other companies to give us more access to great products. It may be time to just think about licensing MacOS X. So we can get some hardware. I know, unpopular, I was here when they did it last time... but I really need a new desktop.

 

[Ballis]

I guess the architecture of the Vizio smart TVs is different - their 2017 models on are compatible already. Wonder what the difference is?

Not neccisarily. Samsung just sucks at supporting «old» hardware.

 

[apple_iBoy]

I just worry that Apple is telegraphing its intentions regarding the future of the Apple TV.

 

[dannyyankou]

I really wish the 2018 LG TVs supported Airplay 2, I just bought one last week. I have an Apple TV, but having it integrated in the TV itself would be great.

 

[m11rphy]

Would it be able to if it were connected to HDMI ARC?

Not currently no, as of now in the Home app the apple only shows as an airplay source and can not be included in automations. Even if it did that it wouldn't allow you to set up a scene to have your tv switch to your DVR or Xbox that are on different HDMI ports. Tvs with HomeKit built in are a huge deal

 

[JRobinsonJr]

I don't disagree, because I own an Apple TV 4K, but AirPlay access directly to the TV would still be beneficial. Most average consumers also don't want to shell out an additional $150-200 for the Apple TV if the option was available on the TV itself.

I just hope this doesn't mean Apple is going to totally abandon the TV platform. It has so much unrealized / wasted potential.

 

[lkrupp]

Shedding a collective tear for all those folks (myself included) that purchased a non-supported TV within the last few years.

You know there’s this gadget called Apple TV that will outperform any of these TVs with built-in support. Have you ever tried to use the built-in apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc? Can you say sloooooowwwww? No need to shed a tear.

 

[akuma13]

Such bs that LG's 2018 OLEDs wont get it

Very odd that the 2018 LG TV’s won’t get it when it’s one the most technological advanced sets. Especially compared to Vizio and Samsung. Oh well, my Apple 4K works well with my 2018 4K LG OLED.

 

[lkrupp]

Wonder if Apple will consider lowering the price of the Apple TV with this news.

I doubt it. More likely that the Apple TV will slowly go away as its capacity and functions are built into TVs. It’s outfits like Roku that need to worry as TVs with both iOS and Android support gain in popularity.

 

[ux4all]

I believe that Roku and Samsung support streaming apps from Xfinity (so we can watch live real TV without a set top box). I guess this add on is okay, but why would a typical user not use the native 4k apps on their TV to use Apple to stream the same things?

I guess I just don't see the value add other than brand awareness.

 

[Mac 128]

I don't disagree, because I own an Apple TV 4K, but AirPlay access directly to the TV would still be beneficial. Most average consumers also don't want to shell out an additional $150-200 for the Apple TV if the option was available on the TV itself.

I can only assume that Apple is dictating the minimum hardware requirements and implementations. I have a fantastic Sony 900E, but the Android TV OS interface is horrible, and Sony processor can barely keep up most of the time. I have an ATV 4K specifically because it takes the heavy lifting off the Sony. I can actually change the volume on my TV while streaming a 4K HDR movie without the whole thing coming to a stuttering halt. It doesn’t surprise me actually that Sony is the one major manufacturer not announcing retroactive compatibility with any current sets. The 900E didn’t get DV upgrade either.

I agree after reading seemingly endless posts about why anyone would buy an ATV with smart TVs having everything built-in, that consumers just want things as simple as possible, despite the limitations that brings, but unless the smart TVs step up their game and provide the proper power under the hood to run all of these things properly, it’s going to affect the customers perception of Apple. It’s a bit of a risky move. I also wonder what this will do to the relative price of the TV ... how much of that ATV functionality will be added to the cost for the consumer? One way or the other, the customer usually pays for the convenience of built-in simplicity.

No one would buy an AppleTV just to use airplay either. I mean honestly, how often does this situation of needing to toss a video to the TV really come up?

Well I for one did. I had a Roku, and specifically bought and ATV 2 for AirPlay. That’s why we got one for my mom, who primarily users her cable box DVR, and why we got one for my brother. He and I both use them for work as well.

Given that Chromecast is based on this concept, I’d say there’s a substantial need on the Apple side to offer the same functionality from their devices as well.

 

[longhorn2004]

You know there’s this gadget called Apple TV that will outperform any of these TVs with built-in support. Have you ever tried to use the built-in apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc? Can you say sloooooowwwww? No need to shed a tear.

How do you know? Especially with LG's faster processor and better app setup. Its pretty fast in the store. Amazon Prime is fast on Apple TV, in the end its just an app.

The last thing Apple wants is for their app to be buggy or slow on these products since that would drive away potential customers to the real goal, Apple's Streaming service. And regular people (majority), not techies, are not going to drop another $150 for another black box for streaming servics when competitors are already on their smart TV.

 

[Spock]

I’m glad to see my 2017 Vizio will be getting this update. AirPlay is about all I use my Apple TV for.

 

[thadoggfather]

Im assuming Android has been lapping them at integrating with beaming content to smart TV's?

so this levels the playing field. I like it honestly! Just kinda absurd, it took Apple to be in a slump to open up a bit (something they dont generally do, like at all).

 

[Jodeo]

On A Separate Note: PANASONIC

The article mentions Panasonic as being a "smaller brand" - and rightly so. What happened? I had to look this up...

When HDTVs were coming to the fore Panasonic was one of the leading brands - especially with Plasma screens. I own a 46" Panasonic Plasma TV, roughly 10 years old now. Works great (and yeah - warm). Big sucker, too: Thick, heavy. Has wonderments of composite, S-Video and coax inputs along with those three HDMI ports - plus a few others that have gone by the wayside since.

Anyway, Panasonic was apparently too invested in plasma, so when OLED and other refinements came along they weren't ready. They ended plasma production in '14 and basically pulled their TVs out of the US market. Whether they come back remains to be seen.

Even so, it's been an interesting story for what was once a non-small electronics brand.


(And remember: You can't spell Panasonic without panic.)

 

[dannys1]

It's great how with LG you can spend £3000-£7000 (if you bought the signature OLED) just 18 months ago and get no software updates what so ever.

And people moan if Apple don't make a £500 phone last 6 years, or a MacBook Pro labeled obsolete when it's 12 years old.

It's silly as well because it's not like anyone with who spent £3000 on an OLED panel is going to want to upgrade less than 18 months later anyway so they're not losing customers by not supporting "older" devices, they're just not creating much brand loyalty. I'd accept it if they were budget priced £400 TV's but at that sort of price range at least offer 3 years of parity software updates if the hardware can support it.

 

[MrGimper]

With Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Plex all available on my 2017 LG OLED55C7V and on my Xbox One X, I don't really have a need for Airplay to my TV. If I need to show anything from my Macbook, I'll use Mirror For LG TV. My Apple TV only comes out of the drawer to watch Apple Events

 

[ELman]

I just wish you could purchase a decent "dumb" TV that doesn't have an operating system. I have a 2017 LG OLED and I use my Apple TV for everything. The OS on the TV is just another thing that needs updating if the vendor actually updates it. I would much rather update the Apple TV every 3-4 yrs. and have the latest OS and security updates.

 

[pmau]

but the Android TV OS interface is horrible, and Sony processor can barely keep up most of the time. I have an ATV 4K specifically because it takes the heavy lifting off the Sony.

Exactly that.

I rather upgrade any kind of Apple TV in the future than having to pray for any firmware update.
It is so much easier to connect any updated gadget to your TV.

I have never used ant Smart-TV Apps, but frequently use Apps on the PS4 or ATV.
It is the very same reason I do not buy iMacs.

So, people who care about any upgrade path would probably still like an external device.

 

[m11rphy]

It's great how with LG you can spend £3000-£7000 (if you bought the signature OLED) just 18 months ago and get no software updates what so ever.

And people moan if Apple don't make a £500 phone last 6 years, or a MacBook Pro labeled obsolete when it's 12 years old.

It's silly as well because it's not like anyone with who spent £3000 on an OLED panel is going to want to upgrade less than 18 months later anyway so they're not losing customers by not supporting "older" devices, they're just not creating much brand loyalty. I'd accept it if they were budget priced £400 TV's but at that sort of price range at least offer 3 years of parity software updates if the hardware can support it.

I have upgraded from a B6 OLED to a C8 OLED this year, I wasn't planning to upgrade this, but if LG don't added HomeKit to the C8 i'll be getting a Sony/Panasonic OLED this year and LG will never get another penny from me

 

[monaarts]

No one would buy an AppleTV just to use airplay either. I mean honestly, how often does this situation of needing to toss a video to the TV really come up?

We use AirPlay constantly in my house... Largely for sharing pictures/videos but also for when we're FaceTime'ing family that we want everyone to see. Just because YOU don't use it doesn't mean no one else does.

 

[ipedro]

The Apple TV doesn't give you HomeKitsupport allowing you to incorporate the TV in HomeKit scenes

The Apple TV should be able to do that. Apple’s own device, already listed in the Home app as a HomeKit device, can’t be included in scenes or automations. That’s an Apple limitation and I really hope they sort that out in the next tvOS update.

 

[pmau]

We use AirPlay constantly in my house...

Yes, buying an up-tp-date Apple TV with a decent ARM CPU seems to be the better way to go head.
It works on every HDMI TV.

I don't think that the casual TV user cares for iTunes on the TV.
They need an Apple ID and are probably already in the eco-system with iOS.
So an additional Apple TV will not hurt them.

I think it makes for massive articles, but will not boost iTunes content use.