LG Begins Rolling Out AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to 2018 Smart TVs

[MacRumors]

LG has started rolling out a software update that includes AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support for select 2018 smart TV models, according to multiple MacRumors readers, delivering on a promise the company made earlier this year.

AirPlay 2 enables users to stream videos, music, podcasts, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a compatible LG smart TV, with no Apple TV necessary. HomeKit allows users to control the TV's power, volume, and more using the Home app or Siri. These features are also available on select Samsung, Sony, and Vizio smart TVs.

LG initially said that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit would be limited to its 2019 and newer TV models, since it could not "guarantee" a "seamless user experience" on older models, resulting in tens of thousands of people petitioning the company to reconsider.

Earlier this year, LG also made the Apple TV app available on select 2018 smart TVs.

(Thanks, Maarten and Tristan!)

Article Link: LG Begins Rolling Out AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to 2018 Smart TVs

 

[SidricTheViking]

Any idea how this works? I had the ATV app added to my LG TV a few months ago — total surprise! Would love this feature, too.

 

[ThexBurning]

Does vizio support volume control? I haven’t see that option on my HomeKit vizio.

 

[maj88]

In Poland still not available for my OLED B8

 

[easy4lif]

LG sk9000 2018 tv here, still no update or airplay.

 

[DinkThifferent]

It’s absolutely ridiculous that a manufacturer did not even want to upgrade a 2 year old TV, but only did so after public pressure. The screens are amazing but the hardware and software running it are horrific.

My 4 year old Samsung 4K TV doesn’t receive any updates anymore, and the apps that are on it are from abysmal quality. Yes that includes YouTube and Netflix.

Why can smartphones have super fast processors but do TV’s behave like they run on a 233Mhz Pentium straight out of 1997.

 

[MauiPa]

It’s absolutely ridiculous that a manufacturer did not even want to upgrade a 2 year old TV, but only did so after public pressure. The screens are amazing but the hardware and software running it are horrific.

My 4 year old Samsung 4K TV doesn’t receive any updates anymore, and the apps that are on it are from abysmal quality. Yes that includes YouTube and Netflix.

Why can smartphones have super fast processors but do TV’s behave like they run on a 233Mhz Pentium straight out of 1997.

I never understood that either, seems like a minimum shelf life for support. My LG TV started blinking (a known power supply issue on LGs) they made like a honey badger and did not care. Say what you want about AppleTV, but they do get upgraded and supported until the hardware literally does not accept the upgrade (32 bit to 64 bit was last hurdle)

 

[flamare]

Bollocks! Still no update in Germany..... I kinda hate LG by now..... My Model is: 49SK7900PLA (2018, 4k, UHD OLED)

 

[macduke]

Don't get too excited. HomeKit support barely works on my C9. Don't expect much from your 8 Series OLEDs from LG. Lots of "No response" messages and the input selector barely ever loads sources. I don't have these problems with other HomeKit accessories and the router is 6 ft away from the TV. I can't even remember the last time it worked to change inputs, and I keep my firmware up to date. As for AirPlay, I haven't even tried it since I have an Apple TV, but I'd be shocked if it was very stable. Maybe it is, but I press X to doubt. It's always best to just get an Apple TV. It will run smoother and you'll be well supported without any other companies spying on your viewing habits.

 

[Number 41]

It’s absolutely ridiculous that a manufacturer did not even want to upgrade a 2 year old TV, but only did so after public pressure. The screens are amazing but the hardware and software running it are horrific.

My 4 year old Samsung 4K TV doesn’t receive any updates anymore, and the apps that are on it are from abysmal quality. Yes that includes YouTube and Netflix.

Why can smartphones have super fast processors but do TV’s behave like they run on a 233Mhz Pentium straight out of 1997.

Because your smartphone costs over $1,000 to put that tech in a 6" screen (as opposed to the cost of a 50"+ panel) and most consumers won't even consider a TV priced in that range.

 

[m11rphy]

Bollocks! Still no update in Germany..... I kinda hate LG by now..... My Model is: 49SK7900PLA (2018, 4k, UHD OLED)

That model number is not for an OLED buddy, I wouldn't expect to get the update

 

[easy4lif]

Because your smartphone costs over $1,000 to put that tech in a 6" screen (as opposed to the cost of a 50"+ panel) and most consumers won't even consider a TV priced in that range.

This is why I’ll stick to streaming boxes like Apple TV. Just let a tv be a tv and streaming box a streaming box.

 

[Redcap]

That model number is not for an OLED buddy, I wouldn't expect to get the update

my tv is 65sk8100 non OLED and im on beta firmware and i have homekit

 

[ceriess]

LG has started rolling out a software update that includes AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support for select 2018 smart TV models, according to multiple MacRumors readers, delivering on a promise the company made earlier this year.

AirPlay 2 enables users to stream videos, music, podcasts, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a compatible LG smart TV, with no Apple TV necessary. HomeKit allows users to control the TV's power, volume, and more using the Home app or Siri. These features are also available on select Samsung, Sony, and Vizio smart TVs.

LG initially said that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit would be limited to its 2019 and newer TV models, since it could not "guarantee" a "seamless user experience" on older models, resulting in tens of thousands of people petitioning the company to reconsider.

Earlier this year, LG also made the Apple TV app available on select 2018 smart TVs.

(Thanks, Maarten and Tristan!)

Article Link: LG Begins Rolling Out AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to 2018 Smart TVs

Siri Cannot be used to control volume on LG TV's. It is not even technically possible. Why does Macrumors keep on saying this? WTF? Do they just keep rehashing their incorrect ****?

 

[Jimmy James]

LG. Life’s Good. Not as good as Samsung, though. Got this on my tv a long time ago.

 

[nikaru]

Any idea how this works? I had the ATV app added to my LG TV a few months ago — total surprise! Would love this feature, too.

Just switch on automatic updates in the setting menu and wait for it. I wish LG keeps adding features and updates on more regular basis, rather than just big fixes so that my CX is not completely outdated in 7-8 years.

 

[justperry]

my tv is 65sk8100 non OLED and im on beta firmware and i have homekit

That (His) Tv is a cheap model, I doubt it will get it.

 

[Jimmy James]

I never understood that either, seems like a minimum shelf life for support. My LG TV started blinking (a known power supply issue on LGs) they made like a honey badger and did not care. Say what you want about AppleTV, but they do get upgraded and supported until the hardware literally does not accept the upgrade (32 bit to 64 bit was last hurdle)

I’ve read similar feedback on appliance warranty claims.

 

[ikir]

Finally! Great!

 

[m11rphy]

LG. Life’s Good. Not as good as Samsung, though. Got this on my tv a long time ago.

You haven't got HomeKit only Airplay 2. Plus you dont have Dolby Vision or OLED so LG is most definitely better

 

[EmotionalSnow]

Siri Cannot be used to control volume on LG TV's. It is not even technically possible. Why does Macrumors keep on saying this? WTF? Do they just keep rehashing their incorrect ****?

Why would that be impossible? I can already control the TV volume with my phone, so Siri should be able to do it too.

 

[Number 41]

This is why I’ll stick to streaming boxes like Apple TV. Just let a tv be a tv and streaming box a streaming box.

FWIW, I just bought an LG OLED and I've been thrilled with the responsiveness out of the box on major streaming apps.

Especially coming from a Vizio that was 5 years old.

 

[justperry]

Siri Cannot be used to control volume on LG TV's. It is not even technically possible. Why does Macrumors keep on saying this? WTF? Do they just keep rehashing their incorrect ****?

Siri controls the TV from an iOS device, it should be possible, just now she asked me if I wanted the volume lower or louder.

 

[larzy]

I think we must have patience - the Apple tv app didn't show up immediately - so hopefully it will be soon. Looking very much forward to Airplay 2 on my LG 55SK8000

 

[aberthil]

I got an LG OLED with the Homekit implementation from LG and I can disclose that officially from LG support that their implmentation does not allow to switch on the TV from Siri or any Homekit command.
They have a major bug for all their TV which once off, just power off the Wifi or Ethernet connection which kills any chance of connecting to it, so once it is off, it is unreachable from an homekit/Siri perspective.
So do not even say they will support Homekit as they won't ever and when I ask when this bug will be fixed, their answer was clear: never.
I just returned the LG TV and went for Sony which has a great Homekit implementation