Samsung Smart TVs Adding Support for iTunes Video Content and AirPlay 2

[Soccertess]

So I can mirror my iphone/ipad screen to these new Samsung TVs without the need of an Apple TV?

looks like it, but I always experience some lag when i mirror movies or larger video files. Maybe its the graphic card, but it hasn't worked well for me.

Apple TV is pretty much a waste of space unless you use beamer (thank you Macrumors for those who told me about it), Tim has done nothing with it, and HAS NO vision for it.

Personally, if it wasn't for the app Beamer, Apple TV would be pretty much useless for me as I already other devices that can run netflix. Apple TV could have been amazing and really leveraged Apple's ecosystem, but if the fish is brain dead, it's not going anywhere.

 

[akuma13]

Haven't seen any Smart TV functionality that isn't a bag of hurt up to this day, they all suck, over complicated, slow, don't always work ... Chromecast and AppleTV are a bit better but not that great either.

Smart TV’s have come a LONG way. I have the latest LG 4K OLED too and the streaming apps and overall UI runs great. The only reason I have an Apple TV is because all my purchased media content is through Apple. Apple is seeing the future and there is no need for separate hardware clogging up space. It’s all about software services and content.

 

[SeattleMoose]

I only buy "dumb" things when it comes to things like TVs, fridges, toilet roll dispenser, etc. I want fewer cameras and microphones around the house, not more. I tell my kids to keep their device cameras covered or they could end up naked on the internet. No privacy invasion here folks...move along. Still loving my ATV2.

 

[jamesrick80]

Never would have thought this would happen.....tells you were is heading ......

What happened to the idea that Apple would start their own tv business...they could have literally purchased LG OLED TV division...guess that's never happening. Betta buy some company soon like Tesla....RIP AppleTV streaming box as well......

 

[jamezr]

I absolutely think we are seeing the early beginnings of Apple repositioning itself as a brand.

Agree 100%....i think they will transition to more a services company than hardware. Slowing iPhone sales might precipitate this change.

 

[DNichter]

I support it. Services are becoming much more critical in the long run than hardware. Apple sees this and is shifting their strategies. I hope this results in a more open minded Apple when it comes to their services and new features in products. Take the training wheels off.

 

[Scarpad]

I really don't use any of the built in apps on my Samsung TV and I went through and deleted what I could because I got tired of the small ad that appears in the little menu thing when I press the home button.

I'll continue to use my Apple TV. I bought a 4K ATV for every TV in my house. I think this iTunes update would apply to two of them.

i have a 2016 set so it won't matter for me but i find those samsung apps always kinky as hell their youtube app is always crashing so i'll still with my rock solid Apple TV

 

[Mr. Zarniwoop]

Interesting that it notes HDR but not Dolby Vision.

 

[DNichter]

1. They should have opened AirPlay 2 long time ago

2. Sounds like to me they will kill AppleTV 4K soon.

We are in a very sad state of Apple hardware ecosystem.

Not necessarily. Some people will still prefer the Apple TV interface to the mess that is smart tv’s. Apple can still offer a great experience for the TV while still selling services on other platforms. It’s still easier/cheaper to add an Apple TV to any TV opposed to buying a new Samsung TV. We can have both options and all will be okay.

 

[Octoberist]

For games I guess. And for people who may not own Samsung TVs.

And for Apple Music, Photos, the slick UI, and a bunch of useful TV apps cord cutters use all the time.

 

[Tiger8]

Holy...

Between this and Apple Music via Alexa devices, is Apple beginning a hard pivot away from using its services to differentiate its devices? AppleTV and HomePod depended on those for competitive advantages.

Reality is, Apple is coming to terms that they never really cracked either category; in terms of streaming devices Apple TV is OK, but that market is owned by Roku, followed by Google and Amazon. As for smart speakers, HomePod is essentially a flop, a distant third behind Amazon and Google

 

[Packers1958]

We are seeing the future of Apple. Bye bye hardware.

 

[Cryates]

Apple has been so dominant in the hardware market for a long time but as that market starts to shrink, Apple is in the weird position of having to rethink their entire strategy and lean on services moving forward. It’s weird in the sense that they’ve rode this dominant wave of hardware for so long that it’s forced other companies to lean on services. Now that the market is shifting, Apple is going to be late to the game when a lot of other services companies have perfected their craft.

I’m not predicting the company to be doomed or anything, but common sense would tell you Apple won’t be on top forever. The markets just shift too much over the course of time. What I do think however, is this is a very pivotal moment for Apple. We’ve gotten reports of down iPhone sales frequently over the last few years, it’s not new, but this time it’s obvious Apple is concerned. I’d guess they are aware the brand has to shift its strategy, but they know it’s not going to be easy when frankly they’ve neglected service offerings for too long. Let Siri’s lack of development (until recently) be a sign of that.

 

[StevieXR]

Slow death march of tvOS. I’d rather Apple invest the development time on a separate iPadOS, wouldn’t you?

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

Meanwhile my 2016 model is left in the dust. The Smart TV functionality is such a bag of **** on mine that I doubt I will buy another Samsung. I've replaced the functionality with a Chromecast Ultra but it would be nice to have support for the Apple stuff.

This is me. Got older model Samsungs, LG, and Vizio television sets. Which I guess will get no love from Amazon Alexa, or Apple.

 

[timber]

Great! But I just purchased an LG

You made a good choice. You got the best picture quality.
Services can always be sorted out later.

 

[Ballis]

To bad my TV is 2017. Still grest news though!

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

Very worrying and it shows that Apple is becoming desperate to make as much revenue from its services in order to please those shareholders. It could all hit them in the face though, for example does the Samsung TV has enough processing power to deliver a 100% playback of a 4K iTunes film? If not, it's not Samsung that will the blame from a Samsung fan but Apple. They'll be the ones telling their friends how 'crap' iTunes films are. I see it a hundred times with Samsung fanboys who criticise everything that Apple does but do not own any Apple products and never have - I see guys at my gym who are like this and they take pleasure in telling me really pathetic things such as 'Apple is disgusting, they don't pay taxes' (even though they probably gives beautiful careers to one million people worldwide, use 100% renewables.

I also have to question Samdung's OS and security. How secure is their TV platform. You'll be signing your Apple I.D. into this monstrosity. Also, do Samdung still make 'decent' TVs? I thought they where relatively 'average' now?

It seems so weird that two companies who hate each other would do this. Talk about lowering your standards and ethics. I've never done this in my life and being a man with integrity, never would. More money - more problems

What a total shame and a true mess for Apple. I never thought that i'd see this day.

 

[yeahtyeaht]

Apple is preparing for the coming streaming service with this strategy. They need more than Apple TV customers to get enough revenue. I hope they dont open everything for other companys. I like the closed ecosystem because it runs really fine for me. If more companys like Samsung will support this I believe we wont get the UX that we know today.

 

[kevin_tron_taco]

Weren’t there rumors that the Apple Streaming service would be free for Apple owned devices? Could still be used as incentive to buy their devices but also offer a subscription fee for the millions of people that don’t own Apple devices. Pretty smart, actually, and this Samsung rollout needed to happen to make the streaming service competitive.

 

[citysnaps]

Do I even need an Apple TV at this point

Depends... If you bypass ATV and connect your Samsung TV directly to the net, then you have to endure Samsung ads popping up now and then.

That doesn't interest me, so I use an Apple TV.

 

[dominiongamma]

Interesting that it notes HDR but not Dolby Vision.

Samsung does not do dv

 

[jasonefmonk]

And no one is buying a $300 Apple TV

USD$179.00 for Apple TV 4K 32GB, the only model anyone should bother with at this point.

1. They should have opened AirPlay 2 long time ago

2. Sounds like to me they will kill AppleTV 4K soon.

1. AirPlay 1 is on many third-party devices like my old Pioneer AVR. AirPlay 2 will be even more available.

2. There is no reason to open up the Apple Media ecosystem just to close it down to only partnered TV manufacturers. Insane to think they will kill the standalone box.

My LG OLED is fine... no problems.. works great, don't bother with any apple tv, firesticks or such things...

Don't care about iTunes, but hope LG support airplay too soon

I think the LG webOS-based interface is pretty poor personally, but AirPlay would be a welcome feature.

 

[Rogifan]

Not necessarily. Some people will still prefer the Apple TV interface to the mess that is smart tv’s. Apple can still offer a great experience for the TV while still selling services on other platforms. It’s still easier/cheaper to add an Apple TV to any TV opposed to buying a new Samsung TV. We can have both options and all will be okay.

I have a TCL with Roku integration. The interface isn’t a mess at all. And the Roku app allows me to use my iOS device as a keyboard if necessary, supports voice and headphones. What’s so great about the Apple TV interface anyway?

 

[Ciclismo]

Do I even need an Apple TV at this point

You might not, but I use a projector and not a TV, so I still need one. Unless Samsung plans on introducing a 2 meter wide HDTV that rolls up into my ceiling so that it doesn’t block my windows during the daytime.