Jordan O'BrienHaving been the first TV manufacturer to announce that it was bringing the Apple TV app and support for AirPlay 2 to its smart TV platform, Samsung is now the first to release the two features. The company has confirmed that all 2019 Samsung Smart TVs and select 2018 TV models will gain access to both features from today, with the Apple TV app available in more than 100 countries, while AirPlay 2 is supported in 176 countries.
Samsung shocked the industry when it announced it was teaming up with Apple to offer support for the Apple TV app, as the two are typically bitter rivals. At an event earlier this year, Apple revealed how its newly-launched TV is key to the company’s future, as it seeks to diversify its product offering amid dwindling iPhone sales.
The Apple TV app gives users access to the iTunes media store for downloading and renting TV shows and movies, while it’s also a hub for streaming media from the likes of Amazon Prime Video, All 4, ITV Hub, HBO and CBS. It notably lacks the ability to stream content from Netflix, although it will gain access to Apple’s own streaming platform later this year.
“For the last decade, Samsung has been at the forefront of offering the broadest selection of content available to consumers on our Smart TV platform,” said Won-Jin Lee, Executive Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.
“As the first TV manufacturer to integrate the Apple TV app on a Smart TV platform, Samsung continues to offer our customers incredible value and access to the Apple TV app experience on the largest screens available today.”
Content on the Apple TV app can be played in 4K HDR, while it will also integrate into Samsung’s Smart TV Services, such as Universal Guide, Bixby and Search. Those wishing to use AirPlay 2 will be able to stream content from their iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to their Samsung Smart TV.