Published , by Josh Hawkins
Published , by Josh Hawkins
Samsung announced an industry-first yesterday, revealing that they plan to bring support for iTunes Movies and TV Shows as well as Apple Airplay 2 Support to their Smart TV line-up. This is one of few times we’ve seen Samsung teaming up with the other side, and the support for Apple’s Airplay 2, as well as the iTunes movie app, will be available on Samsung’s upcoming 2019 smart TV models starting spring 2019.
Smart TVs from the 2018 line-up will also receive support for Airplay 2 and the iTunes movie app thanks to a firmware update. The new iTunes Movies and TV Shows application will release on Samsung Smart TVs in over 100 countries worldwide, while support for the Airplay 2 will be available in 190 countries. It’s a huge step forward for Samsung, and according to the announcement, users will find that their Samsung Smart TV works consistent and fluidly with the iTunes Movies and TV Shows, not only giving them access to the application’s extensive libraries, but also working seamlessly with Samsung’s built-in services, like the new Bixby and Search, as well as the Universal Guide.
As for the Airplay 2, it will work effortlessly with Samsung’s Smart TVs like the 8K line-up, QLED 4K line-up and even the Frame and Serif lifestyle line-up, giving Apple users plenty of ways to connect their videos, photos, music, podcasts and whatever else they might have on their Apple devices directly into their television.
Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services at Apple, stated “We look forward to bringing the iTunes and AirPlay 2 experience to even more customers around the world through Samsung Smart TVs, so iPhone, iPad and Mac users have yet another way to enjoy all their favorite content on the biggest screen in their home.”
While Samsung supporting Apple’s programs might not seem like a big deal to some, it’s actually a huge leap forward, as Samsung and Apple have had quite a spotty past, often as each other’s top rival. This partnership could be the beginning of a new future for the two companies, a future where technology doesn’t have to feel quite as divided.
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