Apple’s TV service just scored a huge win at CES 2019

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TV makers like Vizio are suddenly BFFs with Apple.
Did you get an early invite?
Photo: Vizio

CES 2019 bugThe biggest TV makers in the business are finally ready to play nice with Apple.

Apple’s long-rumored TV streaming service isn’t expected to launch until later this year, but in the meantime, Vizio and LG revealed that they’re adding AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to their 2019 TVs. And it could be a crucial win for Apple’s growing ambition to take on Netflix.

Samsung was the first company to announce that it was bringing AirPlay 2 and iTunes movies to its TVs this year. Over the last few hours though, a number of companies at CES 2019 made similar announcements about their displays. Now that TV makers are finally embracing Apple, it gives the iPhone maker another way to expand its Services revenue as iPhone sales start dipping.

Apple just won CES 2019

With the new integrations, customers can now link their iPhones and iPads to their TV to browse and watch content from iTunes. This will certainly come in handy when Apple’s gigantic catalog of TV shows finally launches. Instead of having to buy an Apple TV to get Apple’s show on the living room big screen, users will now be able to share them directly from their iPhones.

AirPlay 2 will also let you show videos, photos and music from your iPhone to the TVs. With the HomeKit support, you can control your TV with Siri.

Vizio confirmed that it will support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit as part of its SmartCast 3.0 platform. Users in Canada and the US will get it first in Q1 2019. The features will be available to all SmartCast TV owners via a free software update by Q2.

LG says the AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support will be part of its AI TV lineup in 2019. It sounds like older TVs won’t be getting the features through a software upgrade. Some 2018 Samsung models will be able to update to the new features.

 

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