Apple is closing in on a deal that could bring its AirPlay 2 technology to Roku’s TV set-top boxes.
At CES 2019 Apple revealed that it had partnered with some of the world’s biggest TV manufacturers to add AirPlay 2 to new and some old TVs. Adding support for Roku could bring AirPlay 2 support to other TV manufacturers as well, just in time for Apple’s streaming video service.
By integrating AirPlay 2 directly into TVs, Apple has opened up an all-new way for iPhone and iPad users to share content from their device to the big screen. 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 watch Apple’s shows on the living room big screen, users will now be able to share them directly from their iPhones.
Airplay 2 comes to Roku
According to a report from MacRumors, “negotiations are nearly finalized” between Apple and Roku. AirPlay 2 support will be added via a Roku OS software update. It’s unclear AirPlay 2 will also be supported by Roku-based smart TVs, available from brands such as TCL, Sharp, Hisense, Hitachi, Sanyo, and RCA.
Roku told reporters earlier this year that it doesn’t have anything planned, as far as AirPlay 2 support goes. The two sides are supposedly negotiating on a launch date and marketing for the new feature.
If Apple does finalize a deal it would be another huge win for its streaming service. Roku has been crushing Apple TV in the TV streaming media player market for years. The more affordable Roku boxes have heavily outsold Apple TV, but that might not matter anymore if they add AirPlay 2.
