Samsung brings Apple TV app to compatible Smart TVs

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Apple TV app Samsung
Upgrade your firmware to get started.
Photo: Samsung

Samsung has started rolling out the new Apple TV app on compatible Smart TVs.

The app gives users access to all their iTunes content as well as Apple’s upcoming TV+ subscription service. You’ll need to install a firmware update to get your hands on it.

Apple surprised us all when it announced its TV app would be coming to third-party devices. The free download completely negates the need for an Apple TV box for many Samsung TV owners.

Those with a recent Samsung set — all models released in 2019 and some from 2018 — are the first to get access to it. Samsung has a limited period of exclusivity before the TV app expands to other brands.

Apple TV on Samsung sets

The TV app gives users access to all their existing iTunes content, as well as all the ability to buy and rent all the movies and TV shows currently in the catalog. It will also provide access to TV+ when it makes its debut, and to TV’s new Channels feature.

What’s more, the TV app plays nicely with existing Samsung Smart TV features. TV content will be integrated into the Universal Guide, and users will be able to search for their favorite shows and movies using the Bixby voice assistant.

Today’s firmware update also brings AirPlay 2 support to Samsung TVs. This allows iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to stream audio and video from their device to their Samsung set. Here’s the complete list of compatible Samsung devices:

  • QLED series (2018 and 2019)
  • 8 series (2018 and 2019)
  • 7 series (2018 and 2019)
  • 6 series (2018 and 2019)
  • 5 series (2018 and 2019)
  • 4 series (2018 and 2019)

New TV app debuts in iOS 12.3

A revamped TV app with Channels support is also available on iOS and Apple TV today. You can enjoy it by upgrading to iOS 12.3 and tvOS 12.3. You will also need iOS 12.3 to stream to your Samsung TV using AirPlay 2.

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