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LG's high-end 4K TVs get AirPlay 2 and HomeKit first in the US
You don't have to wonder when LG will roll out AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to its TVs in the US -- it's here. The Apple ecosystem support is now available to higher-end 2019 LG TVs in the country through a firmware update. The features are currently ready for OLED and NanoCell 4K LCD sets with ThinQ capabilities, excluding the SM8100 series. Other 4K sets will get their updates later in the year.
LG's 2019 TVs are ready to work with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
This year started with a slew of TV manufacturers showing off hardware ready to work with Apple's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit protocols, and now LG says its 2019 TVs are ready to support both features. That makes it, by its claim, the first global TV manufacturer with support for Apple's smart home control system (Apple doesn't have a list of supported TVs on its website yet) and one of few so far to support AirPlay 2. Samsung still has exclusive integration of Apple's new TV app, but with AirPlay 2 built-in, LG owners can use their iPhones, iPads and Macs to stream video, podcasts, images or music directly to the display. That will include Apple's TV+ originals when they launch later this year, and of course includes the ability to sync up with other AirPlay-ready hardware for multiroom audio. With HomeKit support, LG TVs can be controlled via Siri or the Home app in iOS, with control of power, volume and input selection. Plus, like other accessories, it can become a part of scenes and automations to prep things for movie night, or whatever else you have in mind. The update with Apple's features is "starting" this week, so even if you have a 2019 model TV, it could take a few weeks before it's actually available. LG 2019 TVs with AirPlay (from Apple's list): LG OLED LG NanoCell SM9X series LG NanoCell SM8X series LG UHD UM7X series
iOS 12.3 is out now with overhauled TV app
Just seven weeks after rolling out iOS 12.2, Apple has released iOS 12.3. The biggest update this time around is a major refresh of the TV app ahead of the Apple TV+ streaming service debuting later this year. Through the new-look app, you can subscribe to various TV networks through Apple TV Channels and watch their shows all in one place.
Netflix abruptly loses support for Apple AirPlay (updated)
Netflix has supported AirPlay streaming from iOS devices to Apple TV since 2013, and while it wasn't the world's most necessary feature it is odd to hear that this week users noticed it suddenly stopped working. As MacRumors and Apple Insider point out, a support page on Netflix's website now says "Airplay is no longer supported for use with Netflix due to technical limitations." Whatever those technical limitations might be -- arising at the same time Apple revealed a Netflix competitor with Apple TV+ and is making its AirPlay 2 protocol available on more devices -- they shouldn't interrupt your streaming by much. The Apple TV, and any other AirPlay-ready device, will certainly include a Netflix app built-in, and may even work with the Cast button as a fallback. Even if it doesn't, AirPlay Mirroring still works too, even if it's not as convenient. It could be annoying logging into Netflix with an awkward TV remote instead of just pressing one button on your phone or tablet, but for now that's what it will take.
Roku could add AirPlay 2 support soon
Apple wants as many people as possible to have access to its upcoming streaming video service -- even if they don't have Apple TV. It's been working with a number of TV makers on AirPlay 2 and iTunes compatibility, so they can easily watch Apple's original shows and movies on larger screens. Now, Apple is close to sealing a deal with Roku for AirPlay 2 support, according to MacRumors.
