As promised, support for Apple AirPlay 2.0 and HomeKit is rolling out via updates to Vizio SmartCast TVs and certain LG smart TVs in the U.S.
Vizio announced today that updates for its SmartCast 3.0 TVs are beginning to roll out now, and will continue over the coming months to new and existing SmartCast TVs dating back to 2016.
“With both AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support, users can now share movies, TV shows, music and more from their favorite apps, including the Apple TV app, directly to SmartCast TVs, and enable TV controls through the Home app and Siri," said Bill Baxter, chief technology officer at Vizio, in a statement. He said that Vizio smart TVs now support voice assistants from Amazon, Apple and Google.
LG earlier this week also confirmed that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support is rolling out in the U.S. as a firmware update for select LG OLED and NanoCell 4K UHD TVs with ThinQ AI capability. The remaining 4K UHD TV series in LG's lineup are expected to also receive this update later in 2019.
RELATED: Apple launches TV+ streaming service, TV app integrations with Roku and Amazon Fire TV
As Apple prepares to launch its Apple TV+ video streaming service, it has been signing iTunes and AirPlay support deals with many third-party device makers to help boost distribution beyond its own devices. The TV app is coming to smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio, and to Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices.
Apple this week reported its fiscal third-quarter earnings including service revenues totaling approximately $11.5 billion. Apple TV+, which will be home to Apple’s slate of original programming, will be a key part of Apple’s strategic emphasis on services, but once again the company did not reveal details about the service, such as a specific launch date or price.
Apple did claim that monthly viewers in the Apple TV app in the U.S. are up over 40% year-over-year.