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Apple TV and AirPlay 2 are now available on Samsung smart TVs

By Sarah Chen
1 min read
Apple TV
Apple TV
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Earlier this year, news broke that Apple would bring the Apple TV app to all Samsung smart TV models from 2018 and 2019. Today, alongside the redesign of the Apple TV app, support for it and AirPlay 2 is going live on Samsung’s smart TVs, turning the South Korean tech giant into the first TV manufacturer to natively support Apple’s services without a set-top box.

In order to gain access to Apple TV and AirPlay 2, Samsung Smart TV owners will have to install a new firmware update that enables the services. Users in Australia have already started receiving the update, though there’s no official schedule for when the update will be rolled out in other regions.

Starting this year, all new Samsung smart TVs should have AirPlay 2 and Apple TV integration out of the box, meaning that the app will be compatible with Samsung’s TV search function, Bixby Voice, and the Universal Guide feature, which surfaces shows and movies based on your interests and preferences. The update also enables casting content from iPhones and iPads to Samsung TVs via AirPlay 2.

The redesigned Apple TV app now features a Channels tab, where users can find their favorite content from various networks and streaming services, as well as a curated section, where content will be surfaced on a per-user basis, depending on interests.

If Apple TV is available in your country, and you own a Samsung smart TV model from the last year, keep an eye out for the firmware update. If you’d like to manually check for an update, go to Settings > Support > Software Update on your TV and select “Check for updates.”

Questions & Answers

Q.

Which Samsung TV models will support Apple TV and AirPlay 2?

A.

All Samsung smart TV models from 2018 and 2019 are gaining support for Apple TV and AirPlay 2. From this year onwards, all new Samsung smart TVs will have these features integrated out of the box.

Q.

How do existing Samsung smart TV owners get access to Apple's services?

A.

Existing Samsung Smart TV owners must install a new firmware update to enable Apple TV and AirPlay 2. Users can manually check for the update in their TV's software update settings.

Q.

What new features does the redesigned Apple TV app offer?

A.

The redesigned Apple TV app includes a Channels tab for content from networks and streaming services. It also features a curated section that surfaces content based on individual user interests and preferences.

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