One of the big announcements coming out of CES is the content marriage of arch rivals Samsung and Apple with the Korean TV maker agreeing to make Apple iTunes movies available on their 2018 and 2019 TV range.
As of the first quarter of 2019 new Samsung TV owners will be able to access and play iTunes movie and TV show library, the Korean Company has announced. In the past Apple has toyed with the idea of launching their own TV range.
You’ll also be able to buy and rent content from iTunes directly from the TV. The content will be available through a dedicated app which will debut exclusively on Samsung’s TVs. The TVs will also include support for AirPlay 2, Apple’s wireless streaming standard.
The iTunes Movies and TV Shows app, which will be available in 100 countries including Australia on both Samsung’s 2019 TVs as well as its 2018 models however a firmware upgrade will be needed for the 2018 models.
This is the first time Apple has allowed third-party devices to access its video library outside of Windows PCs and shows the desperation that Apple is facing as iPhone sales falter.
Meanwhile, AirPlay 2 support will be available in 190 countries and will allow content such as videos, photos, music and podcasts, to be streamed from Apple devices directly to Samsung’s televisions. It will reportedly be joined by Google Assistant on the company’s 2019 televisions.
Commenting on the announcement, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue said, “We look forward to bringing the iTunes and AirPlay 2 experience to even more customers around the world through Samsung Smart TVs, so iPhone, iPad and Mac users have yet another way to enjoy all their favourite content on the biggest screen in their home.”
Digital Trends said that this development is of considerable note considering everything that lives within Apple’s walled garden are closely guarded properties.
The fact that Samsung has managed to broker such a deal with a company it considers an arch-rival (iPhone vs. Galaxy phones, anyone?) serves to prove that both companies see the partnership as mutually beneficial.
What remains to be seen is how long Apple’s deal with Samsung remains exclusive. If other manufacturers are unable to offer iTunes and AirPlay 2 in their smart TVs for a year or more, this deal winds up being a real feather in Samsung’s cap. Regardless, this is a big win for Samsung TV owners.
