Samsung Teams With Apple

Samsung has announced that it will offer iTunes Movies and TV Shows and Apple AirPlay 2 support on all 2019 Samsung Smart TV models beginning this spring, while support on 2018 Samsung Smart TVs will launch through a firmware update.

In addition, a new iTunes app will launch exclusively on Samsung Smart TVs in more than 100 countries, while AirPlay 2 will be available in 190 countries.

“We pride ourselves on working with top industry leaders to deliver the widest range of content services to our Smart TV platform,” said Won-Jin Lee, executive vice president of service business of visual display at Samsung Electronics, in an emailed press release. “Bringing more content, value and open platform functionality to Samsung TV owners and Apple customers through iTunes and AirPlay is ideal for everyone.”

With the iTunes Movies and TV Shows app, Samsung customers can access their existing iTunes library, as well as browse the iTunes Store to buy or rent from a wide selection of movies and TV episodes, including the largest selection of 4K HDR movies. iTunes Movies and TV Shows will also work with Samsung’s Smart TV Services, such as Universal Guide, Search and Bixby. In November, it was reported that Samsung plans to install Bixby, its voice-activated digital assistant, on all its electronics by 2020. In addition to smartphones, Bixby will be in refrigerators, air conditioners — and televisions.

And with AirPlay 2 support, Samsung Smart TV customers can play videos, photos, music, podcasts and more from Apple devices directly to Samsung Smart TVs.

“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 favorite content on the biggest screen in their home,” said Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services at Apple.