Apple’s list of AirPlay 2-enabled TVs hasVizio’s SmartCast models from 2017, 2018 and 2019gaining support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, but now the American TV manufacturer has confirmed that 2016 4K models will be gainingthese handy featuresas well.
“We have confirmed that all 2016 4K UHD SmartCast Displays will support the Apple integration,” readsVizio’s confirmation tweet. This is great news for all owners of older Vizio TVs from 2016 and onward because those customers will be able to AirPlay media to their TV and usecertain HomeKit featureswithout needing to have an Apple TV.
Apple’s list mentions the following LG models:
MacRumorswrites that 2017 SmartCast models feature the same hardware as earlier 2016 models. To reiterate, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integration will work with Vizio’s SmartCast TVs from 2016 and onward.
Other manufacturers don’t seem to be interested in adding AirPlay 2 and HomeKit functionality to older hardware. While the ability to AirPlay video does require a decent chipset, only Vizio of all TV makers supports Apple’s media-streaming tech on models dating as far back as 2016.
Samsung will integrateAirPlay 2 and HomeKit on 2018 Smart TVs via a software update, but bothSonyandLGwill limit the functionality to their 2019 Smart TV models.
LG’s supportincludes only four 2019 Smart TVs: the LG OLED models, the NanoCell SM9X and SM8X series and the UHD UM7X series. Now, a TV is at least a 5 year investment and nobody wants to see their recent purchase obsoleted so quickly.
Deciding to take matters in his own hands, LG customer Doney den Ouden has started an online petition calling on the South Korean maker to issue software updates bringing AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to their older premium OLED models.
We, owners of 2016, 2017 and 2018 LG webOS Premium OLED TVs, kindly request LG Electronics Inc. to bring the AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support announced for 2019 OLED TVs to 2016, 2017 and 2018 models as well.
It is entirely possible to add these feature through a firmware update, proven by Samsung which is bringing AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to at least their 2018 TV models via a firmware update.
LG, show customers of your Premium TVs, and indeed the world, that LG televisions are supported with software updates for multiple years, and thus are a wise investment compared to other brands.
