Sony brings AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to select 2018 and 2019 TVs

By

Sony-Z9F-TV
Part of an Android 9 upgrade.
Photo: Sony

Sony is rolling out an update to select 2018 and 2019 TVs that adds AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support for the first time.

The features are part of a wider Android 9 upgrade, which also adds Dolby Atmos. But if your existing set isn’t on the list of supported devices today, it never will be.

AirPlay 2 and HomeKit first started rolling out to third-party TVs early this year, starting with sets from Samsung and Vizio. Other manufacturers, such as LG, slowly followed with updates of their own.

Sony confirmed earlier this year it would be bringing AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to its own sets. That’s finally happening with the Android 9 upgrade for select models.

Sony TVs pick up AirPlay 2 and HomeKit

Sony sets that are getting the update include the following model numbers:

  • 2018: A9F, Z9F
  • 2019: A9G, Z9G, X950G, X850G

Sony says its Android 9 update is rolling out in stages. So if your set is on this list but you don’t see it yet, just hang tight — not everyone will be able to upgrade right away.

Existing Sony sets that aren’t on this list will not receive AirPlay 2 or HomeKit support, Sony says.

No Apple TV app … yet

AirPlay 2 allows users to stream content from their Mac and iOS devices directly to their TV — without needing an Apple TV box. HomeKit adds the Home app, which lets you control smart devices from your set.

Sadly, the update does not bring the Apple TV app, which is required if you want to access iTunes content and enjoy shows on Apple TV+. But we’re hoping Sony will join Samsung in providing that later.

We can expect future Sony TVs, particularly midrange and high-end models, to come with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit pre-installed next year.

Via: FlatpanelsHD

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