2019 is a new year and Apple has started things off with a bang by making a move that is truly surprising.
At CES 2019, Samsung announced it has signed a partnership with Apple that will bring iTunes content to its 2018 and 2019 lineup of televisions.
The iTunes Movies and TV Shows app will go live sometime ‘beginning this spring’ in ‘more than 100 countries.” The company says that 2018 Samsung TV owners will receive a free firmware update that brings the app to Samsung’s Tizen platform. Owners will be able to purchase or and rent content from iTunes straight from the TV without an Apple TV set-top box, Mac, iPhone or iPad.
In addition, the South Korean company noted the 2018/2019 TVs will also be graced AirPlay 2 support, allowing content from your iPhone or iPad to be streamed to Samsung televisions.
“Samsung customers will be able to effortlessly play videos, photos, music, podcasts and more from Apple devices directly to Samsung Smart TVs, including QLED 4K and 8K TVs, The Frame and Serif lifestyle TVs, as well as other Samsung UHD and HD models,” says Samsung.
AirPlay 2 support will be available in 190 countries worldwide and will arrive with the same update as the iTunes Movies and TV Shows app.
“We pride ourselves on working with top industry leaders to deliver the widest range of content services to our Smart TV platform,” said Samsung’s executive vice president of visual display, Jin Lee in a recent press statement. “Bringing more content, value and open platform functionality to Samsung TV owners and Apple customers through iTunes and AirPlay is ideal for everyone.”
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there is no indication from Samsung Canada but we have reached out for clarification.
This move is likely an effort by Apple to set the stage for its often-rumoured streaming platform.
Update 2:30am ET: Samsung has confirmed that the Tizen iTunes Movies and TV Shows app will be available in Canada.
Source: Samsung
