Apple to launch ITunes on Samsung Smart TVs this spring
David Farnor | On 08, Jan 2019
Apple’s iTunes is coming to Samsung TVs this spring.
The tech giant, which has been a ubiquitous part of home computing and mobile phones for years, is undergoing a bit of pressure at the moment. Falling sales of iPhones prompted the company to revise its revenue guidance down for the first time ever last week, a growing sign that its reliance on hardware isn’t a sustainable way to compete in an increasingly media-driven age.
Indeed, Apple is planning to launch its own streaming service in the near future, offering original video to subscribers in a manner that will rival Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. To do that, though, it needs to find a way to break out from solely iPhone and iPad users to reach global audiences. It’s new partnership with Samsung suggests it’s about to start doing just that.
The duo announced yesterday that iTunes Movies and TV Shows and Apple AirPlay 2 support will be included on 2019 Samsung Smart TV models, beginning this spring. In an industry first, the iTunes Movies and TV Shows app will debut only on Samsung Smart TVs in more than 100 countries.
With the app, Samsung customers will be able to access their existing iTunes library and browse the iTunes Store to buy or rent from a selection of hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including a large selection of 4K HDR movies. iTunes Movies and TV Shows will work seamlessly with Samsung’s Smart TV Services, such as Universal Guide, the New Bixby and Search, to create a consistent experience across Samsung’s platform.
With AirPlay 2 support, 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.
As the global leader in television for 13 years, Samsung Smart TVs have grown to become one of the largest entertainment platforms available on the market.
“We pride ourselves on working with top industry leaders to deliver the widest range of content services to our Smart TV platform,” says Won-Jin Lee, Executive Vice President, Service Business of Visual Display at Samsung Electronics. “Bringing more content, value and open platform functionality to Samsung TV owners and Apple customers through iTunes and AirPlay is ideal for everyone.”
“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,” adds Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services at Apple.
Support for iTunes and AirPlay will also be added to 2018 Samsung Smart TVs will be made available via firmware update.