Last month, we reported that Apple was in discussions with Roku to add AirPlay 2 Support to Roku devices. At today’s keynote, Apple revealed that their new TV App will be coming to both Roku and Fire TV devices later this year, but didn’t announce whether AirPlay 2 would also be included in the update.
Apple announced that the new TV App would first be available on Apple TV devices in May, expanding to Samsung Smart TVs later in the Spring. Later this year, in addition to Roku and Fire TV devices, the app will be available on Smart TVs by VIZIO and LG, as well as the Mac.
At CES, it was announced AirPlay 2 and HomeKit would be available in LG, VIZIO, and Samsung’s entire 2019 line-up. Apple didn’t announce whether AirPlay 2 would also come to Roku and Fire TV players.
The renewed interest in partnerships with TV manufacturers comes as Apple announced a new streaming service called Apple TV+ with original shows from J.J. Abrams, Reese Witherspoon, and Chris Evans. With the addition of Apple’s TV App, iOS users can now watch those shows on Roku and Fire TV devices.