Samsung announced today that iTunes Movies and TV Shows will be available on 2019 Samsung Smart TVs and AirPlay 2 support starting this spring. Last year’s 2018 Samsung Smart TVs will also be supported with a firmware update.
As part of the update, Samsung customers will be able to purchase or rent from the iTunes Store, as well as access their existing library. iTunes will work with Samsung’s built-in universal guide and search.
Using AirPlay, customers will be able to play videos, music, and podcasts from Apple devices on Samsung Smart TVs. This is the first time customers will be able to AirPlay video to a device other than an Apple TV.
Many believe the addition of iTunes to Samsung Televisions is in anticipation of Apple’s Netflix competitor. Apple is expected roll out their streaming service early this year, starting in the United States then expanding to 100 other countries. They plan to mix original programming, third party services, and the ability to subscribe to other services through Apple, like the deals the Amazon has with HBO and Showtime.
The company has partnered with A24 who produced films like Lady Bird and Moonlight to make films for the service and announced a multi-year deal for original shows from Oprah. They have quietly acquired programming including a J.J. Abrams limited series starring Jennifer Garner, Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories, a futuristic drama from Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence, and thriller series from M. Night Shyamalan.