For the first time, Philips is partnering with Apple to support AirPlay 2 and Apple Home in the upcoming OLED809, OLED909 and OLED959 ranges.
There were a lot of new features to talk about in our first look at Philips' 2024 Ambilight OLED TVs, but the company has something extra up its sleeve.
Philips has confirmed to FlatpanelsHD that, for the first time, the upcoming OLED809, OLED909, and OLED959 ranges will support Apple AirPlay 2 and Apple Home (previously HomeKit). Apple's TV features were already supported in TV models from some other brands.
What is AirPlay 2 and Apple Home?
AirPlay 2 is Apple's casting system that allows you to wirelessly send media content, including video, music, photos, and games, from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the TV screen over the home network – much like Chromecast.
Apple Home, or HomeKit, is a platform for the connected home that allows integration with the TV. You can set up automatic home routines and also manually control TV functions such as on/off or volume via the Remote app on iPhone and iPad, or via Siri voice commands on all Apple devices.
How AirPlay works with TVs. Photo: Apple
Apple and Google compatibility
Philips' OLED809, OLED909 and OLED959 ranges are all running Google TV, so they are also compatible with Chromecast and Google Home, allowing users to freely select between the two platforms.
Philips informed FlatpanelsHD that the Apple features will not be backwards compatible with any previous Philips TV models, except for the Apple TV app which is already available on all Philips Google TV models. The 2024 Philips OLED759 is not getting AirPlay and Apple Home either as it runs Titan OS powered by a different chipset.
OLED809 and OLED909 will launch in Europe later in Q2 2024, while OLED959 is scheduled for Q3 2024.
First Philips TVs with AirPlay 2, Apple Home support
FlatpanelsHD
