Select Roku devices are now gaining support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. The added support is arriving with the release of Roku OS 9.4 and provides Roku device owners with an additional option for connecting their iPhone and other Apple products.
Roku is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the U.S. and therefore, any missing support is likely to affect a significant number of users. Although the new feature is only now just starting to roll out, Roku previously confirmed in September that AirPlay 2 support was coming.
Roku today announced that the release of Roku 9.4 includes support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. However, the feature is only becoming available on select devices. Specifically, 4K Roku devices, with the feature rollout due to be completed “in the coming days.” The update mainly applies to Roku’s dedicated players and sticks, but the company did explain that select 4K Roku TVs will also gain AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support “in phases over the coming months.”
Roku devices receiving AirPlay 2 & HomeKit support:
- Roku Ultra
- Roku Streambar
- Roku Smart Soundbar
- Roku Streaming Stick+
- Roku Premiere
A nice addition for Apple customers
With AirPlay 2 and HomeKit both being Apple products, this marks a major update for consumers who tend to favor Apple’s ecosystem and devices. With the support live, owners of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer will be able to stream content from their Apple device directly to their Roku player or stick.
The ability to stream extends to any content on the phone, including apps. For example, while HBO Max is not currently available on Roku devices, it is available on iOS and iPadOS and therefore, this could be a way for device owners to watch HBO Max on their Roku device. Likewise, the added HomeKit support will allow Apple device owners to issue voice commands to Siri to control their Roku device.
Besides the included AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support, Roku also explained that the Roku OS 9.4 upgrade also adds a Live TV Channel Guide to Roku TVs, tips for using Roku Voice, and improved surround sound support for multi-channel systems. This is in addition to updated Theme Packs and various Roku performance improvements.
Source: Roku
