Published on February 4th, 2019 | by Brad Gibson

Another report, another rumor…Apple’s AirPlay 2 coming to Roku devices

Apple and Roku are reportedly in negotiations to bring AirPlay 2 to Roku media streamers, and possibly Roku-based TVs.

According to the report, talks between the two manufacturers are not finalized and are subject to change, which could mean the deal never happens.

The story is a regurgitation of previous reports with no new facts that originally surfaced in January at the Consumer Electronics Show. It was then that Roku publicly stated it didn’t “have anything to share” on the possibilities of it adding AirPlay 2 support to its products. This came after Apple announced at the show that select AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs were coming from leading brands such as Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Sony.

Airplay 2 would allow iPhone, iPad, and MacOS users to stream video, audio, photos, to videos to Roku-connected devices. The added support would come in the form of a software update, according to the report, rather than requiring those who own Roku hardware to buy new devices.

The update could (repeat could) include support on a select number of TVs with built-in Roku support from companies like Sharp, Vizio, TCL, and Philips, to name a few.

With Roku devices supporting AirPlay 2 at a fraction of the cost of Apple TV – as little as $45 versus fifth-generation Apple TV 4Ks starting at $179 – the deal, if it happens, would be a clear indication of Apple playing its cards to make more money from a much-rumored subscription service and not on streaming devices.

Tags: Apple, apple tv, Roku

About the Author

Brad Gibson Brad is co-founder and editor-in-chief of BESTAppleTV.com. He has been a technology reporter since the late 1980s having previously worked for MacUser, MacFormat, and iCreate magazines, as well as MacNN.com, MacObserver.com, MacCentral.com, MacMinute.com, and Macworld.com. He hosted and produced the MacFormat This Week podcast for three years. He was also a reporter, editor, and producer for the Associated Press and United Press International.