Roku Adds AirPlay 2 & HomeKit Support for 4K Devices

Roku revealed in September that its upcoming operating system update, Roku OS 9.4, would integrate compatibility with Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. The company announced this morning that these capabilities are now available on a selection of its 4K Roku players, specifically the Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Streaming Stick+ and Roku Premiere. The update is scheduled to become available for 4K Roku TVs in the near future.

The inclusion of AirPlay 2 support enables Roku users to transmit content from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac to their Roku device. This encompasses both personal media files stored on their devices and content from other applications that are also compatible with AirPlay 2.

This functionality proves particularly beneficial when a new streaming provider does not initially develop an application for Roku platforms, or when a provider considers removing an existing app as leverage during contract negotiations, mirroring actions taken by NBCU in the past.

Such actions by streaming services can negatively impact Roku customers, and the ability to stream content from a compatible device, such as an iPhone, offers a way to mitigate these issues.

As an illustration, HBO Max is presently not offering its app on Roku devices; therefore, the newly implemented AirPlay 2 streaming option provides a convenient alternative. However, continued support for AirPlay 2 on iOS by HBO Max will be necessary for this workaround to remain effective.

(If you are currently experiencing difficulties activating AirPlay 2, it should be operational shortly. Roku states that the feature is being deployed to 4K streaming players starting around 12 PM PT today.)

Alongside AirPlay 2, Roku OS 9.4 introduces support for HomeKit, allowing Roku owners to manage their device through the Home app and Siri voice commands on their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and HomePod.

Further enhancements included in the 9.4 update are a new “Live TV” tile on the home screen, providing a live program guide for The Roku Channel’s extensive library of over 115 free live channels, along with tutorials to assist users in utilizing voice control features, and refreshed theme packs that now incorporate optional audio cues.