LG disappointed a number of its customers when last week it reneged on a pledge to provide an update that would turn on AirPlay 2 and HomeKit features on some of its older TV models by October of this year.
LG had indicated that it would add AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to some 2018 smart TV models by October 2020. LCD models with “SK” or “UK” in the name and OLED models with “B8” through “Z8” in the name.
However, when a customer recently asked LG’s official UK Twitter account when the update would arrive, LG admitted that it will not fulfill its April promise. The comment was not received well.
That tweet has now been removed, and LG UK’s official Twitter account has today announced that the features are indeed on the way.
It’s hard to tell if this is just a case of bad communication within LG or if it is reacting to the customer complaints in the wake of its earlier statement. These days, when a single Twitter complaint can result in massive changes, it is likely a reaction to comments, IMHO.
No matter the reason, it is happy news for owners of 2018 LG smart TVs that have LCD models with “SK” or “UK” in the name or OLED models with “B8” through “Z8” in the name.
AirPlay 2 support allows Apple users to beam content – including video, music, and photos – via AirPlay 2 from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac to their LG TV, just like it already does when using an Apple TV.
The update’s HomeKit support allows users to control their television using Siri voice commands or via the Home app on their Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Siri commands would have allowed users to play specific shows or movies via AirPlay to the LG smart set.
LG has also officially announced worldwide support for the Apple TV app on select LG 2018 OLED and Super UHD TVs, with support for UHD TV models to follow.