Apple and Samsung are putting iTunes, AirPlay on newer Samsung smart TVs


On Sunday, Apple and Samsung announced a surprising new deal that will put iTunes on later-model Samsung smart TVs and allow people with iPhones and iPads to use Apple's AirPlay 2 technology to display their device's content on the Samsung TVs. Apple and Samsung have had a contentious, complicated relationship as smartphone rivals and collaborators — last June, the companies settled years of Apple complaints that Samsung had stolen its designs for its smartphones, but during the litigation, Apple was also buying screens and other components from Samsung.
The deal was also seen as a strategic shift for Apple from focusing on hardware to emphasizing its growing services business, though it also raises questions, including how Samsung and Apple will resolve their differing views on customer privacy and about Apple's plans for its Apple TV box.
Apple internet software and services chief Eddy Cue described the deal as a way to give Apple customers "yet another way to enjoy all their favorite content on the biggest screen in their home." Samsung's Won-Jin Lee similarly described the partnership as "ideal" for both Samsung TV owners and Apple customers. Samsung said iTunes will be available on 2019 smart TV models starting in the spring and "support on 2018 Samsung smart TVs will be made available via firmware update." It did not list which models will get the update.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
5 editorial cartoons about ICE raids
Cartoons Political cartoonists take on ICE raids, harvesting Big Macs for Donald Trump, and what to do when Stephen Miller shows up at the front door
-
Grilled radicchio with caper and anchovy sauce recipe
The Week Recommends Smoky twist on classic Italian flavours is perfect to grill, drizzle and devour
-
What we know about Iran's nuclear programme
In the Spotlight The global nuclear watchdog has declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years
-
Economists fear US inflation data less reliable
speed read The Labor Department is collecting less data for its consumer price index due to staffing shortages
-
Crypto firm Coinbase hacked, faces SEC scrutiny
Speed Read The Securities and Exchange Commission has also been investigating whether Coinbase misstated its user numbers in past disclosures
-
Starbucks baristas strike over dress code
speed read The new uniform 'puts the burden on baristas' to buy new clothes, said a Starbucks Workers United union delegate
-
Warren Buffet announces surprise retirement
speed read At the annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway, the billionaire investor named Vice Chairman Greg Abel his replacement
-
Trump calls Amazon's Bezos over tariff display
Speed Read The president was not happy with reports that Amazon would list the added cost from tariffs alongside product prices
-
Markets notch worst quarter in years as new tariffs loom
Speed Read The S&P 500 is on track for its worst month since 2022 as investors brace for Trump's tariffs
-
Tesla Cybertrucks recalled over dislodging panels
Speed Read Almost every Cybertruck in the US has been recalled over a stainless steel panel that could fall off
-
Crafting emporium Joann is going out of business
Speed Read The 82-year-old fabric and crafts store will be closing all 800 of its stores