We can now say that this is a fairly widespread expansion, since after learning yesterday that Samsung included the iTunes app and AirPlay 2 in its new 2019 TVs, today LG is doing the same with its Cupertino models. However, it seems that the brand hasn't managed, or hasn't been interested, in including the iTunes catalog, possibly because it already includes Dolby Vision in its compatible models.
TV with virtual assistants and with AirPlay 2
Among the new features included in its 2019 catalog, LG announced that its new models would include Alexa to complement Google Assistant , already present in previous models from the brand. The arrival of Amazon's assistant will expand the TVs' options for interacting with other devices and receiving additional information. Furthermore, the list also includes AirPlay 2 support, something the brand just announced at its CES conference.
As Samsung explained yesterday , the arrival of Apple's standard on LG TVs will allow users to connect Apple devices directly to the screens, either to stream video or to listen to audio through a HomePod. As mentioned previously, iTunes movies and TV shows will not be available on LG ThinQ TVs, so for now, that option remains with Samsung (2019 and 2018 models via firmware update).
One thing LG has included is HomeKit support , a tool that will allow control of home devices through the protocol that Apple uses in its devices, something quite interesting that could be key to attracting users with a fairly complete home ecosystem.
Sony is not invited to the party
https://youtu.be/ymEvn5g54ss
After seeing how the two major players in the television market have opted to include Apple services and products in their TVs, it remains to be seen how Sony will respond to this new landscape. The Japanese brand has one main problem, and that is the operating system it uses in its devices. Sony's Smart TV solution relies on Android TV , an excellent platform that offers exceptional performance, but since it belongs to Google, the latter would not welcome the integration of AirPlay 2, especially since it already includes its own solution, Google Cast.