Skip to main content

Rumor: Apple to license full AirPlay technology to outside TV manufacturers

AirPlayBloomberg is reporting that “two people familiar with the project” say Apple may license its AirPlay technology to allow streaming content from iOS devices to TVs. As it currently stands, AirPlay is only able to stream audio to select non-Apple devices, but the anonymous sources are suggesting it’s interested in developing the technology to include video. TVs with full AirPlay compatibility could even be coming as soon as this year.

The report claims that “companies pay Apple $4 for each device sold that carries AirPlay,” and the current agreement provides that video is not included.

AirPlay currently can stream any media to an Apple TV system, meaning anything bought via iTunes or self-created content (photos, home movies, etc). To any other television set, it’s audio only. Seeing as the connected box top from Apple has had only mild success compared to rival Internet TVs, it makes sense that a company used to outrageous triumphs in the electronics arena is investigating ways to seriously challenge competitors. Apple could sell more iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches if it allowed outside electronics manufacturers to sync with AirPlay. Not to mention the fact that it could increase iTunes sales. The digital media library doesn’t necessarily need the help, but with competitors threatening to come out of the woodwork it certainly couldn’t hurt Apple hold on the market. Of course, it would also rake in more money off licensing fees on manufacturers that want to include AirPlay A/V technology in their TVs.

Of course, this would be a somewhat unprecedented move for Apple, which doesn’t look to kindly on licensing its technology to outside developers – it’s a truly in-house company. But AirPlay was an exception before, and maybe allowing manufacturers to use it for audio was just the first step. Video could be next. And now is certainly the time: Consumers are jumping on board with connected TVs and streaming content, and content providers would be wise to act quickly and rope in loyal customers early on.

Our question is, what manufacturers would Apple be collaborating with (at least initially) on this project? Many of the companies already licensing AirPlay technology, like Pioneer, Marantz and iHome, have no presence in the TV world. Many TV manufacturers (like Sony) already have competing streaming video products. Who’s Apple’s ideal partner?

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
We’ve tried them all — these are the best Sonos speakers in 2024
Sonos Move 2 in white.

One of the best speaker brands is Sonos so it’s a smart move to kit your home out with some great Sonos speakers. The range is busy enough that it can be tricky to know where to start. To an extent, any Sonos speaker is sure to delight you with some of the best wireless speakers around coming from Sonos. There’s also the benefit of Sonos’s multi-room system so you can easily get all your speakers to work together across the house. However, certain speakers are better for certain scenarios so a little research is always wise.

Below, we’ve picked out all the best Bluetooth speakers from Sonos. That includes some more affordable options, speakers that can be taken out and about with you, and ones that give you sound that will fill the room with joy. Whatever you pick here, you’re going to love it. A great speaker really does make the ambience at home so much better and you’ll soon notice some details you wouldn’t hear through inferior speakers. Keen to learn more? Let’s get straight into the best Sonos speakers.
The best Sonos speakers in 2024

Read more
JBL sale: Bluetooth speakers, wireless earbuds, and more, from $30
JBL Authentics 300.

JBL is one of the most popular brands in the audio industry, so you shouldn't pass up any chance to enjoy savings when buying one of its devices. If you're on the hunt for Bluetooth speaker deals, wireless earbuds deals, or discounts for any other type of audio device, you should check out what's available in Best Buy's JBL sale. You can get something for as low as $30, but there are bargains for some of JBL's premium products as well. Take a look at our recommendations below or go through everything that's on sale -- either way, you need to hurry because there's no telling how long stocks will last.

What to buy in Best Buy's JBL sale
The JBL Flip 6 portable speaker. JBL / JBL

Read more
Samsung’s new Music Frame smart speaker is essentially $100 off
The front panel of the Samsung Music Frame snaps off so you can swap it out with other artwork.

For a wireless speaker that doubles as an art piece in your bedroom or living room, you should check out the Samsung Music Frame smart speaker. It's available from Best Buy for $400, and every purchase comes with a $100 gift card that you can use on a future Best Buy purchase. That essentially drops the price of the unique device to a more affordable $300, but you better act fast because we're not sure how long this offer will remain available. If you can buy the wireless speaker now, you should probably do so.

Why you should buy the Samsung Music Frame smart speaker
The Samsung Music Frame is a wireless speaker that doubles as an old-fashioned picture frame, so you'll be able to listen to your favorite music while gazing at your photograph or artwork of choice. You have the option of swapping the bezels and the picture whenever you want. Behind the picture are two each of woofers, tweeters, and midrange drivers, which use Samsung's SpaceFit calibration technology to tune themselves according to the acoustics of the room where the Samsung Music Frame is placed. With its compatibility for Dolby Atmos, you'll enjoy rich surround sound.

Read more