Roku announced today that Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit are now supported on most of its modern streamers and other devices, courtesy of the free Roku OS 9.4 upgrade.

“With regular automatic software updates, the Roku OS enables consumers to easily get to the entertainment they want via the new features we add over time,” Roku senior vice president Ilya Asnis said. “With Roku OS 9.4 now available on streaming players, we are adding all-new ways to navigate and control content-rich experiences on Roku devices as well as ensuring Roku devices provide a great entertainment experience for customers, regardless of what other technology products they prefer in their homes and particularly with the addition of Apple AirPlay and HomeKit.”

After the upgrade, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit will be available on select 4K Roku devices, which includes the Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, Roku Smart Soundbar, Roku Streaming Stick+, and Roku Premiere.

For those unfamiliar, AirPlay 2 lets iPhone, iPad, and Mac users stream content from their devices directly to compatible speakers and other devices, similar to how Google’s Chromecast/Google Cast works. HomeKit is Apple’s smart home platform; it lets users control compatible via the Home app or using their voice with Siri.

Roku also notes that Roku OS 9.4 has other features like a Live TV Channel Guide on Roku TVs, Roku Voice hints, Surround level control for multi-channel audio, updated Theme Packs, and various performance enhancements.

Tagged with AirPlay 2, Apple HomeKit, Roku