Sony has begun rolling out a software update for some of its smart TVs that enables AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit support, including its XBR Z9F and XBR A9F series of 4K and 4K OLED TVs.
Earlier this year, Sony announced that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support would come to some of its mid-range and high-end smart TVs by way of a software update. This Android 9 Pie update makes good on that promise, and also includes Dolby Atmos support.
The update is available for the 2018 A9F and Z9F models as well as the 2019 A9G, Z9G, X950G, and X850G (55, 65, 75, 85-inch). TV tech site FlatpanelsHD notes that the 2018 A9F and Z9F models weren't listed as compatible models in Sony's original announcement, but they've since been included.
AirPlay 2 support will allow users to stream videos, music, photos, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, and Mac to compatible Sony smart TVs, complete with lock screen controls. HomeKit support will enable users to easily control the TVs using Siri voice commands or the Home app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The software update is available in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. There's no word yet on the availability of the update in Europe and elsewhere, but presumably Sony plans to extend the staggered rollout beyond these regions.
To update the Android-based software, you need to press the HELP button on the remote control and select "System software update." If you don't see the update, enable the "Automatically check for update" option, and a notification will appear on your TV when the update is available.
Samsung, LG, and Vizio have also released AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs this year. To check out MacRumors' hands-on with one of Vizio's compatible models, click here.
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Top Rated Comments
(View all)It’s better for your privacy this way.
So, only after a few months on the market, this tv won't get the newest updates and features? If so, guess what finger I'm pointing up at you Sony.
Yes, it was a bit of a pain. My TV did not recognize flash drives formatted on a Mac. I had to use a PC to format the drive. Also you have to unzip the file on a PC to get the correct .zip file that the TV recognizes. Not the simplest process but I was able to get it done.
For anyone else, you don't have to go through all that trouble of using a PC. Use Disk Utility to format the USB drive as FAT32 with Master Boot Record. Also, turn off [ICODE]Open "safe" files after downloading [/ICODE] in Safari preferences. Once the primary Zip file is download, double-click the zip file to unzip the actual firmware "zip" file. Then copy that to the USB drive.