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Sony Smart TV Software Update Brings AirPlay 2 and HomeKit Support to Select 2018 and 2019 Models
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.
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.
[ 112 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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7 weeks ago
Have a separate AppleTV box and keep your smart tv off the internet.
It’s better for your privacy this way.
It’s better for your privacy this way.
7 weeks ago
Sold my kidney for the 2019 model, Sony Oled tv 65A8G. It was much pricier than the comparable LG 65C9 and with it's futureproof features (HMDI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, eARC) but due to better motion handling I went for the Sony.
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.
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.
6 weeks ago
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.
7 weeks ago
It’s kind of disappointing and embarrassing on Sony’s part, I have a 2018 Sony AF8/A8F which isn’t included but an Amazon Fire TV Stick has had these features added, how is a fire tv stick more capable?
6 weeks ago
Sony have now pulled all mentions of OLED models form the official Android 9 Pie announcement. All mention of OLEDs is gone and they've also pulled the firmware download from the Sony US A9F /A9G pages. Kinda worrying. Maybe they found a bug?
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00230463
I think there should be a post about this on front page, on macrumors.com
7 weeks ago
Wish they would make these updates to their 2017 models :( I'd subscribe to apple TV if they did. I don't have enough inputs to get the apple TV box, no room left after my cable box, xbox and sound bar. So for me it's an app or nothing
6 weeks ago
Mine was updated to 9 with the update that gave us Airplay 2
on the plus side for UK users.. this is why they stagger updates I guess. Sony support have confirmed their engineers are working on fixing it.
6 weeks ago
did they at least reply?
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