TCL Google TVs Will Get AirPlay 2 And HomeKit Support, But There’s A Catch

Although Google would most likely prefer that Google TV owners stick with its own products and technologies like Chromecast, the company can’t really play favorites, especially since it can’t force consumers into its ecosystems. Google has to give way to other players, including rival Apple, as TV manufacturers increasingly add support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. AirPlay 2 allows owners of Apple devices, like iPhones and Macs, to stream videos, music, and photos to the TV. HomeKit, on the other hand, lets those same devices, including a HomePod, control some TV functions.

TCL will be bringing these two features to its upcoming Google TVs, namely the TCL C935, C835, and C735 4K LCD models, according to FlatPanelsHD, which says it participated in a private presentation conducted by the company. The big catch is that these three models are heading to Europe only for now, with no word yet on international availability. Given the way TV makers do their business, there may be a North American release in the near future. Unfortunately, it is less likely that the company will make these features available on older Google TV models, even if they’re completely capable of supporting them.