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AirPlay-compatible speakers make it easy to pair with a variety of Apple devices, no wired connections necessary, so you can listen to music, podcasts, or other audio without being tethered. Plus, the setup is simple and quick, allowing you to start consuming content immediately.
What devices are AirPlay compatible?
Utilizing Apple AirPlay requires two devices: a sender and a receiver. AirPlay started in 2004 as AirTunes, a feature for Macs running iTunes to broadcast to an AirPort Express Wi-Fi router. It then expanded in 2010 to allow iOS devices such as iPhones, iPods, and iPads as senders, as long as they are running iOS 4.2 or greater. In 2018, AirPlay 2 launched with iOS 11.4, improving and expanding AirPlay’s buffering, multiroom capabilities, and control functionality across macOS and iOS devices. (Beyond Apple devices, the only Android device to act as an AirPlay sender was the HTC 10 from 2016.)
Initially, only Apple devices could function as AirPlay receivers. Now, however, a wide range of companies make devices that feature AirPlay support, expanding the options significantly. That includes the likes of Naim, Bose, Ikea, Libratone, Harman Kardon, Yamaha, Philips, Marantz, Onkyo, Bowers & Wilkins, Cambridge Audio, Bluesound, KEF, JBL, Pioneer, Sony, Sonos, McIntosh, Denon, Bang & Olufsen, just to name a few. TV manufacturers are also jumping on board, with Samsung, LG, Vizio, Roku, and Sony incorporating AirPlay 2 receiving capabilities in their TVs. Long story short, you can likely stay brand loyal if you have a preferred company in your audio chain.
The types of products that support AirPlay are just as expansive as the brands that make them. For your home setup, you can find AirPlay-friendly speaker docks, AV receivers, soundbars, stereo systems, and surround sound setups. And, as mentioned, there is…
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