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Up NextWireless Speakers: Past, Present, and Beyond - Part 1: Introduction and Bluetooth

Part 1: Introduction and Bluetooth | Part 2: BluOS | Part 3: Sonos | Part 5: Google Chromecast and Conclusions

Apple AirPlay 2 Wireless Technology

AirPlay 2 is Apple’s wireless streaming technology that allows users to stream audio, video, and other media from Apple devices to compatible speakers, TVs, and other devices over Wi-Fi. It is an upgrade from the original AirPlay, offering enhanced multi- room audio capabilities, improved buffering, and better synchronization.

Apple AirPlay 2 was first announced in June 2017 at Apple’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) and officially released on May 29, 2018, as part of the iOS 11.4 update. AirPlay 2 improved upon the original AirPlay (2010) by introducing multi-room audio, enhanced buffering, and better device synchronization across Apple’s ecosystem and compatible third-party speakers.

Key Features of AirPlay 2:

  1. Multi-Room Audio – Users can stream music to multiple AirPlay 2-compatible speakers simultaneously, ensuring synchronized playback across different rooms.
  2. Improved Audio Synchronization – AirPlay 2 reduces latency and ensures that music and audio remain perfectly in sync across devices.
  3. Broader Device Compatibility – AirPlay 2 extends support beyond Apple’s ecosystem to third-party devices like Sonos, Bose, Bang & Olufsen, Samsung Smart TVs, and others.
  4. Control via Siri & HomeKit – Users can control AirPlay 2-compatible speakers and TVs using Siri voice commands or through the Home app on iOS/macOS.
  5. Buffering & Stability Improvements – The technology enhances buffering to reduce interruptions due to network congestion.
  6. Group Speaker Support – Allows grouping of different AirPlay 2 speakers for a seamless, whole-home audio experience.
  7. Supports Multiple Users – Friends and family can add songs to a shared AirPlay 2 playlist (e.g., in Apple Music) without interrupting playback.
  8. Video Streaming to Smart TVs – AirPlay 2 allows video streaming from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to supported TVs, such as those from LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio.

How It Works

  • AirPlay 2 uses Wi-Fi, unlike Bluetooth, which means it has a greater range and supports higher-quality audio.
  • Devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • It integrates with Apple’s ecosystem, meaning it works natively with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs.

Devices That Support AirPlay 2

  • Apple Devices: iPhones (iOS 11.4+), iPads, Macs, and Apple TV
  • Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Roku
  • Speakers: Sonos, Bose, Bang & Olufsen, Bowers & Wilkins, etc.
  • HomePod and HomePod mini

Procedure for Connecting AirPlay 2 Wireless Devices

Connecting and using AirPlay 2 devices is simple, whether you’re streaming audio or video from an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. Below are the steps for setting up and using AirPlay 2 on different devices.

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1. Setting Up an AirPlay 2 Device

Before streaming, ensure your AirPlay 2-compatible device (e.g., speaker, TV) is set up:

  • Connect the device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple device.
  • If it’s a smart speaker or TV, follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions.
  • Some devices may require enabling AirPlay in Settings.

2. Streaming Audio via AirPlay 2

From an iPhone or iPad

  1. Open a Music or Audio App (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, etc.).
  2. Tap the AirPlay Icon (🔊) – Look for it in the playback controls.
  3. Select an AirPlay 2 Device – Choose a compatible speaker or multiple speakers for multi-room audio.
  4. Adjust Volume & Playback – Use your device’s volume buttons or Control Center to control playback.

From a Mac

  1. Click the Volume Icon in the menu bar (or go to System Settings > Sound).
  2. Select an AirPlay 2 Speaker from the list.
  3. Play audio, and it will stream wirelessly to the selected speaker.

3. Streaming Video via AirPlay 2

From an iPhone or iPad

  1. Open a Video App (Apple TV, YouTube, Netflix, etc.).
  2. Tap the AirPlay Icon (📺) – If the app supports AirPlay.
  3. Choose an AirPlay 2-enabled TV or Apple TV.
  4. The video will stream to your selected display.

From a Mac

  1. Open System Settings > Displays.
  2. Select AirPlay Display, then choose a compatible TV.
  3. Alternatively, in a video app (Safari, QuickTime), click the AirPlay icon and select the TV.

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4. Using Siri for AirPlay 2

If you have HomePod, HomePod mini, or AirPlay 2 speakers, you can control playback with Siri:

  • “Hey Siri, play some jazz in the living room.”
  • “Hey Siri, move the music to the kitchen speaker.”
  • “Hey Siri, play this on all my speakers.”

5. Grouping Multiple Speakers (Multi-Room Audio)

  1. Open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap AirPlay in the Now Playing section.
  3. Select multiple speakers for synchronized audio playback across different rooms.

6. Mirroring Your Screen via AirPlay 2

You can mirror your entire iPhone, iPad, or Mac screen to an AirPlay 2-enabled TV:

From an iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Control Center.
  2. Tap Screen Mirroring.
  3. Select your AirPlay2 TV or Apple TV.
  4. Your screen will be mirrored wirelessly.

From a Mac

  1. Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar.
  2. Select Screen Mirroring.
  3. Choose your AirPlay 2-compatible TV.

Troubleshooting AirPlay 2 Issues

  • Ensure all devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Restart your devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or AirPlay 2 speaker).
  • Update firmware on AirPlay 2 devices.
  • Check firewall settings on Mac (System Settings > Security & Privacy > Firewall).
  • Ensure AirPlay is enabled on your TV or speaker.

Coming next: Part 5 – Google Chromecast and Conclusions