The AirPlay feature was introduced exclusively for Apple devices and was an AirTunes evolution. It allows us to wirelessly stream between devices under the Apple ecosystem. By doing so, we could screen share content without losing quality. Recently, Apple has licensed AirPlay features to other brand products to expand compatible devices. In the year 2017, the AirPlay was upgraded to AirPlay 2, supporting HomePod Stereo pairing and multiroom features as well. But, not all devices support AirPlay 2, so it is better to know the difference between AirPlay Vs. AirPlay 2, along with the list of compatible devices.
What is AirPlay?
AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary wireless communication protocol suite. It was developed by Apple Inc. this was released in 2010. AirTunes is the very first software implemented by Apple and is used only to listen to music. But, AirPlay is used to stream media content like audio and video, pictures, presentations, and more from iOS devices like iPhones, iPad, iPods, and Mac products. AirPlay will be compatible with many devices. However, it won’t support multi-room streaming or HomePod pairing.
What is Airplay 2?
AirPlay 2 is the upgraded version of AirPlay. It was updated and released with iOS versions above 11. However, they have fixed various bugs and improved technical glitches during the upgrading process. It will be compatible with many devices like Smart TVs, Speakers, Home devices, etc. It also has the device-device streaming protocol and supports multi-room audio streaming.
AirPlay-Compatible Devices
AirPlay is compatible with all iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs and PCs with iTunes, Apple TV [4k, HD, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation], Homepod, iPod Touch 2015, AirPort Express, and Apple Speakers.
But AirPlay 2 will be supported in iPhone 5S and newer versions, iPad [2017], iPad [ Air, Pro, Mini 2 and newer, Touch 2015-6th generation], Apple TV[2015, 4k running TVOS 11.4 or higher], and Homepod. Unfortunately, AirPlay doesn’t support devices which are manufactured before 2011. Here are some of the compatible third-party devices listed below.
- Air Conditioners and Heaters
- Air Purifiers
- Bridges
- Cameras
- Doorbells
- Fans
- Faucets
- Garage Doors
- Humidifiers
- Lights
- Locks
- Outlets
- Receivers
- Routers
- Security
- Sensors
- Speakers
- Sprinklers
- Switches
- Thermostats
- TVs
- Windows
Furthermore, you can check the list and brands that would support these features on the Official Apple website.
System Requirements
| AirPlay | AirPlay 2 | |
| What are the devices you can Stream from? | 1. iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch with iOS version 4.2 or higher 2. Mac or PC with iTunes 3. Apple TV [4K series, HD ( 4th generation) ]. | 1. iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch with iOS 11.4 or later. 2. Apple TV [ 4k, HD-4th generation with tvOS 11.4 or later. 3. HomePod with iOS 11.4 or later. 4. Mac or PC with iTunes 12.8 or later or macOS Catalina. To stream video from: 1. iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch with iOS 12.3 or later. 2. Mac wit macOS Mojave 10.14.5 or later. |
| What are the devices you can stream to? | 1. Apple TV [4K, 2nd, 3rd, HD-4th generations] 2. HomePod. 3. Speakers that support AirPoart Express. 4. Speakers with Work with Apple AirPlay on the packing. | 1. Apple TV [4K, HD with tvOS 11.4 or later]. 2. HomePod with iOS 11.4 or later. 3. Smart TVs with Works with Apple AirPlay on the label. 4. Speakers connected to the Audio Out Port on AirPort Express 802.11- 2nd generation with the latest firmware update. 5. Receivers and Speakers with Work with the Apple AirPlay label. |
AirPlay Vs. AirPlay 2
First of all, we must thank companies like Sonos, Squeezebox, and Roku for their effort in bringing the Wireless Multiroom Audio feature. Moreover, AirPlay allows iOS users to stream Netflix on both TVs and Roku devices.
| AirPlay | AirPlay 2 |
| AirPlay is a one-to-one protocol | AirPlay 2 is a multi-stream protocol |
| High Bandwidth Wi-Fi-based audio | High Bandwidth Wi-Fi-based audio with better capability than standard Bluetooth SBC. |
| You cannot receive a phone call on your iPhone while streaming. | However, you can receive the phone call on your iPhone while streaming, and it won’t interrupt the music. |
| It can play audio from iOS, macOS, and iTunes-supported desktops [ Windows & MacOS] | It is also capable of playing audio from iOS, macOS, and iTunes-supported desktops [MacOS and Windows] |
| It supports iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify/ Pandora, YouTube, Vevo, and web browsers. | It supports iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify/ Pandora/ Jio Tunes, YouTube, Netflix, Vevo, and web browsers. |
| It cannot group multiple AirPlay devices. | However, it can group Multiple AirPlay 2 compatible devices, including HomePod and apple TV to play with sync using iOS, Siri, Homekit, and iTunes desktop. |
| You might not control the content using the Siri voice assistant. | You can control AirPlay content using Siri voice assistant. |
| There is no option to re-stream the content. | The option is to re-stream content from an AirPlay 2 device to Non-AirPlay 2 devices to create a playback group. But it supports the specific manufacturer. |
| You may not stream the next video of your related content. | Instead, turn On the Up Next notification on the network of Apple devices. |
| It cannot be used with other Homekit devices to create scenes. | It can be used with other Homekit devices to create scenes. |
| It has low buffering. | It has high buffering. |
FAQ
AirPlay 2 uses the fastest Wi-Fi connection to stream video, audio, and more. As a result, the streaming quality will be better than using Bluetooth.
Apple did not mention any updates about the video quality. Therefore, there are no tests and proofs to justify AirPlay 2 video quality is better.
