About 10 years ago one of the key differences between Apple TV and Roku was that Roku did not support AirPlay from iOS devices. Well that changes today with an announcement from Roku that the latest software update will allow users to use AirPlay 2 on Roku devices. AirPlay 2 is available on iPads, iPhones and Mac computer devices. This will be a major leap forward for Roku which previously has been able to mirror PC’s and Android phones through a screen mirroring feature built around a technology often referred to as Miracast.
This could allow Roku devices to be quick and easy presentation hardware for users equipped with nothing other than a Roku Stick and an iPad. The feature will also allow users to send video from any iOS app to their Roku which could expand the capability of Roku devices far beyond what they can do already.
On top of that users in the Apple ecosystem will be able to control the Roku using Siri and Apple Home Kit. This makes Roku the first device to feature integration with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant.
