Streaming services including Disney+, ESPN+, HBO Max, Paramount+, Pluto TV, TikTok and Twitch will all be integrated into Apple’s new sharing protocol Shareplay.
The new functionality, expected to be released in the autumn, allows users to share content from several Apps including Apple TV, Safari (web browser) and Apple News. It means users will be able to instantly create their own ‘watch parties’.
“We’re incredibly excited to participate as a developer on SharePlay to enable innovative viewing experiences across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for our Apple users,” said Jerrell Jimerson, executive vice president of product and design at Disney Streaming. “This will give friends and family another way to come together to share the incredible stories that we deliver through our content, including bringing a live sports co-viewing experience to ESPN+ for the first time.”
Within the Apple TV app it will be possible to view the content shared by family and friends through a new row in the OS entitled Shared with You. The new tvOS 15 beta will run on the older Apple TV HD and the recently updated Apple TV 4K. tvOS 15 is now being released to developers.
Apple’s Spatial Audio is also being extended to selected movies on the Apple TV+ Streaming Service. Previously, Spatial Audio only worked on an iPhone paired with AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. The AirPods can now be paired directly with Apple TV.
Those with a HomePod mini will now be able to pair the device with AppleTV, meaning it will be possible to as the Siri voice command to play a particular show or streaming service.
Third party devices, such as thermostats, will also now be able to run with Siri.
