A wide range of Panasonic’s smart TVs have gained access to the Apple TV+ streaming service at long last.
The Japanese firm said the majority of its 4K TVs sold from 2017 onwards in Europe and the U.K. now have access to Apple TV+, which is a streaming service that rivals Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Panasonic said the list of compatible models includes those running the My Home Screen operating system with the product prefixes EZ, EX, FZ, FX, GZ, GX, HZ, HX, JZ, JX. So, naturally, Panasonic’s most recent models, such as the Panasonic JZ 2000 OLED TV, now have the app.
The company said users should see the Apple TV+ app icon appear automatically in the Application view thanks to an update. Some models may also see the Apple TV+ icon appear directly on the Home Screen. Users will now be able to see Apple’s full rage of originals in the stunning picture quality that Panasonic’s TVs are renowned for.
Apple TV+ is a subscription service that provides access to hit titles such as Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Finch, and The Shrink Next Door. However, it should be noted that the app does not provide access to Apple’s iTunes library of movies, nor Apple TV channels. Rather, it’s a lightweight version of the full Apple TV app that’s available on most newer LG and Samsung TVs.
Still, reports say the Apple TV+ content does play in 4K HDR, so high quality streams are assured.
The update will be a welcome development for Panasonic TV owners as it means their displays have, more or less, reached parity with LG, Samsung and Sony TVs. Until recently, Panasonic lacked two major apps – Apple TV+ and Disney +, with the latter being resolved through an update last month.
Panasonic’s TVs now have access to all of the “big four” streaming apps, including Netflix and Amazon Prime. In the U.K., Panasonic’s TVs also come with Freeview Play, adding tons more live and on-demand content.
"Apple TV+ is now available in Europe on 4K Panasonic TVs from 2017 onwards which feature the My Home Screen operating system," Panasonic Europe said in a statement.
Apple TV+ is currently streaming Invasion, a popular new Apple Original where Earth is visited by an alien species that threatens humanity's existence. For those wanting to get into the Christmas spirit, options include Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues, and Peanuts: For Auld Lang Syne.
