The AirPlay is a content sharing feature that enables viewing on Apple TV (or smart TVs compatible ) whatever is on the screen iPhone, iPad or Mac.
It is worth noting that it is a direct way of sharing display and content for Apple TV or TVs, never the reverse (or from the iPhone to the Macbook and the iMac or to the iPad screen, for example). Stream video, share photos, or view your device.
AirPlay 1 
AirPlay 1 lets you stream audio from an Apple device to a compatible speaker. You can also use AirPlay to stream videos and mirror the screen of an iOS or Mac device on Apple TV. There is no connection between iOS and macOS.
AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 is the evolution of AirPlay 1 and also lets you play music on speakers and use Siri to control where each one plays. To use AirPlay 2, you need to upgrade your devices to the latest version of the software and add your AirPlay 2-compatible speakers to the Home app on your iOS device.
Apple’s proprietary standard, the upgraded system also allows compatible smart TVs to open videos, photos, music, and podcasts that are stored on your Apple device ( from iOS 11.4 ) on the television screen (whether Apple TV or not).
What can you do?
- Cast video from iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to Apple TV or compatible TVs
- Stream video from Mac to Apple TV or compatible TVs
- Mirror iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch for Apple TV or compatible TVs
- Mirror or extend your Mac screen to Apple TV or compatible TVs
Devices that can be used to transmit
- iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch * with iOS 11.4 or later
- Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (4th generation) * with TVOS 11.4 or later
- HomePod * with iOS 11.4 or later
- Mac or PC * with iTunes 12.8 or later
* required for the AirPlay 2 version. For the AirPlay 1 version, without Siri, the device is enough.
Devices that can receive the transmission
- Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (4th generation)* with TVOS 11.4 or later
- HomePod * with iOS 11.4 or later
- The speakers connected to the audio output port on the AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd generation) with the latest firmware update;
- Speakers with the identification “Works with Apple AirPlay” (Apple AirPlay Compatible) on the packaging;
Compatible TVs and speakers
According to Apple, there are a number of devices compatible with AirPlay 1 and AirPlay 2. You can check if your smart TV or speakerphone is compatible with which standard at this Apple link ( apple.com/ios/home/accessories/#section-tv ).
Major brands of TVs such as Sony, Samsung and LG will have compatibility.
The same goes for speakers, the new lines Beats, Sonos and other audio brands have already announced compatibility and should reach the market soon as well.
How to use on Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Open an app and find the video you want to stream;
- In the video playback controls, click the broadcast icon (
); - In third-party apps, you may need to touch a different icon first;
- Select Apple TV and you’re done (you may need to pair with code);
- If it does not, make sure your iPhone and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
To stop video streaming, click on the same video playback controls, then select “Disable AirPlay”. Be sure to use the icon .
You can also use the “Mirror Screen” function instead of sharing photo or video.