For years, hotels have struggled to keep pace with consumer technology. While streaming services have transformed how guests watch content at home, many properties still offer only basic cable or outdated IPTV systems. But with the explosive adoption of personal smart devices—especially from Apple—the expectations for in-room entertainment have fundamentally changed.

In 2025, guests want to cast their own content. And if you’re not supporting Apple AirPlay, you’re likely disappointing a significant portion of your clientele.

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Apple Dominates Hotel Networks—Far More Than You Might Think

Apple may hold about 28% of the global smartphone market according to public stats, but the story changes dramatically in hospitality. Real-world hotel Wi-Fi data consistently shows Apple devices represent over 80% of guest device traffic. This includes iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks brought by business travelers, affluent leisure guests, and digitally savvy consumers.

Hotel Internet Services (HIS) and HospitalityNet have both reported similar trends: Apple users dominate connection logs, stream more data per session, and expect their devices to “just work” when it comes to hotel tech. These guests often stay at premium or boutique properties, are loyalty members, and expect the same level of convenience they enjoy at home.

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What Is Apple AirPlay?

AirPlay is Apple’s native wireless streaming protocol. It allows users to:

• Mirror their screen to a compatible TV
• Cast video from apps like YouTube, Apple TV+, Netflix, and Disney+
• Stream music to compatible speakers or TVs
• Show photos, slideshows, or presentations
• Use second-screen functionality from a Mac or iPad

Crucially, AirPlay requires no downloads, logins, or special remotes. If the hotel TV is AirPlay-enabled (or the room runs AirPlay through a certified receiver), the guest only needs to tap the AirPlay icon on their iPhone or iPad and select the TV.

It’s that simple—and it’s what Apple users expect by default.

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Why AirPlay Is Now a Baseline Feature in Hotel Guestrooms

Familiarity Drives Satisfaction

In a home setting, Apple users routinely cast from their devices to Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled smart TVs. Bringing that same experience to the hotel room bridges the gap between personal comfort and professional convenience. There’s no learning curve, no support ticket needed, and no app installation. It just works.

No Dongles, No Set-Top Boxes

Legacy casting systems often rely on HDMI ports, proprietary dongles, or expensive in-room set-top boxes. These add costs and complexity—and typically only support Android-based protocols like Chromecast or Miracast. Apple AirPlay eliminates this. When built into the smart TV or supported by a software solution like StayTuned Hospitality, it runs over Wi-Fi with no extra cabling or hardware.

Premium Guests Expect Premium Tech

Apple ownership is a strong indicator of disposable income. A recent survey by CIRP (Consumer Intelligence Research Partners) shows that Apple buyers are more likely to spend on services and more likely to belong to hotel loyalty programs. Business travelers, especially those carrying MacBooks or using AirDrop-enabled tools in meetings, rely on AirPlay for quick, cable-free screen sharing.

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StayTuned Hospitality: Built for Apple-First Hotels

StayTuned Hospitality delivers secure, streamlined AirPlay support as a core feature of its software platform. Whether running on a Hisense Mini-LED smart TV or a compatible commercial display, StayTuned offers:

• Native Apple AirPlay support: No apps, no dongles, no guest confusion.
• Session isolation per room: Prevents guests from accidentally casting to the wrong screen.
• Auto-clearing of session data: Ensures full GDPR compliance and protects guest privacy.
• Custom welcome and casting screens: Hotels can display branded visuals or promotional offers before the cast session begins.

With StayTuned, Apple casting becomes more than a feature—it becomes part of a complete guest engagement strategy.

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Hisense: Making AirPlay Deployment Affordable

One of the major barriers to implementing modern casting has been hardware cost. Many hospitality TVs are expensive, slow to install, and limited in what software they can run. StayTuned solves this by pairing its platform with Hisense smart TVs, which offer:

• Native support for AirPlay 2
• Premium display quality (Mini-LED, QLED, 4K HDR)
• Commercial-ready “Hotel Mode” options
• Cost-effective hardware pricing—often below traditional hospitality models

This means hotels don’t need to replace every TV with a proprietary IPTV unit. They can roll out StayTuned + Hisense in phases or by room type, with full AirPlay functionality from day one.

Even better: StayTuned can deploy its platform on standard commercial displays, so even hotels without hospitality-grade TVs can support Apple streaming without needing new infrastructure or cabling.

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Security, Privacy, and Guest Confidence

Security is often cited as a reason why some hotels hesitate to adopt casting technology. With AirPlay, these concerns are addressed by:

• Using private, room-specific network segmentation
• Blocking cross-room discovery
• Enforcing automatic session timeouts and data wipes on checkout

StayTuned’s system is designed to meet GDPR and international privacy standards while still delivering a seamless experience. Guests can stream personal content with total confidence that no one else can view or access it—before or after their stay.

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What This Means for Hoteliers

Implementing AirPlay through StayTuned is not just about technology—it’s about meeting evolving guest expectations and staying competitive.

• Increased guest satisfaction: More control, more content, less friction.
• Reduced support load: No calls to reception asking for HDMI ports or input changes.
• Higher usage rates: Guests are far more likely to stream when it works as they expect.
• Upsell opportunities: Hotels can place spa or F&B promotions directly before the guest casts.
• Cost efficiency: AirPlay support via Wi-Fi and smart TV means no set-top boxes, no coax, and fewer devices to maintain.

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Conclusion

The numbers are clear: most of your guests travel with Apple devices. They already know how AirPlay works. The only question is—does your hotel support it?

With StayTuned Hospitality and AirPlay-capable Hisense smart TVs, hotels can provide a frictionless, secure, and brand-enhancing experience that meets the expectations of 2025’s digital-savvy traveler. It’s a simple upgrade that brings massive impact—delighting guests, reducing operational costs, and setting your property apart from competitors still stuck in the cable era.