AirPlay 2 updated the streaming protocol supported by Apple and some third-party devices to allow a host device such as a Mac to select multiple speakers or audio output devices at the same time. This gives you flexibility, such as using an array of low-cost speakers or sending audio to multiple rooms without the need for an integrated multi-room sound system, although many also support AirPlay 2. (You can find a full list of AirPlay 2-compatible hardware on this page. )

However, a Macworld reader asked if there’s a way to accomplish the tricky workflow of streaming video from your iPhone to an Apple TV that uses its TV’s speakers as output, and the audio is also piped to another set of speakers. On the iPhone, if they selected multiple AirPlay destinations, the video stopped streaming to the Apple TV.

They found that the solution was to work with the correct part of the stream sequence. Apple TV with AirPlay 2 (3rd generation or later) can also select multiple audio receivers:

1. Hold down the TV button on your Apple remote.
2. In the dialog that appears on the right, navigate to the AirPlay icon at the bottom.
3. in Speakers menu, select multiple speakers.
4. click TV button to exit selection mode and press again to exit the menu.
5. On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, use Duplicating screen controls for streaming audio and video to Apple TV.

This Mac 911 article is in response to a question posed by Macworld reader David.

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