using swift can we airplay photos on Apple TV programmatically?

Question

I want to build a simple app in iOS using swift which shows the photos of the album in my app and on button click it should airplay on my Apple TV.

I read so many documents and articles but not sure if we can do it for photos. Few have said for audio/video it is possible but not sure about photos.

At least any links or sample code would be helpful.

Thanks

Answer 1

A user should connect the to Apple TV at Control Center via AirPlay:

Then you can use Apple TV as second screen of the app.

1. Check if the app have external display:

   if UIScreen.screens.count > 1 {
       // External display is connected ...
   }
   

2. Create new UIScreen for external window:

   if let externalScreen = UIScreen.screens.last {
       externalWindow = UIWindow()
       externalWindow.screen = externalScreen
       configureExternalWindow(externalWindow)
       externalWindow.isHidden = false
   }
   

3. And use it as you want to display photo albums:

   // In our Collection View selection callback
   if inSingleDisplayMode {
       photoViewController.photo = photo
       navigationController?.pushViewController(photoViewController, animated: true)
   } else {
       showOnExternalDisplay(photo)
   }
   

Additional information at WWDC sessions:

Adding Delight to your iOS App

AirPlay and External Displays in iOS apps