AirPlay 2 compatibility is a huge deal for consumers in 2021. Apple has sold more than 2 billion iPhones since the product first launched and there are tens of millions of iPads and Apple laptops in circulation. The ability to stream from your mobile device to loudspeakers and audio systems that don’t have wireless or Bluetooth capabilities is a huge need for consumers. If you want to stream Apple Music’s new lossless tier to your system in 16-bit/44.1kHz — you need an AirPlay 2 connection. Running a vintage amplifier and pair of older speakers in your bedroom? The Belkin SOUNDFORM Connect might be exactly what you need.
Gone are the days of overlooking legacy speaker systems that aren’t equipped for the digital age. Engineered to give life to traditional home stereo speakers and sound systems, the Belkin SOUNDFORM Connect allows users to seamlessly stream audio without the hassle of pairing devices.
Once the SOUNDFORM Connect is connected to any powered speaker or sound system with an optical or 3.5mm input, a user can simply tap the AirPlay icon on their compatible Apple device* to start playing music or other audio. With AirPlay 2-enabled speakers, users can ask Siri via their iPhone to play their favorite music or podcasts throughout the house, ask what’s playing in each room, control the volume, and more.
The adapter enables the speakers to be compatible with HomeKit, making it easy to assign them to different rooms and create scenes and automations in the Home app*.
The Belkin SOUNDFORM Connect is the latest in a series of product launches from Belkin as the company dives deeper into the audio space.
Other recent audio products include the SOUNDFORM™ Elite ($199 at Belkin.com), a robust speaker in partnership with Devialet. Plus, the recently announced the SOUNDFORM™ Freedom True Wireless Earbuds ($119 at Belkin.com) are one of the first third-party accessories to work with Apple’s Find My Network.
Additional Features
- Connect to any existing powered speaker/receiver using optical or 3.5mm input (widespread compatibility)
- Compact and portable for minimal space requirement
Price & Availability
The SOUNDFORM™ Connect will be available for $99.99 at Belkin.com and Amazon on June 14, 2021. Pre-orders are now being accepted.
* iPhone running iOS 11.4 or later, iPad running iPadOS 11.4 or later, Mac running macOS Catalina or later, and Apple TV running tvOS 11.4 or later.
* Every AirPlay 2-enabled speaker works with the Home app on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
