If you have been watching Netflix shows on iOS devices, we have some news for you, and it’s not exactly a good one. The company has ended support for the easiest way to stream its shows from one Apple device to the other: AirPlay.
Some reports in the media claim that Netflix has said that it has taken the step because of a ‘technical limitation’. However, the technical limitation that has come to light is slightly unconventional.
Recently, Apple partnered with a number of major TV brands so that AirPlay 2 will be able to directly send shows coupled with a firmware update to their 2019 TV sets sometime later this year. But then, according to reports, AirPlay 2 does not come with digital identifiers that let Netflix tell those TVs apart, and because of this, the video streaming service cannot vouch for its users getting the best possible experience while casting shows to the new sets.
A Netflix spokesperson told The Verge, “We can’t distinguish which device is which, we can’t actually certify the devices… so we’ve had to just shut down support for it.
To be more specific, we should point out that this also means that those who have Apple TV set-top boxes, would also not be able to cast Netflix shows too.
In an official statement, Netflix said:
We want to make sure our members have a great Netflix experience on any device they use. With AirPlay support rolling out to third-party devices, there isn’t a way for us to distinguish between devices (what is an Apple TV vs. what isn’t) or certify these experiences. Therefore, we have decided to discontinue Netflix AirPlay support to ensure our standard of quality for viewing is being met. Members can continue to access Netflix on the built-in app across Apple TV and other devices.
According to a report in MacRumors, Netflix’s support page on its official website now says, “Airplay is no longer supported for use with Netflix due to technical limitations.”
As of now, Apple has not commented on the matter.
We should mention that tensions between Netflix and Apple are not fresh. The video-streaming service had declined to be a part of the newly launched Apple TV Plus, which makes the two competitors.
While most of the smart TVs have Netflix built-in now, it would be difficult for Apple users without one of the most convenient ways to stream shows from the video-streaming service.
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