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Netflix App for iOS No Longer Supports AirPlay Because of 'Technical Limitations' [Updated With Netflix Statement]
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Couldn’t pay me enough to use that garbage.
"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."
I interpret this as Netflix collects data/metrics on what players users are using. Having Airplay2 streaming capability on many TVs could skew this data in favour of making it look like people are watching on iOS handheld devices. For all we know, companies like Roku, Android, and even Apple may even get a kickback or some other incentive from Netflix based on the number of viewers using their respective platform. Also, what if someone Airplays to a TV and there is quality and sound issues and call up Netflix for support?
I interpret this as Netflix collects data/metrics on what players users are using. Having Airplay2 streaming capability on many TVs could skew this data in favour of making it look like people are watching on iOS handheld devices. For all we know, companies like Roku, Android, and even Apple may even get a kickback or some other incentive from Netflix based on the number of viewers using their respective platform. Also, what if someone Airplays to a TV and there is quality and sound issues and call up Netflix for support?
Indeed. Spending a couple of days at the hotel in a business district near the company HQ for the nth time gets old fast. There's some time for a trip to the gym, dinner - and then time to kill.
A hotel I use has AppleTVs on the room - perfect for air playing Netflix to. Until now. F# Netflix.
I only used Airplay [once] my who life i used an IPhone.. I'd prefer watching it on computer or AppleTV directly. I always use to even use SBS ondemand only on AppleTV to bypass their pesky login. So now it too has been updates, i'm ponding why is should watch it.
Because there's no apple logo on it I imagine..
I think the real reason is they're worried about piracy. They trust Apple's security, but not that of third party TV makers.
Either way, their excuse is ********. They could just NOT disable AirPlay, and make a statement that they don't guarantee Netflix will work over AirPlay. That's it.
It's pretty much an edge case, but there are a few reasons.
- The Apple TV you're AirPlaying to isn't yours - e.g. you're at a friend's house or at a business and want to play something from Netflix onto a TV using your subscription, without signing into their device
- You have mobile broadband that is faster than the wifi on the Apple TV (e.g. a vacation cabin, you might not have ANY broadband there) and AirPlay is easier than setting up a mobile hotspot
- You have a Netflix "Mobile Only" subscription, being tested now in some countries
I could barely finish reading that smarmy statement. What a crock. Viewing experience and quality is going to suddenly be important to Netflix? Do tell!
The only issue I can think of here is streaming 4K content from iOS devices via AirPlay - that may pose a difficulty.
Ever since I got a smart TV with Netflix on board I don't use ATV for that purpose. I barely use it at all these days. Mostly HBO at the moment - there's no app on my TV for that.
It didn't turn out to be the gaming/entertainment hub Apple wanted it to be. Right now it makes less and less sense.
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The notion of disabling AirPlay because of this was weird from the beginning- if they can limit content geographically, they can disable some functionality the same way.
Ever since I got a smart TV with Netflix on board I don't use ATV for that purpose. I barely use it at all these days. Mostly HBO at the moment - there's no app on my TV for that.
It didn't turn out to be the gaming/entertainment hub Apple wanted it to be. Right now it makes less and less sense.
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The notion of disabling AirPlay because of this was weird from the beginning- if they can limit content geographically, they can disable some functionality the same way.
What sort of customer / device data are they looking for and why?
I never used airplay for Netflix but interested in why they want the data because I ain’t buying it’s to make sure the experience is good.
I never used airplay for Netflix but interested in why they want the data because I ain’t buying it’s to make sure the experience is good.
I've noticed over the last 5 years that Apple is limiting how third-party hardware can access their ecosystem. Example; My Sony SRS-X77 WiFi/Bluetooth speaker will not work with Airplay2 but it did with Airplay. There are other examples that show how Apple restricts users from performing once simple photo transfers between an iPad and your OSX Photo app.
There is a huge global content "war" going between Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, Alibaba, etc. Their mission is to restrict content unless licensed and that even includes your household content. Remember to also store all of your content locally outside of any app specific format.
There is a huge global content "war" going between Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, Alibaba, etc. Their mission is to restrict content unless licensed and that even includes your household content. Remember to also store all of your content locally outside of any app specific format.
Weird since every device under the sun supports Netflix natively.
Full tracking included. Oh, now I get it.
Full tracking included. Oh, now I get it.
With Netflix's attitude towards apple, I am glad I am not giving them any more money. Too many other streaming services for them to get all prissy.
What a joke. Netflix, we can certainly decide whether we think AirPlay is a good experience on any of our own devices. Removing AirPlay altogether over this seems highly disingenuous to me. I suspect there's more to the story and you're hiding your true motivations behind the veil of a minor technical issue. Bad form Netflix, bad form.
Edit to add: I don't think this move is enough to make me cancel my account (and that's probably a big part of their calculus in this decision) but I gave it thought. This combined with VPN policy, auto-play videos, etc... There will come a point where I decide I'm not interested anymore.
Edit to add: I don't think this move is enough to make me cancel my account (and that's probably a big part of their calculus in this decision) but I gave it thought. This combined with VPN policy, auto-play videos, etc... There will come a point where I decide I'm not interested anymore.
'Technical Limitations' (on access to the user's hardware UID). Such defocusing explanation of Netflix is simply an arrogant lie. Certainly I'm not interested in giving my money to those dishonorable liars.
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Yeah, how dare they treat your beloved Apple like that. Such a nasty company.
That mobile-only plan seems like a compelling reason for them to discontinue AirPlay.