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Netflix App to End Support for iOS 16, Require iPhone XS or Later to Work

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Apr 12, 2001
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The Netlix app is set to end support for iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, requiring all users to be running iOS 17 or later or iPadOS 17 or later in order to receive new updates, features, and bug fixes.

Netflix-Smaller-4.jpg

That means iOS 16 users – who will mainly be iPhone X owners as well as those still holding onto iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus models – will not be able to update to the version of the app that introduces the change.

The same goes for owners of the iPad Pro (1st generation) and the iPad (5th generation), who will still be running versions of iPadOS 16, since iPadOS 17 dropped support for these models.

Owners of these devices will still be able to use their current version of the Netflix app until it is deprecated, but again, there will be no more features or bug fixes forthcoming. Owners of these older models will of course continue to be able to access Netflix through a browser.

In summary, the iPhone and iPad models set to lose support for the Netflix app are as follows:
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone X
  • iPad Pro (1st generation)
  • iPad (5th generation)
The code strings referring to the impending change were found in the Netflix app by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. It is not known which update will end support for the above Apple devices, but given that the code strings are present in the latest version, the update is likely to be released fairly soon.

Article Link: Netflix App to End Support for iOS 16, Require iPhone XS or Later to Work
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/12/netflix-app-to-end-support-for-ios-16/
The progress of technology marches on and seemingly moves faster every year... holding onto a device too long is a lot like building a sandcastle on a beach during low tide - it's only a matter of time it all gets washed under and you have to start over
 
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Things like this are what causes a nightmare for me doing the most basic tech support for my elders.

"My iPad's broken, the bank app wont work, the Netflix wont work, what's my password? Help!"

Oh, you're on iOS 14 - right give me an hour. You never set up faceID? OK, let me show you.
 
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The Android approach of updating core components via the Play Store is an excellent strategy, as it significantly improves compatibility for older devices. Even when the base operating system is no longer updated, users can still benefit from newer features and services.

If Netflix continues to function on a years-old Android device but fails on a more recent iPad Pro, the issue probably lies with Apple. Netflix might be leveraging an API that’s unavailable on an outdated iOS version, whereas in the Android ecosystem, updates to critical components, like libraries and services, are rolled out independently of system updates.

It seems unreasonable that an iPad Pro, launched in 2015, becomes less capable due to this rigid update strategy. Apple’s hardware is powerful enough to support new features for years, but this potential is limited by how they handle software updates. In my opinion, Apple needs to improve in this area by decoupling key system components from major iOS updates, similar to Android’s approach, to ensure better longevity and usability for their devices.
 
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JosephAW said:
What a business model, dropping support for half of your installed user base. What’s next? Dropping support for Intel macOS? o_O
Click to expand...
In June, 77% of iOS user had iOS 17. Some of the others may have upgraded.
So, less than 23% of iPhone buyers, not Android, will be left out of Netflix if they only use it on their phone and don't want to leave their 6 year old phone for a new one.
Sounds very reasonable to me.
 
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wanha said:
The progress of technology marches on and seemingly moves faster every year... holding onto a device too long is a lot like building a sandcastle on a beach during low tide - it's only a matter of time it all gets washed under and you have to start over
Click to expand...
Starting over = buying a product from the store. So if you can buy a pre-made sandcastle at any time then I guess it's similar
 
iZac said:
Things like this are what causes a nightmare for me doing the most basic tech support for my elders.

"My iPad's broken, the bank app wont work, the Netflix wont work, what's my password? Help!"

Oh, you're on iOS 14 - right give me an hour. You never set up faceID? OK, let me show you.
Click to expand...
Dealing with my aging parents is the first thing I thought of as well. They live across the country and have absolutely no idea how to do updates on their old devices.
 
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redcarlsen said:
Just one more reason not to support Netflix, and even Apple for that reason.
Constantly pushing pointless change just to siphon more from your wallet.
When will people have enough? It seems a large portion of the population enjoys being suckers.
Click to expand...
How, exactly, does Netflix get more from your wallet by this change? If anyone, Apple is the beneficiary of this with people opting to upgrade their phones.
 
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