Netflix drops AirPlay support for Netflix, breaks iOS user hearts

iOS users are up in arms over the Netflix decision to drop support for Apple’s proprietary AirPlay streaming protocol. The news is particularly galling for iOS users who were hoping to buy a 2019 model TV from the likes of Samsung, LG, Sony or Vizio which have all announced plans to support AirPlay 2 in their 2019 smart TV offerings. Until this decision, AirPlay support in these TVs meant that iOS users could stream Netflix from their device directly to the new TVs without the need for an Apple TV STB. As things currently stand, users will still be able to stream content from an iOS device to an AirPlay-equipped TV; it just won’t be from Netflix.

Netflix released this statement on the matter:

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.

As the statement makes clear, users can still access Netflix via the in-built TV app, or directly via an Apple TV STB. However, if AirPlay support is to be re-enabled, Apple and its third-party partners will need to work out a method for identifying devices over AirPlay so that Netflix can then optimize the content over AirPlay accordingly. At this stage, Apple or its partners are yet to comment on the matter leaving iOS users in limbo.