Technical limitations it seems..
Like a bolt from the blue, Netflix has pulled support for Apple’s Airplay. This means that the feature, compatible with Netflix since 2013 will no longer be supported. Airplay allows users to stream content directly from their iOS devices to Apple TV. Users this week noticed that they could no longer get the streaming service on their Apple TVs via Airplay and Netflix have not confirmed that Airplay is “no longer supported for use with Netflix due to technical limitations.”
Sounds a wee bit fishy if you ask me.
Firstly, the “technical limitation” that Netflix cited is basically pertaining to Airplay 2. The way Airplay 2 works is companies integrate it directly into their TVs, so users can effortlessly share or mirror almost anything from their iOS device or Mac directly to the AirPlay 2-enabled smart TV. However, Airplay 2 apparently doesn’t have digital identifiers that allows Netflix to tell these TV’s apart, hence the company is unable to certify that it’s users are getting the best Netflix experience when using Airplay 2.
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.
Netflix Official statement.
I can’t help but to think that the timing of it all is somewhat suspicious. With Apple recently launching Apple TV+, and Netflix deciding that it is not going to be a part of it in any way by opting to remain a competitor, could this be the first shot in a sign of things to come? It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen a spat between two video streaming heavyweights. Remember when Amazon embargoed Google’s Chromecast for 3 years to focus on their own FireTV sticks.. Good times.
Whatever it is, it’s not that big a deal. Netflix is already readily available on a majority of smart TV’s out there. It just might peeve the Apple fanboys a little though. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out, as the solution to the problem seems simple enough. We’ll keep you posted on the latest in what could potentially be a long stand off between the two companies.
