Netflix drops AirPlay support due to ‘technical limitations’

In an abrupt and unexpected change, Netflix no longer supports Apple’s AirPlay feature in the iOS app.

Users noticed that the feature stopped working this week, and now a Netflix support page says it doesn’t support AirPlay “due to technical limitations.”

Netflix confirmed in a statement to The Verge that because of the way that AirPlay 2 works, the company chose to end support for the feature. According to the statement, AirPlay doesn’t have digital identifiers that Netflix can use to see which device is receiving the stream. With the wealth of TV manufacturers Apple partnered with to bring AirPlay 2 to more televisions, that means Netflix can’t tell which TVs subscribers are casting to and can’t certify they’ll get the best experience.

“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,” a Netflix spokesperson told The Verge.

There’s also speculation that the change is related to Apple’s TV+ announcement, which could become a significant competitor to Netflix.

Regardless, the loss of AirPlay shouldn’t affect your ability to stream too much. You’d be hard-pressed to find an AirPlay-ready device that doesn’t have a built-in Netflix app. AirPlay mirroring works as well, although it isn’t the most convenient solution.

You can probably use Google’s Cast platform as an alternative too. Most smart TVs support it to some degree, and in a worst-case scenario, buying a Chromecast isn’t overly expensive either.

Update 04/06/2019 at 4:53: Added more information on the technical issues that lead to the removal of AirPlay support as per a statement given to The Verge.

Source: Netflix Via: Engadget

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