By If you've been wondering why your attempts to play Netflix on your TV via your iPhone or iPad have suddenly become completely fruitless, it's because Netflix has suddenly pulled its iOS app's AirPlay feature and it's unlikely to be reinstated any time soon.
Apparently, it's down to "technical limitations" rather than the Apple rolling its tanks onto Netflix's lawn with the announcement of its original content streaming service Apple TV+. So, you won't be able to get a programme playing on your iPhone or iPad and then cast it to your TV, which is quite annoying if that's what you've been spending your evenings and weekends doing.
There is at least the consolation that most new tellies and set-top boxes these days have the Netflix app built in or available for download, but what if you're labouring along with just a monitor and an iPhone? What then?
"We want to make sure our members have a great Netflix experience on any device they use," Netflix told Macrumours, which is a site dedicated to news about Apple and not the Scottish Fleetwood Mac tribute band it sounds like. The problem, the company said, is that it can't tell what kind of device Netflix is being cast to, and therefore can't guarantee that it's going to work properly. So, rather than compromise or try to get away with a sketchy service, it says it'd rather yank the whole thing.
"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."
However, it feels like there's been something of a chilling in relations between the two companies of late, especially since Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings' intention not to give Apple TV+ any Netflix shows. Which, you know, probably fair enough. They've already got Steven Spielberg on board; they probably don't need The Cloverfield Paradox too.
