Netflix confirms it no longer supports AirPlay capability

The days of beaming your favorite Netflix show to your Apple TV are officially over. 

Netflix suddenly and unceremoniously stopped supporting AirPlay capability, quietly informing users accustomed to the wireless streaming feature of the change via service support page. 

“AirPlay is no longer supported for use with Netflix due to technical limitations,” the announcement read, offering up few additional details. 

Some users have interpreted Netflix’s unexpected parting of the ways with AirPlay as a not-so-subtle dig between competitors. Apple just recently announced a major play for streaming service dominance with Apple TV+ and prior to that “technical limitations” announcement, Netflix had been consistently compatible with AirPlay, first beginning in 2013.

In a statement via The Verge, Netflix expanded upon the decision, saying it was “not a business competition play,” but rather a casualty of image quality control:

“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.

At present, it does not appear as if Netflix has any plans to rectify the issue at hand. However, the severing of AirPlay and Netflix doesn’t mean Apple TV owners will be unable watch their favorite Netflix shows. Users can still go through the official Netflix app, which can be downloaded for free on any Apple TV. 

It’s the end of a hyper-convenient era for AirPlay-using Netflix fans, but whether it has any bigger implications for the tech giants’ future relationship remains to be seen.