Netflix's decision to discontinue support for older Apple TVs and certain models from other brands like Samsung and Vizio is part of a larger strategy to maintain and enhance the viewing experience for its users.
This move will necessitate hardware upgrades for some users, while others will need to update their software to continue enjoying Netflix content.
Netflix has announced that it will stop supporting certain older generations of Apple TVs. According to Apple Insider, Netflix has begun notifying its customers via email about this decision.
The aim, according to Netflix, is to maintain the quality of the viewing experience.
As per the Netflix Support page, the streaming service will no longer be accessible on Apple TV (2nd generation) and Apple TV (3rd generation) starting July 31, 2024. These models have been deemed "obsolete" by Apple.
Apple ceased servicing the hardware seven years after their discontinuation from the market.
The Apple TV (2nd generation), introduced in 2010, supports a resolution of 720p. The Apple TV (3rd generation), released in 2012, supports a resolution of 1080p.
These models did not operate on tvOS or have a dedicated app store; they came pre-loaded with select applications.
Users currently using either of these two Apple TV models will need to upgrade to continue accessing Netflix content post-July 31. Alternatively, users can switch to a compatible smart TV from brands such as Samsung, TCL, LG, Sony, Vizio, Hisense, and others.
Netflix's discontinuation of support is not limited to Apple TVs. The streaming giant has also halted support for older television models from Samsung and Vizio.
Users encountering the message, “Please update your device. This version is no longer supported by Netflix,” will need to update their software to retain Netflix accessibility.
This move aligns with Netflix's broader strategy to ensure a high-quality viewing experience across all devices. The discontinuation of support for older devices is part of ongoing efforts to optimize performance and introduce new features that older hardware may not support.
In related news, Netflix has announced that it will no longer provide quarterly subscriber reports. Instead, Netflix will only share subscriber numbers at major milestones, reflecting a shift in how the company communicates its performance metrics.