Netflix removes support for AirPlay due to the upcoming creation of AirPlay-enabled TVs

Netflix has removed support for the Apple AirPlay system. The company explains that AirPlay 2 does not allow it to identify the playback device, thus preventing it from certifying devices. But something does not add up.

Affects the TVs AirPlay and Apple TV

Last week, Netflix abruptly removed support for AirPlay, which was supported by the iOS application since 2013. This means that it's no longer possible to transfer movies and TV shows from the Netflix app on your iPhone / iPad to Apple TV.

Apple has not yet commented on the case, but Netflix explains that the AirPlay 2 system should not let them identify or certify their devices.

– "We want to make sure that our members enjoy the Netflix experience on all the devices they use. With support for AirPlay on third-party devices, we can no longer distinguish devices. (What's an Apple TV?) Therefore, we decided to end the support of Netflix AirPlay to ensure compliance with the standard of display quality. can continue to access Netflix through the integrated application via Apple TV and other devices. " Netflix said in a statement.

Until now, AirPlay video was only supported on Apple TV, which facilitated Netflix's supervision. Later this year, AirPlay 2 will be supported on LG, Samsung, Sony and Vizio TVs. Apple has confirmed that it does not allow TV manufacturers to collect usage data from AirPlay 2, which apparently applies to AirPlay and does not indicate the content partner-specific device.

Something does not matter

All devices with the Netflix app must be certified by the company. However, these requirements have not been extended to Chromecast-enabled devices in the past. For example, Android TV-based decoders that still need to be certified still support Netflix via Chromecast. So, why would it apply to AirPlay?

Something is wrong here.

The relationship between Apple and Netflix shows signs of fragility as Apple prepares to enter the video streaming market. Netflix declined to participate in Apple's "TV" app and stopped selling subscriptions directly through the App Store. Netflix interactive broadcasts do not work on Apple TV either.

We view this as the most recent development of this battle and we believe that getting support for AirPlay is part of a broader vision, especially of Siri and future AirPlay compatible TVs. With iOS / tvOS 12.2, you can ask Siri on your iPhone or iPad to "play the card game on the TV". You do not have to specify this Room of cards is a Netflix show.

These same Siri-to-TV features will be supported on future AirPlay compatible TVs from LG, Sony, Samsung and Vizio. With such features, some users may be less inclined to open the Netflix application on the TV and, as such, control Netflix losses and user data.

By disabling AirPlay and not participating in Apple's "TV" application, the company may prevent you from using Apple's systems to access Netflix on AirPlay-compatible TVs. You will simply need to open the Netflix app instead.

Apple and Netflix want both be TV. One has an ecosystem of more than one billion users, the other is the world's first streaming service. The next few years should be interesting.