Netflix recently made a significant announcement that may affect some Apple TV users. The streaming giant declared its decision to discontinue support for certain older Apple TV models, specifically the 2nd and 3rd generations. This news came to light through a report by Apple Insider, which detailed that Netflix had informed its consumers via email about the upcoming changes. The company cited its commitment to maintaining the best possible viewing experience as the primary reason behind this action.
According to information provided on the Netflix Support page, the streaming service will no longer be available on Apple TV (2nd generation) and Apple TV (3rd generation) devices after July 31, 2024. This move aligns with Apple’s policy of ending support for hardware approximately seven years after it’s discontinued from sale. As such, the first three generations of Apple TV are already classified as “obsolete.”
Netflix’s decision to cease support for older devices isn’t entirely unprecedented. In 2019, the company discontinued support for various outdated gadgets, including certain Vizio and Samsung smart TVs, as well as original Roku boxes. This change coincided with Netflix’s transition from Microsoft’s PlayReady DRM (Digital Rights Management) to Windows Media DRM.
When asked about the rationale behind discontinuing support for Apple TVs from the 2nd and 3rd generations, Netflix initially remained silent. However, it’s worth noting that neither of these older Apple TV models has access to Apple’s App Store, likely contributing to their obsolescence in the eyes of both Netflix and Apple.
In response to this development, Verizon has stepped in to offer customers interested in upgrading to the latest Apple TV 4K a $40 discount. This move by Verizon underscores the significance of staying current with technology, especially as streaming services continually evolve and update their compatibility requirements.
Overall, Netflix’s decision reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing technological advancement with backward compatibility. While it may inconvenience some users with older Apple TV models, it also underscores the rapid pace of innovation in the streaming industry and the importance of upgrading to newer hardware to access the latest features and content offerings.
