Netflix – the popular video streaming service – may soon end support for older Apple TV models, according to claims on Reddit. Users on a social media forum reported receiving an email from the streaming platform about “support sunset” for several older generation models. Instead, Netflix is said to focus on newer models and provide the latest features, such as redesigned icons and a new home screen, both of which were introduced in recent months.
No Netflix on older Apple TV models
In a post on the Apple TV subreddit, a user shared a screenshot of what appears to be an email from Netflix, announcing the end of support for older Apple TV models. According to the details, the streaming platform will stop supporting Apple TV (2nd generation) and Apple TV (3rd generation) starting July 31.
The email read: “You received this email because you used Apple TV (2nd generation) and/or Apple TV (3rd generation) with Netflix in the past. Unfortunately, we are ending support for these devices on July 31, 2024.”
Netflix says the move is to ensure viewers retain “the best possible viewing experience.” Under the post, one of the users speculates that it could be a complete shutdown. “My guess would be a complete shutdown, since I believe ‘apps’ for these generations of Apple TVs are just Apple-hosted web apps, or just Apple-hosted home screen launcher icons/URLs.”
Obsolete devices
In fact, all the Apple devices for which Netflix is withdrawing support have already been called “obsolete” by the technology giant from Cupertino, according to its official support page. Apple says this term refers to devices whose distribution stopped more than seven years ago. The company does not offer hardware services for obsolete products and service providers cannot order repair parts.
Apple TV (2nd generation) was launched in September 2010 and offered viewing in resolutions up to 720p. On the other hand, the Apple TV (3rd generation) debuted in 2012, powered by the A5 chip. It supported streaming content up to 1080p resolution.
Namely, both devices ran on an early version of iOS instead of tvOS, which was introduced later in 2015 with support for third-party apps.
