The AirPlay feature on Apple’s iOS devices, which allows Netflix to share content from movies and shows to compatible TVS and devices, has been removed due to “technical limitations”. Apple’s AirPlay technology, which streams videos, music, photos and other video and audio content from iOS devices to Apple TV, HomePod or AirPlay-compatible speakers, is now adding more third-party devices. Smart TVS from LG, Samsung, SONY, VIZIO and others support AirPlay 2, further increasing the visibility and usability of the broadcasting technology. But the growing number of third-party devices supporting AirPlay also appears to be affecting Netflix’s willingness to cooperate. Netflix recently updated information in the “Explanation Center” on its official website, and explained that “Due to technical limitations, AirPlay is no longer supported with Netflix”, explaining that the iOS version of Netflix app will not support the use of AirPlay playback function.
Last year, Netflix announced that it would no longer support the iTunes payment channel for new subscribers, citing Apple’s “in-app Purchase” mechanism. Similar to Spotify’s previous complaint about the “Apple tax.” The competition between Apple and Netflix intensified after apple officially launched its streaming service at its spring event. In a previous interview, Netflix Chief Executive Reed Hastings spoke positively of Apple as a top-tier company, but said he didn’t want to work with Apple’s streaming service. He also said he hoped consumers would be able to watch Netflix content through the platform. Instead of watching it on Apple services. The revamped Apple TV App, announced on the day of the event, partners with cable and satellite channels as well as online streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, ESPN+ and Apple’s own iTunes movie content. As expected, Netflix did not appear on the list of partners. We don’t know if there’s a real technical problem with Netflix canceling AirPlay for iOS, but given that Netflix still supports Chromecast for Android, It’s tempting to think that Netflix may be acting strategically.