MacBooks have a big new problem with Netflix

MacBooks take a big new problem with Netflix

(Paradigm credit: Chesnot/Getty Images)

Apple's upcoming macOS Big Sur update volition permit people stream 4K HDR content through Netflix. It's something streaming fans accept been requesting for some time — and it'southward a feature that won't be available to older Macs.

Specifically, but machines from 2018 or afterward with Apple'south T2 security chip will be able to support 4K HDR streaming via Netflix. That's according to Apple tree Terminal, citing a Netflix back up document that confirms equally much.

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Netflix's document says streaming its 4K HDR content on a Mac requires not but the correct version of macOS, simply also a compatible Mac model. And the Apple documentation that Netflix links to says those machines include the 2020 iMac, iMac Pro, 2019 iMac Pro, 2018 Mac mini, and the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro from 2018 or later on.

You lot tin can observe out whether your system includes the T2 security fleck by going to the System Information men and checking the "Controller or iBridge" tab to see if "Apple T2 fleck" is listed inside. If so, your particular device is ready for 4K HDR content.

Though it'due south simple to discern whether or non a item Mac is capable of playing dorsum 4K Netflix streams, what'due south baffling is that but select models volition technically be allowed to exercise so. Information technology isn't that older Macs are incapable of performing. Neither Netflix nor Apple has released any sort of comment clarifying why the T2 security fleck is needed for users to banquet on high-allegiance visual content.

The T2 fleck may not be the only roadblock for some users, however. Anyone looking to enjoy that type of content on their machine will have to ensure they're subscribed to the $15.99 monthly premium Netflix plan. Mac users will be locked to using Safari for in-browser viewing, only like Windows users will have to apply Windows ten, Microsoft Edge, or the Netflix app with capable hardware to back it upwards.

As far as Large Sur goes for macOS users, it's bringing a host of interface changes with brighter, bolder color besides as alterations to its overall UI vibe. Big refreshes to features like the Letters app with pinned messages, widgets, and more take finally arrived. There are too tweaks to the Control Center and Safari.

macOS Big Sur is currently available equally a public beta, if y'all're interested in testing out how Netflix 4K content runs for you lot. There are a broad variety of changes being introduced with the new update, and automatic device switching while viewing 4K streaming programs could stop upwardly being a benefaction for users who similar to take their favorite TV shows and movies on the go with them.

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Brittany Vincent has been covering video games and tech for over 13 years for publications including Tom's Guide, MTV, Rolling Rock, CNN, Popular Science, Playboy, IGN, GamesRadar, Polygon, Kotaku, Saying, and more. She's too appeared as a panelist at video game conventions like PAX East and PAX Due west and has coordinated social media for companies like CNET. When she'southward not writing or gaming, she's looking for the side by side great visual novel in the vein of Saya no Uta. You can follow her on Twitter @MolotovCupcake.