Heads Up: Not All Mac Computers Will Be Able To Stream Netflix In 4K

If there is one reason to look forward to the update to macOS Big Sur, it is because with the update to the operating system, Netflix users will finally be able to enjoy Netflix streams in 4K. Prior to that, the streams were capped at 1080p, so even if you had a 4K Netflix subscription, you couldn’t really take full advantage of it.

However, we have some bad news on that front because it appears that there some hardware requirements for it to work. According to a report from Apple Terminal, they spotted an update to the Netflix Help Center page in which it lays out the hardware and software requirements for a Mac to stream in 4K.

According to the requirements, it appears that select 2018 or later Mac computers with the T2 security chip will be able to stream Netflix in 4K. This means that if you have an older Mac computer that does not feature the use of the T2 chip, then even if you upgrade to macOS Big Sur, you still wouldn’t be able to stream in 4K.

It is an odd requirement and Netflix does not mention why the T2 chip is necessary. What’s even more odd is the fact that Windows machines do not require any of these types of hardware to enjoy higher resolution content. Unless they made a mistake, it’s something to take note of if you are subscribed to Netflix and watch it from your Mac.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Computers, General
Tags: Entertainment, iMac, mac pro, macbook air, Macbook Pro, Netflix