We are going to tell you two things, one good and one bad. The good news is that macOS Big Sur , the new version of the Mac operating system, will allow Apple computers to play Netflix content in 4K HDR resolution . The bad news is for that to happen it will be essential that it has the Apple T2 chip.
Netflix and 4K HDR content on Mac
The arrival of macOS Big Sur , the new version of the Mac operating system, not only brings a redesign at the interface level, new privacy options, better performance of its native applications and a good number of additional novelties. It will also allow users of Apple computers to enjoy Netflix content at the highest quality . That is, watch all the series and movies that are available at 4K HDR resolution.
Cool right? Well yes, but do not anticipate yet because it will only be possible on those computers that also have the Apple T2 processor . If not, whether or not your Mac has a screen with 4K or even 5K resolution, you will not be able to enjoy the maximum quality of Netflix.
The Macs that currently include a T2 chip are:
- 2020 iMac
- iMac Pro
- 2019 Mac Pro
- Mac mini 2018
- MacBook Air 2018 or later
- MacBook Pro 2018 or later
Apple’s T2 chip , in case it doesn’t sound familiar, was used for the first time in Mac 2018. Its main utility is related to the security of the equipment , it is in charge of managing sensitive data such as the fingerprint on laptops with TouchBar or other types of passwords on other computers. Although it is not the only thing it does.
This small additional processor that Apple introduced has been assuming other tasks, such as the management of the storage unit and (here could be the key) processes such as video encoding and decoding , especially those that make use of the HEVC or H.265 codec .
Netflix may send its video signal using this codec and in order not to penalize the experience, the only option they have been able to find is to limit access to this content to all those computers that do not have it. Or it is due to the management of the DRM that without said chip Safari is incapable of processor. There is nothing confirmed one hundred percent, because neither the streaming video platform nor Apple have spoken about it, but it is a real nuisance.
In the current market there are a good number of very powerful Mac computers that will not be able to enjoy such content when, for example, PCs with the same hardware and without said chip can. All that is required on these computers is that they have Windows 10 as the operating system and use the Microsoft Edge browser or the native Netflix app. Well, that and logically have a 4K screen.
Therefore, if you intended to pay the 15.99 euros per month for the most complete Netflix plan to enjoy the highest image quality on your Mac with your newly released 4K or 5K screen in the case of iMac, think about it.
If you do, you should know that it is better for you to pay the sixty euros that a Fire TV Stick 4K costs than to change Mac. Anyway, things from Apple.
How to watch Netflix in 4K resolution and HDR on Mac
In the event that you have a Mac with the T2 chip, models that you can consult above and any released from now on, this is what you must also comply with to watch Netflix content at the highest quality on Mac :
- Have macOS Catalina 10.15.4 or later versions installed
- A compatible Mac model that has an HDR-compatible display
- If you are using a cable or adapter, it must be HDR compatible
- The High Dynamic Range checkbox must be selected in System Preferences> Displays
- Have a screen that supports this resolution and the reproduction of images with high dynamic range
If all these requirements are met, congratulations, you can enjoy the best viewing experience on Netflix.
