Netflix will soon stop supporting its app on older iPhones and iPads that are unable to upgrade to iOS 17. This includes models like the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and even the first notch-equipped iPhone X. Additionally, older iPad models, such as the original iPad Pro and the 5th-generation iPad, will also lose support. As Apple phased out updates for these devices with the release of iOS 17, Netflix has followed suit, limiting its app to the latest software versions.
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Affected Devices: iPhones and iPads Left Behind
- iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X (released in 2017)
- Original iPad Pro
- 5th-gen iPad
These devices were left behind after the iOS 17 update, as Apple no longer supports them. This means that the Netflix app will not function properly or receive updates on these devices, making it impossible for users to continue watching content through the app.
Netflix will Stop Working/Discontinuing Support. Why?
Netflix’s decision stems from Apple’s software support policy. Apple typically provides about five years of iOS updates for its devices. However, once an iPhone or iPad is around two or three years removed from its last update, apps built for newer operating systems may not work properly on older versions. With the iPhone 8 and iPhone X now several years past their final iOS update, Netflix is among the first of major apps to phase out support.
Reasons Behind the Change:
- iOS 17 Requirement: The Netflix app requires iOS 17 to function, which these older devices can’t install.
- End of Software Updates: Apple has stopped supporting iOS 16, meaning developers focus on newer versions.
- Obsolescence: Devices like the iPhone X are now nearly eight years old, and app incompatibility is becoming a reality.
Also Read: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 10: Should You Upgrade or Wait?
Can You Still Watch Netflix on These Devices?
Even though the Netflix app won’t work on these older devices, there are alternatives:
- Current App Version: Users can continue using the existing version of Netflix on their device. However, this version won’t receive any new features or updates.
- Safari Browser: A practical solution is to stream Netflix through the Safari browser. This allows users to still access Netflix’s content without relying on the app.
Planned or Unplanned Obsolescence?
As iPhones and iPads reach seven or eight years of age, their hardware and software limitations start to show. The end of app support, such as with Netflix, is a normal progression of technology, often referred to as planned obsolescence. Whether it’s planned or not, these older devices struggle to keep up with modern apps and features.
While some users prefer to hold onto their devices and maximize their lifespan by replacing batteries and optimizing usage, apps like Netflix eventually drop support, forcing users to either seek alternatives or upgrade their devices.
Why This Matters:
- Older devices can’t handle modern apps built for newer iOS versions.
- The gap between hardware capabilities and software requirements widens with age.
- App compatibility issues will continue to rise for devices nearing a decade of use.
Also Read: Google Weather App Update Enhances Wear OS with New Forecast Tile
Final Thoughts: Time to Upgrade?
While it’s unfortunate for iPhone 8 and iPhone X users to lose access to Netflix, it’s part of the natural lifecycle of technology. If Netflix is an essential app for you and you own an older device, now may be the time to consider upgrading to a newer model that will support future updates and features.
For those content with their current device, continuing to use the app’s old version or switching to streaming via the Safari browser are still viable options. However, it’s clear that as time goes on, app compatibility issues will become more common for these older models.
