September 17, 2024, 7:51 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Netflix can be used not only on TV or in the browser but also on mobile devices via an app. However, the streaming provider has now announced that it is discontinuing support for older iOS versions. This means the Netflix app will soon no longer run on several iPhones and iPads.
According to Statista, Netflix had a good 277 million users worldwide in the second quarter of 2024. Many of them also access the streaming service on mobile devices, such as iPhones or iPads. In Austria, for example, Netflix was the second most popular iPhone app, with over 17,000 downloads in October 2023 alone. This puts it just behind TikTok and ahead of all other streaming providers. However, some of these users may soon have to change their habits because Netflix is discontinuing support for an older iOS version and, therefore, several Apple devices.
Overview
Netflix no longer supports these iPhones and iPads
As reported by our colleagues at 9to5Mac, Netflix recently confirmed that it will no longer support older iPhones and iPads. More specifically, there will no longer be any updates for the Netflix app that runs on devices with iOS 16. The announcement does not come as a complete surprise, as the streaming provider had previously indicated that older systems could soon lose support.
Both iPhones and iPads that can no longer be updated to iOS 17 are affected by Netflix’s adjustment. Apple officially unveiled iOS 17 in September 2023. It was already clear at the time that older devices such as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and the anniversary model iPhone X would not receive the update.
Although the number of devices is manageable, the number of users is likely to be much higher. The following models are involved in detail:
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPad 5
- iPad Pro (1st generation)
The 1st generation iPad Pro is the oldest of the five affected models. It was introduced in September 2015 as Apple’s first iPad with a 12.9-inch display diagonal. The regular iPad 5, the iPhone 8 series, and the anniversary model of the iPhone X all date back to 2017. The devices have, therefore, been on the market for seven to nine years and are no longer technically up to date.
Netflix app becomes a security risk
Anyone who opens the streaming service app on one of these iPhones and iPads will see the following message: “We’ve updated the Netflix app! To use the latest version, install iOS 17 or higher.”
Netflix can currently still be used on the Apple devices in question. However, the app is likely to stop working on them soon. Owners of the aforementioned iPhones and iPads should also bear in mind that Netflix is not only stopping the rollout of new functions with the end of support. Bug fixes and security patches will also no longer be delivered, making the use of apps potentially more dangerous.
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How to continue using Netflix on old devices
Netflix itself recommends switching to newer iPhone or iPad models. This solution is probably the best overall, as many providers are gradually discontinuing support for older systems. This generally restricts the use of the devices more and more – apart from the technical cutbacks that occur over time.
However, if you don’t want to or can’t part with your old device, you can still watch Netflix with an alternative solution. The streaming provider’s program can also be accessed via the browser. Although this is not as convenient as using the app, it works without any problems on both the iPad and iPhone.