We are going to tell you two things, one good and one bad. The good is that Big Sur macOS, the new version of the Mac operating system, will allow Apple computers to play the content of Netflix at 4K HDR resolution. The bad news is for that to happen it will be essential that it have the Apple T2 chip.
Netflix and 4K HDR content on Mac
The arrival of Big Sur macOS, 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 innovations. It will also allow users of Apple computers to enjoy the Netflix content at the highest quality. That is, watch all the series and movies that are available at 4K HDR resolution.
Great right? Well yes, but don't get ahead of yourself yet because it will only be possible in those teams that also have the Apple T2 processor. If not, it doesn't matter if your Mac has a 4K or even 5K resolution screen or not, you won't be able to enjoy the highest quality of Netflix.
Macs that currently include a T2 chip are:
- iMac 2020
- iMac Pro
- 2019 Mac Pro
- 2018 Mac mini
- MacBook Air 2018 or later
- MacBook Pro 2018 or later
El apple t2 chip, in case it doesn't ring a bell, it was used for the first time on Macs in 2018. Its main utility is related to the equipment safety, is in charge of managing sensitive data such as fingerprints on laptops with TouchBar or other types of passwords on other computers. It's not the only thing he does though.
This small additional processor that Apple introduced has been taking over other tasks, such as managing 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 is it due to DRM management that without said chip Safari is incapable of processing. There is nothing confirmed one hundred percent, because neither the streaming video platform nor Apple have ruled on it, but it is a real annoyance.
In the current market there are a good number of very powerful Mac computers that will not be able to enjoy said content when, for example, PCs with the same hardware and without said chip can. The only thing 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 having a 4K screen.
Therefore, if you intended to pay the 15,99 per month Netflix's most complete plan to enjoy the highest image quality on your Mac with your newly released 4K or 5K screen in the case of iMacs, think about it.
If you do, you know that it is better for you to pay the sixty euros that a Fire TV Stick 4K to change Mac. Anyway, Apple stuff.
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 in the highest quality on Mac:
- Have installed macOS Catalina 10.15.4 or later versions
- Un Mac compatible model have an HDR-capable display
- If you are going to use 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 said 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.
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