macOS Big Sur will bring Netflix in 4K to Macs, but only if they have the T2 chip built in

macOS Big Sur will bring Netflix in 4K to Macs, but only if they have the T2 chip built in

It’s been a long time since Netflix offers its contents in 4K and HDR color profiles, something that is especially noticeable if you have a television that has these characteristics in your living room. However, although desktop Macs have 4K, 5K or even 6K screens, Netflix continues to offer its 1080p catalog on them. At least for now, because that will change with the arrival of macOS Big Sur.

Big Sur, through Safari, will offer 4K and HDR playback on all Macs. But with one condition: computers will have to equip the T2 security chip. This is what reveals a support document that they have recently updated from Netflix and that media such as MacRumors have reflected.

There are also limitations when using external displays

That makes Macs that can play 4K content This year’s iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro 2019, and Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro 2018 onwards. Also, if you want to reproduce the contents on an external screen, it must have an HDCP 2.2 connection and work at 60Hz with 4K resolutions.

The reason why this chip is required is not officially detailed, but it may be a way to try to stop the unauthorized distribution of Netflix series and movies (perhaps the T2 chip limits the extraction without permission of the videos). It may also be a way to prevent such content from playing on older, slower Macs, something that can cause slowdowns.

Presumably, this Netflix content is also compatible with the next Mac with Apple Silicon chip, since they will carry at least an equivalent to the T2 chip inside or they will equip it integrated in the CPU. Remember that to watch Netflix content in 4K you also have to be subscribed to its most expensive plan of 15.99 euros per month.