Netflix 4K Ultra HD Streaming on Mac Requires Apple’s T2 Security Chip

Netflix has finally made its 4K Ultra HD content available to stream on Mac, albeit not everyone will be able to benefit from that. As mentioned on the Netflix Ultra HD support page, 4K streaming only works on select 2018 or later Mac computers with an Apple T2 Security chip (via MacGeneration).

In addition to a T2 chip Mac, you also need the latest version of Safari running on macOS Big Sur, a screen capable of displaying a 4K 60Hz image (compliant with the HDCP 2.2 standard in the case of an external screen), and a subscription plan that supports Ultra HD streaming.

Here’s an interesting take on the T2 chip requirement from a Reddit user:

“This makes zero sense to me. The only Macs, that could really benefit from 4k streaming, without an external monitor, are the 4k and 5k iMacs yet only 2 models (the Pro and the new 2020 27″) will be able to stream it. Windows machines don’t have any kind of T2 alternative and are still able to stream 4k via Edge or via the native app, their only requirement is a 7th gen intel cpu or a dedicated graphics card.”

Below is the list of Macs compatible with 4K Netflix streaming:

• iMac Pro (late 2017)
• Mac mini (late 2018)
• MacBook Air ( 2018 and up)
• MacBook Pro (2018 and up)
• Mac Pro (2019)
• iMac (2020)

What do you guys think of the T2 chip requirement for streaming Netflix in Ultra HD?