Dragging your feet about upgrading that old Apple TV box? If you’re a Netflix fan, you might want to trade up sooner rather than later.
Owners of two older Apple TV models just received emails from Netflix warning that their aging devices will soon lose Netflix support, meaning they’ll need to upgrade their boxes to keep streaming Baby Reindeer, Bridgerton, 3 Body Problem, and other Netflix hits.
“We know this can be frustrating,” reads the Netflix email, “but we’re doing this to ensure you maintain the best possible Netflix viewing experience.”
This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best media streaming devices.
The good news is that the Apple TV boxes on the Netflix chopping block are two of the oldest Apple TV devices—in fact, they’re both more than a dozen years old.
These are the Apple TV models that will soon lose Netflix support:
- Apple TV second generation (2010)
- Apple TV third generation (2012)
As MacRumors notes, both the second- and third-generation Apple TV pre-date tvOS, the operating system used by the latest Apple TV devices. The two older Apple TV models also lack access to the Apple App Store.
To find out which generation Apple TV you own, find the serial number on the device and enter it into this form. You can also check the “About” screen in the Apple TV settings.
So, if you are still using a second- or third-generation Apple TV, how long do you have until you lose access to Netflix?
According to the email received by subscribers, those two older Apple TV devices will stop working with Netflix on July 31, 2024, meaning you have a little less than two months to upgrade.
If you want to upgrade to a newer Apple TV box, you should consider the most recent Apple TV 4K model from 2022, which comes in two variants: a Wi-Fi version with 64GB of storage for $129 (it’s now on sale at Verizon for just $89.99), or the step-up Wi-Fi plus ethernet Apple TV 4K with 128GB of storage for $149.
Another option is to stream Netflix on an Amazon Fire TV device, a Roku stick, or another streaming media player, and we have plenty of recommendations.
It’s not unusual for Netflix to drop support for older streaming devices. Last year, Netflix pulled support for the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, several legacy TVs (including models from Sony, Panasonic, and Hitachi), as well as the PlayStation Vita.
Author: Ben Patterson, Senior Writer, TechHive
Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he has covered everything from smart speakers and soundbars to smart lights and security cameras. Ben's articles have also appeared in PC Magazine, TIME, Wired, CNET, Men's Fitness, Mobile Magazine, and more. Ben holds a master's degree in English literature.