Watching 4K Netflix video on a Mac looks like it’s about to much easier, as the upcoming macOS Big Sur includes a Safari update that reportedly allows you to watch Netflix in 4K, along with Dolby Vision HDR, according to a tweet from Ishan Agarwal (via 9to5Mac)
This may be the first time that macOS users will be able to stream Netflix in 4K. Previously, it was streaming 4K Netflix on a computer necessary be on Windows and use Microsoft’s Edge browser or Netflix Windows 10 app. That means in theory you could watch Netflix in 4K on a Mac through Windows on a Boot Camp partition, but only load Safari, which is installed With macOS Big Sur, it could be a much easier option once Big Sur is released (it’s slated to go out this fall).
OMG! Netflix in macOS Big Sur Safari browser just gave me 4K Stream with Dolby Vision on MacBook Pro! Previously it was only 1080p with Dolby Vision. This is incredible. pic.twitter.com/afUQPeKisI
– Ishan Agarwal (@ ishanagarwal24) June 28, 2020
You will not do it alone However, you need Big Sur to get the full 4K HDR experience with Netflix in Safari; You may also need a newer Mac with HDR support. Many Apple products introduced since 2018 are HDR compatible, and you can find a full list of compatible Macs on the Apple website. You’ll also need to be subscribed to Netflix’s $ 15.99 per month Premium plan to start 4K.
If you do not do it With the combination of macOS Big Sur, one of the supported Macs, and Netflix’s Premium plan, Netflix streams on macOS can be limited to 1080p resolution, and only if you’re using Safari. If you’re using Chrome or Firefox, Netflix can stream 720p, according to a Netflix support document.
Netflix isn’t the only video platform that gets a 4K boost with Apple’s upcoming software updates, as Apple announced last week that Apple TV 4K will finally be able to stream YouTube to 4K with tvOS 14.
