Netflix claims it has the largest library of 4K content, but if you’re hoping to do any 4K Netflix streaming on your Mac, the company has announced a surprising specification requirement: you’ll need a Mac with a T2 security chip …

Netflix posted the requirements on a support page.

You’ll also, of course, need an UltraHD plan, as well as a broadband speed of 25Mbps or better.

Netflix is available in Ultra HD on Mac computers. To stream in Ultra HD, you will need:

A Mac computer with macOS 11.0 Big Sur installed.The latest version of Safari browserSelect 2018 or later Mac computer with an Apple T2 Security chipA 60Hz 4K capable display (with HDCP 2.2 connection if external display).

The streaming video company doesn’t explain the reason for the T2 chip requirement, however, leading to some confused Reddit users.

The most likely theory appears to be studios insisting on stronger Digital Rights Management (DRM) protections against content ripping. Reddit users note that there are also specific chip requirements for 4K Netflix streaming on Windows PCs.

“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. Does anyone know why that is?”

“This is pretty overstepping IMO. I now have a machine that is perfectly capable of 4K streaming, but is arbitrarily limited because it doesn’t have a T2. This is pretty anti-consumer, even for Apple.”

Some Reddit users think it’s a counterproductive move, arguing that imposing conditions relatively few computers and monitors can meet will simply drive people back to piracy.

“Hollywood is demanding that it is decrypted via hardware. Windows users cannot watch 4K content either without a supported processor (Kaby Lake and later) so it’s not unique to Apple. Be mad at Hollywood, not Apple.”

“4K Netflix on Windows also requires specific hardware that was introduced with Intel’s Kaby Lake:Intel’s 7th generation Core CPU (i3, i5, or i7 models in the 7xxx or 7Yxx series) or newer, or a NVIDIA GPU that meets these requirements.”

“Microsoft is offering a different method of DRM. (PlayReady I believe). Apple’s method involves the T2 chip.”

Via MacG