Netflix app to stop supporting older iPhone and iPad models – here's which ones

Binging a Netflix show on a long commute is a vital part of many Apple users’ everyday lives — including mine. Despite impressive hardware upgrades announced at the Apple “Glowtime” launch event, many people are not upgrading their phones. Yet Netflix announced its app will stop supporting some iOS versions and, as a result, some iPhones, barring some users from streaming on the go. 

Also: I went hands-on with iPhone 16 Pro – my 3 favorite features of Apple’s pocket supercomputer

On Thursday, 9to5Mac reported that Netflix confirmed it will stop supporting iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, updating the Netflix app to run iOS 17 or later. The change primarily affects devices that can’t be updated to iOS 17, such as the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, Apple’s first-generation iPad Pro, and iPad 5 tablets.

Netflix subscribers who have Apple devices that run iOS 16 can still access their accounts in the current version of their app, but it could stop functioning in the future. Moreover, these devices will be unable to receive further Netflix updates and bug fixes. 

What devices are affected?

Full list of Apple devices that cannot be updated past iOS 16 or iPadOS 16: 

• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPad (5th generation)
• iPad Pro (1st generation)

What now?

Netflix users on older devices who want to continue using the Netflix app will eventually have to upgrade their devices. This doesn’t have you have to upgrade to the latest and greatest. There are plenty of deals on iPhone models and refurbished iPhones on Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and elsewhere online that are able to support iOS 17. 

Also: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to buy the smaller iPhone 16 Pro over the Max this year

Preorders are live today for the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. But if you are still on the fence about whether buying the iPhone 16 is worth it, check out what the ZDNET team of tech experts have to say about Apple’s latest iPhone 16 launch.