Although Netflix launched its new $7-a-month “Basic with Ads” subscription this week, some viewers are finding the new ad-supported tier incompatible with some streaming devices, according to Ars Technica.
The new plan includes 5 minutes of ads per hour and has other limitations, including no downloads and 720p resolution; in addition, some content on Netflix’s higher subscription tiers isn’t available. But some potential subscribers have found that general support for the new plan across all streaming devices isn’t as good as Netflix’s regular level.
The most prominent? Apple TV (which also started shipping its latest version this week). Netflix’s help center advises subscribers that “Basic with Ads is not supported on Apple TV” and that they must upgrade to a Basic, Standard or Premium plan, or “use a different device.” Netflix has announced upcoming support for Apple TV.
Versions of Chromecast sold before the latest version, including Google TV, went on sale in September are also not compatible. “Basic with Ads is only supported on Chromecast with Google TV,” Netflix said.
If you want to access ad-supported services on an Apple smartphone or iPad, be sure to update your device to iOS 15 or later; or on Android devices, v7.0 and later.