Netflix’s Apple TV app suffers with custom video player

A recent and unpopular update to Netflix’s Apple TV app has replaced the platform’s native video player with a custom one, creating a more frustrating user experience. This shift, which began rolling out in recent weeks, strips away several convenient features that Apple TV subscribers had come to rely on. The move appears to be part of a broader strategy for cross-platform consistency, but it has sparked significant backlash from users who now face a cumbersome navigation process for even basic functions.

Community frustration is evident on platforms like Reddit, where subscribers are detailing the new inconveniences. One common complaint involves the simple act of rewinding or fast-forwarding. Previously, a single click would skip back ten seconds. Now, the action first pauses the video and brings up a timeline scrubber, forcing a second click to actually jump to the new point. This extra step for basic controls disrupts the viewing flow, especially for moments when you miss a line of dialogue. As one user questioned, the change suggests a potential lack of usability testing before deployment.

The consequences extend beyond the remote in your hand. The update severs integration with the Apple TV Remote app on iPhone, removing lock screen controls and playback information. It also disables platform-specific enhancements like Enhance Dialogue and the handy feature that automatically shows subtitles when you rewind. Perhaps most irritating for binge-watchers is the loss of the simple Siri Remote tap that displayed how much time was left in an episode or movie, a perfect tool for deciding if you have time for “just one more.”

While Netflix has not publicly commented, reports suggest the motivation was to unify the viewing experience across all smart TV and streaming device platforms. The Apple TV app, by using the native tvOS player, was the last major holdout. However, this push for uniformity across platforms has come at a high cost to functionality. Some observers speculate the custom player could pave the way for more integrated or immersive advertising formats in the future, though this remains conjecture.

This player switch highlights Netflix’s historically poor support for Apple TV features. The app already lacks integration with the system-wide TV app and the universal Up Next queue. The native video player was its one major concession to the platform’s ecosystem, and its removal has eliminated that sole redeeming quality. The regression feels particularly pointed as it coincided almost exactly with Netflix’s announcement of another price increase for its subscription plans.

The sentiment is echoed by industry commentators. John Gruber noted the change also broke the iPhone lock screen widget for Netflix playback, removing program info and scrub controls. He expressed that this downgrade, paired with higher monthly costs, has him considering downgrading his family’s Premium plan. For many, the combination of a worsened user experience and increased fees is a breaking point.

For now, subscribers are left hoping Netflix will reconsider in the face of growing complaints. Given the company’s track record and apparent strategic direction, however, a reversal seems unlikely. The update stands as a clear example where the pursuit of a uniform technical backend has directly degraded the front-end experience for a dedicated segment of users.