Apple's upcoming macOS Big Sur update will allow Netflix to stream 4K HDR content. This is a feature that streaming fans have been requesting for some time and is not available on older Macs.

Specifically, only 2018 and newer machines with Apple's T2 security chip can support 4K HDR streaming via Netflix. This is according to Apple Terminal, citing Netflix support documentation.

According to Netflix's documentation, streaming 4K HDR content on a Mac requires not only the appropriate version of macOS, but also a compatible Mac model. And according to the Apple document that Netflix links to, those machines include the 2020 iMac, iMac Pro, 2019 iMac Pro, 2018 Mac mini, and 2018 or later MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.

The system will include.

You can check to see if your system has a T2 security chip by looking under the "Controller or iBridge" tab in the System Info menu to see if "Apple T2 Chip" is listed. If so, your device supports 4K HDR content.

It's easy to tell if a particular Mac can play a 4K Netflix stream, but what's puzzling is that only some models can technically do so. That's not to say older Macs can't play it; neither Netflix nor Apple have released comments clarifying why users need the T2 security chip to enjoy high-fidelity visual content.

But the T2 chip may not be the only obstacle for some users. Those who want to enjoy that kind of content on their own machines will have to make sure they subscribe to a premium Netflix plan for $15.99 per month; Mac users will have to use Windows 10, Microsoft Edge, or the Netflix app as well as having to use Safari for in-browser viewing.

As for Big Sur for macOS users, it brings a number of interface changes with brighter and bolder colors as well as a change in the overall UI feel. Features such as the Messages app with pinned messages and widgets have also been significantly revamped and are finally here. The Control Center and Safari have also been tweaked.

macOS Big Sur is currently available as a public beta, so those who want to try out how Netflix 4K content works are welcome to do so. The new update comes with a variety of changes, and the automatic switching of devices while watching 4K streaming programs could be a boon for users who like to take their favorite TV shows and movies on the go.