However, if your Mac was released before 2018, the enhanced resolution will not be available to you.
macOS Big Sur is the next version of the operating system from Apple and is expected to be released later in the fall of 2020.
With the update, you'll be able to watch Netflix in 4K on your Mac. However, there are a few prerequisites for this.
The first is that you have to subscribe to the Netflix premium plan which costs $15.99 per month. The second is that you must use Safari – other web browsers are not supported and can only stream Netflix in 720p.
The biggest caveat is that your Mac must contain the Apple T2 Security Chip.
T2 is a second-generation custom silicone security chip for Mac. According to Apple, "by redesigning and integrating multiple controllers found in other Mac computers...the T2 chip brings new capabilities to your Mac."
Neither Apple nor Netflix has explained why this limitation exists, however The Verge theorizes that the T2 chip has built-in support for the HEVC video codec, as well as the ability to process video quickly and smoothly.
Remember that streaming in 4K also uses a lot of data, so your internet connection will need to be up to par.
The following Mac computers have the Apple T2 security chip, which means they will be able to play Netflix in 4K:
If you don't know what model of Mac you have, there is an easy way to see if your Mac has the T2 chip. To check, follow these instructions:
The ability to watch Netflix in 4K has been available on other platforms for a long time. For example, you can do this on Windows 10 and on devices like Roku Premiere.
