Netflix ruined its Apple TV app by switching to a custom video player

Key Points:

• Netflix has replaced the native tvOS 26 video player in its Apple TV app with a custom player used on other platforms, leading to a more cumbersome user experience and loss of Apple TV-specific features.
• Users report frustration with added steps for simple actions like rewinding or fast-forwarding 10 seconds, and the removal of features such as Enhance Dialogue, subtitle automation when rewinding, and the ability to see when a show will end via the Siri Remote.
• The change also breaks integration with the Apple TV Remote app on iPhone, including the loss of the live activity widget showing playback status on the iPhone lock screen.
• Netflix has not publicly explained the reason for the switch, but sources suggest the company aims for consistency across platforms, possibly to enable better advertising opportunities through its own video player.
• The rollout of this change coincides with Netflix announcing a price increase, sparking additional user dissatisfaction and even cancellations, with some subscribers considering downgrading their plans in response.