Besides Apple TV 4K, Netflix has added HDR streaming support to its iOS app. This allows you to enjoy Netflix in up to Dolby Vision HDR quality on iPhone X and 8 as well as the latest iPad Pro models.

Netflix HDR on iOS devices
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and is a new foundation for video that expands the luminance range and the color gamut for more lifelike video quality. HDR is often paired with 4K resolution but it can be delivered via any resolution.

Netflix started rolling out HDR for mobile devices in May 2017. LG G6 was the first device to get it and it has since been enabled on select smartphones from Samsung and Sony.



You can now add iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and the 2-gen iPad Pro models (both formats) to the list. Netflix says that all of these devices can tap into its Dolby Vision HDR streams, which is surprising, since Apple only highlighted Dolby Vision support for iPhone X at its fall event.

If you check Apple’s specifications list for iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, however, both devices are listed as compatible with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. iPad Pro on the other hand is not but it is possible that iOS 11 has changed the situation.

HDR places high demands on the display. To faithfully reproduce HDR a given screen must be able to control luminance and colors very accurately. OLED displays can do this on a pixel level but the edge-lit LCD panels in iPhone 8 and iPad Pro are far more constrained.

Netflix offers HDR content such as the Marvel TV series. You can also watch Marco Polo, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Okja. Search for ’HDR’ in the app to find content. Also note that you need to subscribe to Netflix’s premium plan to gain access to 4K and HDR.

Netflix has also just enabled HDR streaming for its tvOS app on Apple TV 4K.