TL;DR
Lowpass columnist Janko Roettgers reports that Netflix quietly removed the ability to cast videos from its mobile apps without advance notice. The change was disclosed in a newsletter excerpt syndicated to The Verge; fuller details and company explanation are not provided in the source.
What happened
In a recent edition of Lowpass, writer Janko Roettgers noted that Netflix removed a longstanding mobile feature last month: the ability to cast video from its mobile apps to external smart devices. The move was made without prior public notice, according to the newsletter excerpt syndicated for The Verge. The published excerpt ends partway through its description of which devices were affected, and the full article text was not available in the provided source. The newsletter does not include a statement from Netflix explaining the decision, nor does the excerpt list a comprehensive roster of affected hardware. The removal was framed as a surprising change to an often-used convenience feature, but details about rollout timing, regional scope, and official rationale are not confirmed in the source.
Why it matters
- Casting is a common way for people to move video from phones to larger screens; removing it alters user workflows and convenience.
- Changes to platform features without advance notice raise questions about device interoperability and platform control.
- Third-party device makers and app ecosystems can be affected if a major streaming app withdraws connectivity features.
- The absence of an official explanation increases uncertainty for consumers and partners trying to adapt.
Key facts
- Report appeared in Lowpass, a newsletter by Janko Roettgers focused on tech and entertainment.
- The Lowpass piece was syndicated to The Verge for subscribers and published Jan. 16, 2026.
- According to the newsletter excerpt, Netflix removed mobile casting functionality last month.
- The change was implemented without advance public notice, per the excerpt.
- The excerpt states the feature allowed casting to a "wide range" of smart devices but the full list is not provided.
- No explanation from Netflix is included in the provided source.
- Full text of the original article was not available in the source excerpt.
What to watch next
- Whether Netflix issues a public explanation or clarifies which devices were affected — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether Netflix will restore the mobile casting feature or offer alternatives — not confirmed in the source.
- Any responses from device makers, platform partners, or streaming competitors — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Casting: Sending audio or video from a mobile device or computer to play on another device, such as a smart TV or streaming dongle.
- Mobile app: A software application designed to run on smartphones and tablets for tasks like streaming video, messaging, or gaming.
- Streaming service: A provider that delivers audio or video content over the internet on demand or as live programming.
- Syndicated newsletter: A newsletter or column published by an author that is distributed across multiple platforms or outlets.
- Smart device: An internet-connected device with computing capabilities, often used to play media, run apps, or interact with other devices.
Reader FAQ
Did Netflix remove the casting feature?
Yes — the Lowpass newsletter reports that Netflix removed the ability to cast from its mobile apps last month, per the provided excerpt.
Why did Netflix do this?
Not confirmed in the source.
Which devices are affected?
The excerpt says a "wide range" of smart devices were affected, but a full list of affected hardware is not provided in the source.
Will casting return or is there an official workaround?
Not confirmed in the source.
This is Lowpass by Janko Roettgers, a newsletter on the ever-evolving intersection of tech and entertainment, syndicated just for The Verge subscribers once a week. Last month, Netflix made the…
Sources
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