Netflix enables downloads of select content for offline viewing on iOS, Android

Netflix has deployed the ability to download select TV shows and movies from its catalog, with most of the initial offerings coming from the company's unique programming.

Netflix has announced that "Stranger Things," "Orange is The New Black," "Narcos" and "The Crown" are available for download today. After users update the Netflix app, a "download now" button is available on content with downloads enabled.

Users can download in smaller file size "standard" and "higher" quality options, but Netflix has not as of yet provided technical details on the resolutions or bit rates of the downloaded video categories.

AppleInsider has contacted T-Mobile regarding if downloads for offline viewing would count against data caps, or be somehow down-sampled through the "Binge On" initiative, and has not as of yet received a response.

Netflix has historically denied that it was planning on downloads for offline viewing, but Amazon's recent addition of the feature with its streaming video service may have been an impetus to allowing it.

Netflix promises more titles will be made available for download soon. The new download feature is included in all plans and available for phones and tablets on Android and iOS.

16 Comments

tnewton50 9 comments · 8 Years

About 7 years ago

Netlfix has horrible deal makers!

williamh 1045 comments · 13 Years

I'm sure the original shows are great, but it seems like their catalog of movies and shows is really stale. Same with Amazon Prime and Hulu, for that matter.

westbyfleet 6 comments · 16 Years

A grammatical observation: "as of yet" is an interesting mash-up. Surely either "as of now" or "yet"?

Chris J 4 comments · 8 Years

Just updated the app. there's more than just those 4 available (uk version) - in fact a whole section of "available for download" content. Pretty much all of the netflix originals have a download button (incl Black Mirror, and House of cards for example). Also Breaking Bad, House, and a bunch of movies.

MacPro 19838 comments · 18 Years

williamh said:

I'm sure the original shows are great, but it seems like their catalog of movies and shows is really stale. Same with Amazon Prime and Hulu, for that matter.

I agree for movies it's best to go the movies or rent on iTunes when they come out. However, Netflix is awesome for TV series you didn't see though and there are so many made for Netflix shows now that are production wise better than many traditional movies. Amazon's TV shows are great and their in house material too, frankly I feel spoiled and no bloody commercials at 10x the volume. The Good Wife is my latest binge on Amazon Prime and True Blood is very cool too. My only issue with Amazon is the lack of the 'Who is watching' interface Netflix has. My wife already watched all of the Good Wife and I can find no way to clear the already watched info so never know what damn show I'm up to. If anyone knows how ... help out here will ya?