Would You Stream Netflix to Your iPhone?

March 2, 2010 By Nick Mokey

A Netflix app for the iPhone could allow you to stream movies directly to your phone, but Netflix wants to know whether there's actually an audience on the other side of those 3.5-inch screens.

Netflix’s aggressive expansion of its online rental business has landed it on gaming consoles, computers and Blu-ray players, but would anyone actually watch on an iPhone? Therein lies the burning question of a privately circulated survey Netflix has apparently been using to gauge interest in the possibility of an app.

According to the survey, as reposted on Hacking Netflix, the hypothetical iPhone app would grant access to the same library of streaming movies and TV episodes available on other devices, and begin streaming in “as little as” 30 seconds, but with a catch: You would need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network to make it happen. There would be no additional fee to actually use the app, outside of the existing Netflix membership fees.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings previously commented to Reuters that Netflix has plans for the mobile space, but it might take a while. “(With) movie watching, we are not focused on mobile yet, but (instead) on the TV, on Blu-ray and on the video game consoles,” Hastings said. “We will get to mobile eventually, including the iPhone.”

Does Netflix make sense when it would be restricted to Wi-Fi networks, where most users already have a laptop or television handy? Do you ever have access to Wi-Fi when you don’t have these more comfortable viewing options available? Have you ever watched a full-length movie on your phone? Inquiring minds want to know, chime in below in the comments!

Showing 15 comments

Brett at 1:16am 19th June 2010 For iPhone owners who don't have an Xbox, PS3, or a blu-ray player that can stream Netflix, you could always buy component cables for your phone and hook it up to the TV so that you're not restricted to a three-inch screen.
1. MaryB at 9:25pm 16th September 2010 I heard component cables will not allow Netflix movies to play on the TV from your phone as there is an agreement with Apple not to allow this as it conflicts with Apple TV. Is this true? Has anybody tried running their netflix from their IPhone 4 to their TV with the component cables?
dang at 2:49pm 2nd June 2010 Netflix works over wifi for me on the iPad. Does it not work for you? Are you on the iPhone or iPad?
Allison Payne at 1:26pm 2nd June 2010 Just announced this morning: AT&T has changed its rate structure.

AT&T will now offer a lower-end data plan, called DataPlus, for $15 per month. Users on this plan get 200MB to use for one month, and those that go over will be given an additional 200MB for another $15. According to AT&T's analysis, 65 percent of its smartphone customers use less than 200MB on average.

The new high-end plan, called DataPro, gets you 2GB of data use for $25 per month. If you go over 2GB, you'll pay $10 for each 1GB increment. For example, if you use 3.5GB, you'll pay $25 + 10 + 10, or $45 for the month. AT&T is not offering an unlimited data tier at any price.

If you're thinking about streaming movies on your iPhone or iPad over AT&T's network (3G), you may end up paying through the nose for it. However, if Netflix makes it available with a WiFi connection, it would work. I wish they would make it available. I watch at least 2 or 3 episodes of Prison Break every night! I just cancelled my cable TV because of the choices I have on Netflix.

And for all of you who are saying no WiFi on airplanes... check your airline! AirTran has WiFi on EVERY flight!
Betsy at 10:51am 1st June 2010 I love watching movies and TV episodes while I do cardio at the gym. I would absolutely love a Netflix app for my iPhone.
reprise at 7:17am 17th April 2010 Yes I would. Yes I would, yes. I watch video on my iphone and I'd love to be able to be able to stream netflix to it - doesn't disturb my husband that way the way the TV does.
bob at 10:54am 29th March 2010 carriers need more bandwidth before Hastings can do this other than through wi-fi. a really successful movie launch would just kill at&t, sprint and t-mobile, nad it wouldn't be prettty for verizon either
Dale at 10:59pm 16th March 2010 Yes I would as I work in ems and spend long nights sitting an ambulance looking for intertainment and a phone is wat more portible then a laptop so yes I would use it and I'm sure I'm not alone givin the field of ems, fire dept, and police force. We spend hours in a vehicle uasually in wifi areas so here is somthing we would be greatful for. It would great for netflix to come out with it or maybe hulu will and take the business away
NotAScreenSnob at 10:20am 4th March 2010 Wow, I'm surprised at how negative the reactions here are. Anyone notice that iTunes has a video store that's doing well? Video podcasts? And if you think people are only watching those on their computers (yeah, right) how about Slingplayer Mobile consistently being in the top 25 apps lists? Sure, some things I prefer to watch on a big screen, but there are plenty of movies/TV shows in my instant queue that I'd be fine with watching on my Touch. Try it, you might be surprised.
jenny at 4:10pm 2nd March 2010 no....when i have huge tv in my living room and a nice dvd player for traveling, why would i want to strain my eyes to look at that tiny little screen. games, music phone calls, check email, not movies.
Brian25 at 3:02pm 2nd March 2010 I agree, having this for the iPad would make much more sense.
rusty_shackleford_33 at 1:11pm 2nd March 2010 The only time I would even consider watching a movie or TV show on such a tiny screen is on an airplane, in which case Netflix would be a no go. At the same time, with the iPad around the corner, I definitely expect Netflix to develop an app for that platform, since a screen that size might actually be comfortable to watch for long periods.
RobinM at 12:19pm 2nd March 2010 I cannot see why NetFlix should not create an IPhone App. Netflix is already streaming on the internet and viewers capture data via Wi-Fi. So what does it matter if the device on other end is a laptop, TV or an IPhone?
Sam at 11:25am 2nd March 2010 I probably wouldn't. I have not been impressed with Netflix's streaming service to begin with. Plus, where would you stream it from? You can't in the air while flying....
Brian25 at 11:09am 2nd March 2010 The fact that you have to have Wi-Fi really ruins this for me. I guess as an added feature I can't complain but I don't think I would use this much, especially with the limited titles Netflix has available for streaming.