Netflix won’t make macOS app with Catalyst

Streaming service Netflix is ​​not going to make an app for macOS with Project Catalyst, the method for converting iPad apps into Mac apps. The streaming service has had an app for Windows 10 for some time, but not for Apple’s desktop operating system.

Netflix confirms to Bloomberg that it is not working on a Catalyst app. Project Catalyst makes it possible to convert apps for the iPad into programs for macOS. That’s possible because UIKit, the iOS app creation framework, now works on macOS. That traditionally works with AppKit for programs.

It’s unknown why Netflix isn’t using the project to build a macOS app. The streaming service’s app is one of the most popular free apps on the iPad, but on macOS, customers must use the browser to watch movies or series. There is a Netflix app for Windows 10.

Catalyst apps appeared on Monday as part of the release of macOS Catalina. 9to5Mac has put online a list of apps that have appeared. The Bloomberg article points to several issues developers are experiencing with Catalyst. For example, it is not possible to let users who have already paid for an app on the iPad install the Mac version for free. It also requires work to convert interface elements made for touchscreens into elements that work well with mouse, trackpad and keyboard, the financial news agency says. Catalina appeared with about twenty Catalyst apps, according to Apple, more will follow soon. This will include Twitter.