FairPlay
FairPlay is Apple's DRM (digital rights management) system for protecting video streamed over HLS to Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and the Safari browser. FairPlay Streaming encrypts video and releases keys only to authorized players. To use it, a business must request FairPlay credentials from Apple.
Why it matters
Apple devices are often a service's highest-value audience, and premium content on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Safari usually needs FairPlay. Without it, a service may be unable to license studio content for those viewers. Apple also controls access to production credentials, which adds a step to launch plans.
How it works
- The business requests FairPlay Streaming credentials from Apple and sets up a key server.
- Video is packaged as HLS and encrypted with SAMPLE-AES, the method FairPlay uses.
- When playback starts, the Apple device sends a key request to the business's key server.
- The key server returns the content key securely, and the device decrypts and plays the video.
How do I get FairPlay Streaming credentials?
You request FairPlay Streaming credentials from Apple through the Apple Developer Program. The account holder submits the request, and Apple approves it only for teams that provide a streaming service to consumers. Requests from third parties acting on behalf of content owners are not approved, so the content owner or licensee must apply.
Does FairPlay work with DASH?
No, FairPlay Streaming is built for HLS. Services that use DASH for Android and browsers usually also produce HLS for Apple devices, or package once in CMAF with common encryption in cbcs mode, so the same encrypted media works with FairPlay, Widevine and PlayReady.
Where it's used
OTT services, microdrama apps and online learning platforms use FairPlay to protect content for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Safari viewers, usually alongside Widevine and PlayReady.
By the numbers
- Apple approves FairPlay Streaming production credentials only for teams that provide a streaming service to consumers, and does not approve requests from third parties acting on behalf of content owners. (Apple Developer: FairPlay Streaming)
- Apple's HLS authoring specification states that content encrypted with FairPlay Streaming must use the SAMPLE-AES method. (Apple Developer: HLS Authoring Specification for Apple Devices)
