What is FairPlay DRM?

The Digital Rights Management technology designed and used by Apple is known as FairPlay DRM. It is designed to securely protect premium content distributed across the Apple ecosystem, including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and Safari browsers. Content providers can encrypt HLS streams and manage license delivery by using FairPlay Streaming (FPS). It ensures that content is playing securely on authorized devices only. FairPlay DRM helps to prevent unauthorized access, copying, and redistribution of digital media without disturbing playback performance. It also ensures studio-grade security compliance.

How Does FairPlay DRM Work?

Understanding how FairPlay works starts with its approach to securing streaming content. FairPlay DRM encrypts HLS video segments using SAMPLE AES with AES 128 CBCS encryption. This keeps the content protected from the moment it is delivered to the device.

When a user tries to play protected content, the player sends a license request. The device first generates an encrypted Server Playback Context (SPC). This SPC request is sent to the license server, where the Key Security Module (KSM) verifies user rights. After the user rights are validated, the server returns a Content Key Context (CKC) that contains the decryption key.

The AVFoundation framework uses this key to decrypt and enable secure playback. Safari browsers use Encrypted Media Extensions and the Content Decryption Module to perform the same process. Strong hardware-level controls make FairPlay DRM removal extremely difficult. For support beyond Apple devices, such as FairPlay DRM on Android, streaming platforms use a multi-DRM strategy that combines FairPlay, Widevine, and PlayReady for complete coverage.

Why Is FairPlay DRM Important for Content Protection?

Protection against digital piracy

Prevents unauthorized copying, recording, downloading, and redistribution of premium video content. Blocks unauthorized access by locking playback to trusted Apple devices using strong encryption.

Protects platform revenue and creator earnings

Stops content theft, screen capturing, and illegal redistribution. This helps OTT services and content owners maintain subscription value and avoid revenue loss.

Compliance with studio and licensing requirements

Meets strict security standards required by studios and worldwide broadcasters for premium releases, early window titles, and high-value content distribution.

Control over device access and account sharing

Limits simultaneous playback across devices and reduces credential abuse that affects subscription-based business models.

Secure offline viewing

Supports controlled downloads and offline playback with time-based licenses that automatically expire when access is no longer permitted.

Trusted, hardware-backed playback environment

Uses hardware-level protection inside the Apple ecosystem, making it extremely hard to bypass. This makes FairPlay difficult to crack and helps safeguard content with watermarking and access controls.

What Is the History of FairPlay DRM?

iPod and iTunes

FairPlay DRM was developed by Apple based on Veridisc technology. (ref. 3) In the early 2000s, when Apple launched its iPod MP3 player and iTunes music service, FairPlay DRM was used to protect the music content of the iTunes Store from illegal use. However, it caused a ‘DRM compatibility issue’ that meant users could use purchased music only on Apple devices.

‘DRM FREE’ by Steve Jobs

In February 2007, Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs wrote an email titled ‘Thoughts on Music.’ He declared that Apple would no longer apply DRM to its iTunes content to address the ‘DRM compatibility issue.’ Since then, major record companies have agreed to remove DRM from all music content on the iTunes Store since 2009. (ref. 4)

Revival of FairPlay DRM and FPS Announcement

Even after Steve Jobs’ ‘DRM FREE’ declaration, FairPlay DRM continued to be applied to movie content available on the iTunes Store. And the issue of ‘DRM compatibility’ of music content has become less significant since subscription-based streaming services became a major trend for music content.

FairPlay Streaming was announced at the WWDC event in 2015. Whereas FairPlay DRM was a closed technology exclusively applied to the iTunes service, Apple released FPS integration specifications, allowing other content services to use it.

What are the Main Components of FairPlay DRM and How Do They Work?

FPS DRM consists of the following components: (ref. 5)

Key server and Key Security Module (KSM)

The key server manages the keys used for encrypting/decrypting DRM content. A DRM solution or content service provider can implement a Key Security Module for FPS on their own key server by referring to the KSM sample provided by Apple.

KSM validates the key request data sent from the client and securely passes the requested content key.

Client application

The FPS client app runs on Apple devices’ OS such as iOS, tvOS, and macOS. It requests the key for FPS content from the key server and processes the response. Content service providers can use Apple’s sample code to develop their own FPS client app or use an FPS SDK provided by a DRM solution provider.

FPS content

To apply FPS to HLS content, each HLS segment must be encrypted by the SAMPLE-AES method. The encryption method used for FPS content is AES-128 CBCS. Using packages or solutions that support FPS packaging, such as Shaka Packager, the KEY tag can be added to the m3u8 playlist of encrypted HLS content with related information.

Cipher-block chaining (CBC) is an encryption method that uses the encryption result of the previous block as the IV (Initial Vector) of the next block. The AES-CBCS method encrypts only a few sub-samples in CBC instead of the entire data of content. (ref. 6)

FPS key request process

The FPS key request and response from the iOS/tvOS client app are as follows:

  1. The client app notifies the OS’s AVFoundation framework to play FPS content
  2. AVFoundation downloads the HLS playlist (m3u8) from the content server and checks the KEY tag
  3. AVFoundation requests the key of the content from the client app (AVFoundation Delegate)
  4. App Delegate requests Server Playback Context (SPC) data from AVFoundation
  5. App Delegate sends generated FPS SPC data to the key server
  6. The key server interprets SPC data through the KSM module and retrieves the key required for content playback from the key DB
  7. The key server sends the retrieved content key to the client app in the form of Content Key Context (CKC) data.
  8. AVFoundation Delegate in the client app enters CKC data into AVFoundation
  9. AVFoundation decrypts and plays content securely using keys contained in CKC data

In Mac OS and iOS Safari, content key transfer, and playback are similar to the above process. In this case, the Content Decryption Module (CDM) and Encrypted Media Extension (EME) standards built into the Safari browser are used instead of the implementation in the client app.

What Are the Key Features & Benefits of FairPlay DRM?

Hardware DRM support

All client environments that support FPS DRM, such as Mac OS, iOS, and tvOS, are highly secure at the hardware level. Widevine DRM can also be applied to Apple devices via the Chrome browser for Mac OS or the Widevine CDM SDK for iOS, but that is not suitable for premium content security because hardware DRM is not available.

FPS DRM is a must for content that requires a high level of security, such as the early-window movies from Hollywood studios.

Apple AirPlay support

FPS DRM natively supports AirPlay, Apple’s wireless content delivery protocol. FPS content on Apple devices can be played on Apple TV through AirPlay without any additional coding.

Key delivery and decryption of FPS content played through AirPlay is performed on Apple TV, the target device, with the same level of security as playing on the original device, such as an iPhone.

Download and offline playback

Starting with iOS 10, download and offline playback of FPS content are supported. The relevant APIs provided by the OS can be used to handle downloading and managing HLS content with offline licenses.

If a content service provider adopts a multi-DRM solution provided by a DRM solution vendor, it can use Widevine and PlayReady DRM directly without a separate application or registration process. However, FPS DRM requires content service providers to apply for and issue an FPS Deployment Packagefrom Apple.

What Are the Common Use Cases for FairPlay DRM

In addition to basic streaming scenarios, the following usage scenarios can be applied to FPS DRM content:

Video rental scenario

If you use a content key set to the rental type, decryption for content playback will stop after that key’s validity period. You can apply this scenario to contents purchased on a rental basis rather than for a permanent collection, making it available only for a certain period of time.

Secure Lease

By periodically renewing content keys set for the lease type during content playback, you can check and limit the number of client devices that can be played simultaneously with a single user account.

Which Platforms and Content Formats are Supported by FairPlay DRM?

FPS DRM supports the following platforms and content formats:

PC platform

  • Mac OS 10.10 or later: Safari browser

Mobile platform

  • iOS 9.0 or later: iOS native app
  • iOS 11.2 or later: iOS Safari browser

OTT platform

  • Apple TV: tvOS 10.0 or later

Content format

  • Streaming formats: HLS, CMAF
  • Video formats: MPEG-TS, fMP4 container
  • Video codecs: AVC (H.264), HEVC (H.265)
  • Audio codecs: AAC, AC3

FairPlay vs. Widevine vs. PlayReady: Which DRM Is Right for You?

Choosing the right DRM depends on the type of streaming device, security levels, content type, and the streaming platform. The 3 most widely used DRM systems for OTT platforms are FairPlay, Widevine, and PlayReady. Each one of them has different security strengths and ideal use cases.

DRM TechnologySupported PlatformsSecurity StrengthsIdeal Use Cases
FairPlay DRMiOS, macOS, tvOS, SafariHardware-level protection and secure playback for the Apple ecosystemPremium movies, early release content, high-value media
Widevine DRMAndroid, Chrome, Firefox, Linux, Smart TVsMultiple security levels (L1, L2, L3) for flexible deploymentMass device coverage, global OTT distribution
PlayReady DRMWindows, Xbox, Smart TVs, STBsAdvanced license policies and strong offline supportSet-top boxes, smart TV ecosystems, and corporate streaming

Breaking Down the DoveRunner Multi-DRM Workflow

DoveRunner Multi-DRM Workflow
DoveRunner Multi-DRM Workflow

DoveRunner Multi DRM service provided by INKA Entworks is a cloud-based SaaS(Solution as a Service). It provides integrated licensing management of PlayReady, Widevine and FairPlay DRM, which are essential elements of multi-DRM technology.

Conclusion

FairPlay DRM is essential for keeping premium streaming content secure across Apple devices. It protects videos from piracy and unauthorized access. When platforms understand how FairPlay works, they can create a safer viewing experience while meeting strict studio requirements. As audiences stream across more devices, many services also need support for FairPlay DRM on Android through a multi-DRM setup. DoveRunner makes this easier with seamless FairPlay DRM implementation, offering strong, unified protection for content on every major platform.

FAQs on FairPlay DRM

1. How FairPlay works?

FairPlay DRM encrypts HLS streams and delivers keys through the KSM–SPC–CKC process, ensuring only authorized Apple devices can decrypt and play the content securely.

2. Can hackers remove FairPlay DRM?

FairPlay uses strong encryption and hardware security, making FairPlay DRM removal extremely difficult. Most attacks rely on weak devices or screen recording, not breaking the DRM itself.

3. Is FairPlay DRM supported on Android devices?

FairPlay is designed for Apple devices only. Streaming platforms use multi-DRM setups to support FairPlay DRM on Android.

4. Why is FairPlay DRM important for OTT platforms?

It prevents piracy, controls device access, supports offline viewing, and meets strict studio compliance requirements for premium and early-window content.

5. What are the benefits of FairPlay DRM implementation?

It improves content security, ensures smoother playback on Apple devices, blocks unauthorized access, and provides stronger protection against piracy attempts.

6. How does DoveRunner help with multi-DRM protection?

DoveRunner simplifies FairPlay, Widevine, and PlayReady integration through a unified workflow, offering secure license delivery, packaging, and scalable multi-DRM management.

References