Los Angeles, California – Longtime Netflix subscribers in some territories are facing a significant change in how they pay for the streaming service. Netflix has confirmed that it is booting subscribers off their Apple iTunes billing plans, requiring them to now pay Netflix directly using a credit or debit card.
Those who had managed to maintain their original $9.99 pricing through Apple’s payment system will now have to adjust to either a price hike of more than $5 for the same plan, opt for a $3 decrease in cost with the addition of advertisements, or contemplate their streaming service relationship amidst the ever-increasing costs.
This shift marks the end of a lengthy saga between Netflix and Apple. Despite Apple introducing in-app subscription options for iPhones in 2010, Netflix only incorporated them into their iOS app in 2015 due to disputes over Apple’s 30 percent commission. By late 2018, Netflix decided to eliminate in-app subscriptions entirely to avoid paying Apple, solidifying their stance on direct payment methods.
For subscribers affected by this change, the transition to paying Netflix directly instead of through Apple’s billing system may bring about some financial adjustments and considerations. It is a reminder of the evolving landscape of streaming services and the various factors that impact the user experience and pricing structures.
As the streaming industry continues to evolve and compete, subscribers are urged to stay informed about changes in payment methods and pricing plans across different platforms. The shift away from Apple iTunes billing for Netflix subscriptions highlights the complex dynamics at play in the digital entertainment sector.