Netflix No Longer Offering In-App Subscription Options on iOS Devices

Netflix is no longer allowing new or resubscribing members to sign up for a Netflix subscription using an in-app purchase via the App Store, Netflix today told VentureBeat. The change appears to have been implemented late last month.

Earlier this year Netflix experimented with disabling in-app subscription options for Netflix subscribers in a number of countries, and as of today, Netflix says the experiment has concluded and the change has been rolled out to the entire Netflix platform.

netflixnoitunesbilling
As described on a Netflix support page, iTunes billing options are no longer available to new or rejoining Netflix customers. Those who currently pay for their subscriptions via iTunes can continue to use iTunes billing until their accounts are cancelled.

When opening up the Netflix app on an iOS device, there are no longer fields for signing up for a Netflix account within the app nor are there instructions on how to obtain a subscription, likely to avoid violating Apple's App Store rules. The app simply offers a sign-in window and says that members who subscribe to Netflix can watch within the app.

Apple's App Store Review Guidelines prohibit developers from asking iOS users to use a purchase method other than in-app purchase, which Netflix is skirting by offering no sign up options at all.

iPad and iPhone users who want to sign up for Netflix will now need to do so through the Netflix website rather than through the Netflix app.

Netflix undoubtedly made this change to avoid paying subscription fees to Apple. Apple collects a 30 percent commission on all subscription fees during the first year after a subscriber signs up for a service using an iOS app, and 15 percent every year thereafter.

Netflix does not need to pay the subscription fee for customers who sign up for the service outside of the App Store, and this change means that Apple will not be able to collect a portion of the $7.99+ subscription fee from future Netflix subscribers.

Update: A Netflix spokesperson provided the following statement to MacRumors, calling Apple a "valued partner":

We no longer support iTunes as a method of payment for new members. Existing members who currently use iTunes as a method of payment can continue to do so.

Apple is a valued partner with whom we work closely to deliver great entertainment to members around the world across a range of devices including the iPhone and Apple TV.

Tag: Netflix

Top Rated Comments

WiiDSmoker Avatar
69 months ago
Why?
Because Apple doesn't deserve the 30% of the $7.99 or higher monthly from Netflix or any other company.
Score: 94 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bryan1andersons Avatar
69 months ago
Apple needs to charge less. I hope more big content providers do this to send a message
Score: 66 Votes (Like | Disagree)
asdavis10 Avatar
69 months ago
Smart on Netflix's part. They know the value of their service is independent of Apple at this stage. If you want to watch Netflix on a device, you'll figure out how to create an account and watch Netflix on a device.
Score: 54 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CheesePuff Avatar
69 months ago
Why?
Maybe you could try reading the article you're commenting on?
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macsrcool1234 Avatar
69 months ago
Great news. The 30% cut on IAP is absurd. No more milking free money for doing nothing Apple.
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ImAnAgent Avatar
69 months ago
Good. Apple isn't doing anything to earn that 30% they are getting from every sub.
Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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