Netflix Forces Longtime Subscribers Off Apple iTunes Billing Plans

Netflix Begins Booting Longtime Subscribers Off Apple iTunes Billing Plans

Netflix Confirms Transition to Direct Payments

Netflix, the popular streaming service, has officially begun the process of transitioning its longtime subscribers away from Apple iTunes billing plans. Subscribers will now be required to pay Netflix directly using either a credit card or a debit card.

Earlier today, it was reported by The Streamable that Netflix had started notifying customers in certain territories regarding the change. However, Netflix representative, Momo Zhao, confirmed to us that this transition applies to all members on the basic plan who were previously using Apple iTunes as their payment method.

This transition marks the end of an era for those who were lucky enough to be subscribed before Netflix’s discontinuation of accepting subscriptions through Apple’s payment system.

The Impact on Longtime Subscribers

Several Netflix subscribers have enjoyed a long streak of paying the streaming service’s old price of $9.99. However, with this change, they will now have to face a price hike of over $5 to retain essentially the same plan they have enjoyed for years. Alternatively, they can choose a $3 cheaper plan, with the additional inclusion of ads.

Amidst the inducement of price hikes in the streaming market, it may be a good time for users to reassess their relationship with various streaming services, which have become increasingly expensive over time.

A Long Journey to this Change

Netflix’s shift away from Apple’s billing plans has been a long process. Although Apple introduced in-app subscription options to iPhones in 2010, Netflix did not adopt this feature for its iOS app until 2015, mainly due to its dissatisfaction with Apple’s 30 percent commission. The streaming giant made a significant decision in late 2018, completely eliminating in-app subscriptions and deciding to no longer pay Apple at all for its services, a move Netflix has confidently stood by ever since.