iPhone and iPad users who want to subscribe to Netflix from the App Store app are being directed to an external website.
From said website, iOS and iPadOS users can subscribe to the Netflix service without making an App Store purchase, thus avoiding that Apple keeps a commission of the amount of the subscription.
This change is in line with Apple’s recent decision to allow apps that deliver digital content link to their own external websites to help subscribers register and manage their accounts.
Apple announced last September that it would allow digital content consumption apps (music, video, digital magazines, newspapers, books and audio) to include a single link within the app to their own websites. Tapping the “subscribe” button in the Netflix app brings up a message that says “You are about to leave the app and access an external website.”
The app also points out that any transaction will not be the responsibility of Apple and that all subscription management must be done through the Netflix platform.
The message also indicates that “The developer “Netflix” will manage all accounts or purchases made outside of this app. Your App Store account, stored payment methods, and related features such as subscription management and refund requests will not be available. Apple is not responsible for the privacy or security of transactions made.”
If the process continues, the user is redirected to a Netflix website from which they can subscribe to the service without using Apple’s payment platform. Thus, Netflix does not have to give Apple the commission of 30% of the transaction price on initial subscriptions and up to 15% on recurring subscriptions made after one year.
Apple’s commission has been a headache for the company of late. Companies like Spotify and Netflix prevented subscribers from buying certain subscriptions directly from the App Store so they wouldn’t have to pay Apple.
Nearly two years ago, Apple kicked Epic and its popular game Fortnite off the App Store after Epic offered game players a link to its own in-app payment platform.
Lawsuits, lawmakers and developers influenced Apple’s recent App Store changes
Apple still has a set of rules that developers of digital content applications must follow. The link posted in the app may not contain pricing information, and each developer must obtain permission from Apple to include a link in their app.
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