The lower, discounted prices that Netflix users who have been paying through iTunes for years may soon have to say goodbye. The Verge has confirmation from the company that it has begun to take away users’ ability to view their iTunes pricing plans for the streaming service. Momo Zhao, a Netflix official, informed the outlet that “members on the basic plan who were using an iTunes method of payment” will now have to pay the company directly using a credit or debit card.
In 2018, Netflix removed its in-app subscription option for new users on Apple devices in order to avoid paying a commission to Apple. Though at least one user claimed they were still taking use of the service’s $10 monthly fee before being kicked off their grandfathered pricing, it did let individuals who have previously been paying through Apple to maintain their preferred method of payment.
Last year, the company discontinued its $10 basic plan in the U.S. and U.K., which had been the region’s cheapest ad-free option. After a price increase a few months after this event, new customers had to pay at least $15.49 to get an ad-free viewing experience. The monthly price for the ad-supported option is now $7, and the premium tier with support for four devices and Ultra HD is now $23. Customers who previously paid through iTunes will need to pay these prices if they want to keep their subscription active.