Netflix’s Upcoming Ad-Supported Plan Won’t Allow Users To Download Videos For Offline Playback

Last Updated on August 18, 2022 by Anu Joy

Netflix users who subscribe to the ad-supported tier will not be allowed to download shows on their devices. A code snippet from the Netflix iPhone app reveals that the platform will restrict users from downloading movies and series for offline viewing.

Bloomberg reports that developer Steve Moser spotted this new change in a code that states, “Downloads available on all plans except Netflix with advertisements.” The report adds that Netflix will not let users access playback controls or skip ads.

Also Read: Netflix Launching External Subscription Option For iOS App

Currently, regardless of plan type, all subscribers can download shows on their devices for offline viewing. It appears that the company is trying to differentiate between the regular and ad-supported tiers by introducing the new download restriction for the latter.

Netflix Monthly Subscription Plans: Price In India

Currently, Netflix’s cheapest Mobile plan is priced at ₹149 per month. Under this plan, subscribers can stream 480p content on any one mobile device, be it a smartphone or a tablet. Next comes the Basic plan which costs ₹199 and allows users to view 480p content on one device at a time. Supported devices include mobiles, tablets, computers, and TVs.

Meanwhile, the Standard plan costs ₹449 and lets users view content in Full HD on two devices at a time. The Premium plan is priced at ₹649. With this plan, subscribers can stream 4K HDR videos on up to four devices. Unfortunately, there’s no word on how much the ad-supported Netflix service will cost.

It was earlier reported that Netflix was losing customers for the first time in a decade. The once-popular streaming platform had lost an eye-watering 2,00,000 subscribers within the first three months of the calendar year. The company is planning to make up for its massive losses by introducing an ad-supported tier at a cheaper price. It later announced that Netflix has enlisted Microsoft’s support for its advertising needs.