Netflix Launching External Subscription Option For iOS App

Last Updated on July 26, 2022 by Anu Joy

Apple has been letting “reader” apps offer external subscription links so that users can make payments outside the App Store. As per a latest report, the Netflix iOS app is also getting an external payment option.

According to 9to5Mac, the Netflix app is now using the new iOS API for reader apps. For the uninitiated, reader apps primarily offer any of the following digital content types—audio, video, music, magazines, newspapers, or books. Back in March this year, Apple allowed reader apps to provide in-app links which redirect the customer to an external payment system. The report states that this feature is rolling out to the Netflix iOS app as well.

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As seen in the image below, when a user selects the subscribe button on the app, the following message pops up—”Any accounts or purchases made outside of this app will be managed by the developer “Netflix.” 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 with this developer.”

The iPhone maker warns that if the user chooses to make an external purchase, Apple will no longer hold any responsibility when it comes to managing the subscription. Selecting Continue redirects you to the Netflix website. There, you can subscribe to your desired plan. If you make a purchase directly from the external site, Netflix will no longer have to pay Apple a commission of 30 percent for each subscription made via iOS apps. While it’s a win for the developer, there’s no word on whether the rates get slashed for subscribers as well.

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Apple has been dealing with multiple antitrust lawsuits in recent years. The Cupertino-based company has recently relaxed its strict in-app purchase rules in some markets. For instance, regulations in countries such as South Korea and the Netherlands have forced Apple to allow third-party payment options.