- Netflix is informing users paying through the Apple App Store to update payment methods.
- New and returning members won’t be billed via Apple.
- This move aims to sever ties with Apple’s payment system, following similar actions by Spotify in 2018.
According to reports from media outlets such as 9to5Mac and The Streamable, Netflix has begun notifying users who pay subscription fees through the Apple App Store that they must update their payment method if they wish to continue using Netflix’s services.
Netflix’s support website has also updated certain terms to confirm the above changes: for new members or those rejoining, Netflix will no longer bill through Apple. Some Apple billing members in certain countries and regions may be prompted to add a new payment method to continue subscribing (note: Netflix gift cards cannot be used to restart these accounts).
Also read: Netflix hits Q4 subscriber peak with ‘The Crown’ and ‘The Killer’ and crackdown on account sharing
The US market has confirmed the changes
The specific list of countries and regions affected by these changes has not yet been identified, but it is known to include at least the US market. This move will reportedly allow Netflix to ‘completely cut ties’ with Apple‘s App Store payment system and no longer share a portion of revenue with Apple.
New payment methods has been testing since 2018
As early as 2018, Netflix began testing new payment methods aimed at bypassing Apple iTunes payments. At that time, Netflix was one of the highest-grossing apps in the Apple App Store. Prior to this, Swedish streaming music service provider Spotify had also taken similar actions, transitioning subscription users from iTunes payments to other payment methods.
