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Journalism of Courage
Netflix will now allow new users or non-subscribers to buy a subscription for the service when they download the newly released Netflix games. If they choose the option to become a new Netflix subscriber through the game, they can now pay via the App Store itself.
It should be noted that the Netflix app itself does not support the ability to subscribe to the service from the iOS app. The feature was removed back in 2018 given Apple’s 30 per cent commission policy. The difference in approach is interesting since Netflix Games is using the Apple in-app payment system, while the main app does not do so.
Netflix recently rolled out its own in-app games to both Android and iOS users. These games are included in the Netflix subscription, do not cost a premium, and can be accessed by simply logging in on a supported device. But when a non-Netflix subscriber downloads the game, they are prompted to set up an account.
As Bloomberg points out, such players can now sign up for Netflix using Apple’s in-app system. Apple takes a 30 per cent commission for the first year of payments, and then charges 15 per cent each year after that.
For users who wish to buy a subscription plan directly from the app itself that is still not possible. They will need to open the website on a computer first. For existing iOS Netflix subscribers who wish to change their plan, they also need to open the site on a web browser.
It should be noted that the popular OTT service is, however, yet to be found on the Apple TV application. The Apple TV app in the US includes access to subscriptions from other services such as Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, etc.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article said that Netflix subscribers can now directly buy subscriptions from the app, which is not the case. The error is regretted.
