Netflix Introduces Subscription Payment Option That Bypasses the App Store

Earlier this year, Apple began allowing some apps to use external links to let their users log in and pay for subscriptions outside of the Apple Store. Now Netflix has added an option in its iOS app that redirects users to its site where they can pay for the streaming service's subscriptions directly. This was reported by 9to5Mac.

This way, the payment doesn't take place in the app itself, meaning that the transaction is not processed through Apple. All payments will now be made on the Netflix platform. This approach will help the streaming service avoid paying the 30% commission for each subscription purchased via the iOS app.

Simply put, when you click the subscribe button, a message appears saying, "you're about to leave the app and go to an external website." Next, you go to the Netflix website, where you sign up for a subscription. As a result, the service doesn't have to pay a 30% commission for every subscription made in iOS apps.

"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 disclaimer also reads.

It's worth noting that Netflix ditched in-app subscriptions a long time ago: an iOS update was released in 2018 that removed the option to allow users to subscribe to Netflix directly from the official iPhone and iPad app. Unsurprisingly, Apple tried to stop Netflix in every way possible, but gave up in the end.

Due to recent antitrust investigations, Apple finally lets some apps offer alternative subscription methods outside of the App Store without having to pay the fee. Apple has also been forced to let App Store apps provide third-party payment methods in countries like South Korea and the Netherlands.