Netflix Adds External Subscription Button to iOS App

25 JULY 2022 - A pretty big shift has hit the App Store. We knew it was coming, but still. A piece from 9 to 5 Mac says Netflix has added an external subscription button to its app for iOS.

It’s been about three-and-a-half years since would-be subscribers could subscribe to Netflix through the company’s app. Netflix likely made that change so it wouldn’t have to cut Apple in for the 30% or 15% commission Apple charges for in-app purchases. While terms of service kept the video streamer from directing newbs to subscribe outside the application, regulatory winds prompted Apple to loosen up on that restriction.

As for the in-app option to subscribe outside the app, pains are taken to make sure users know who’s house they’re in. “When you tap the subscribe button,” according to 9 to 5 Mac, “a message says that ‘you’re about to leave the app and go to an external website.’” It goes on to point out:

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.

Hitting “Continue” takes users to the Netflix site. There they can enter their info and watch away.