Netflix now uses an external subscription system to avoid having to pay a commission to Apple for purchases within App Store applications.
Good news for future Netflix users using an iPad or iPhone: the subscription function is back in the app. But it turns out to be impractical, because it requires going through the SVoD provider’s website. And Apple clearly warns you that you leave its payment system at your own risk:
The window indicates that you are leaving the application to go to an external site and specifies:
“Any accounts or purchases made outside of this app will be handled by the developer ‘Netflix’. Your App Store account, saved 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 any transactions with this developer. »
This option is possible because Netflix, like Spotify, falls into a specific category of apps: Reader (apps for reading newspapers, magazines or books, listening to music or watching videos). This category can since the end of March use a dedicated API to redirect the customer to a website. This possibility is the consequence of an agreement reached last September with the Japanese Trade Commission (JFTC). However, the app developer must first submit a request to Apple.
Netflix had withdrawn in 2018 the subscription option within its app to avoid having to pay Apple a 30% commission (15% for subscription renewals after one year).
Apple has also loosened the screw for payments in dating apps, but only in the Netherlands. But the manufacturer may have to make even more concessions when the legislation on digital markets (DMA) is finally adopted in the European Union. This legislation provides, among other things, for alternative payment solutions and the opening up of other application stores (sideloading). Note that similar legislation has just been passed in South Korea. It allows publishers to offer an alternative means of payment in mobile applications distributed on Apple App Store and Google Play.
Finally, Netflix should offer a cheaper subscription offer next year, but with advertising and less content.
Source :
9TO5Mac