Netflix is ending its support for billing through Apple iTunes in the United States and Canada, forcing subscribers who have been paying via Apple to switch to direct payments using credit or debit cards.
“Some Apple-billed members in select countries may be prompted to add a new payment method to continue their subscription. (Note: Netflix Gift Cards cannot be used to restart these accounts.),” an update on Netflix’s official website says.
The change will affect subscribers on the Basic plan who had been using iTunes for payment to get more favorable Netflix subscription rates — like the once-standard $9.99 monthly fee.
Many Netflix subscribers have turned to social media to express dismay at the move. While some are resigned to paying $5 more for ad-free streaming, others are exploring ways to get Netflix cheaper, like using a VPN to subscribe in a country where subscription prices are lower.
Netflix’s Broader Plan to Streamline Billing Methods
A Netflix spokesperson told The Verge that the move is part of a broader strategy to streamline billing methods and may lead to a price increase for those affected.
A Netflix spokesperson told USA TODAY users who paid through Apple must update their payment methods to continue accessing Netflix.
Reacting to the changes, a user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked: “Netflix stopped working with Apple Pay and didn’t inform me. Now I’m locked out of my $9.99 a month price I had paid for years and I had to get charged $31 until I get a refund through Apple. Love this.”
Netflix has long had reservations about Apple’s 30% commission on payments made through iOS apps. Although Apple introduced in-app subscription options in 2010, Netflix held off until 2015 before implementing this feature due to its objections to the fee structure.
By the end of 2018, Netflix withdrew the option for new or returning customers to subscribe via Apple’s system.
This is not the first time Netflix has made changes that upset its customers. In 2023, the streaming giant cracked down on password-sharing in certain regions to the dismay of many users.
How to Get Netflix Cheaper
Netflix prices vary significantly across different countries due to various factors, including local market demands, purchasing power, and licensing agreements. For instance, a Netflix subscription in Turkey, Argentina, or India costs substantially less than the same subscription in the United States or Canada.
Cord-cutters exploit this price difference by using a VPN to spoof their location and sign up for Netflix for much cheaper. We’ve run tests to see how this works:
- Sign up for NordVPN.
- Connect to a VPN server in any country with cheap Netflix subscription plans, like India, Argentina, or Turkey.
- Create a Netflix account. You might need a credit/debit card issued in the same country.
PRO TIP:
If Netflix is not registering your new location, try clearing your browser cache, using a private/incognito tab, or reconnecting to the VPN.
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