Sudden price increase for Netflix users: check if this affects you

NETFLIX subscriptions increased overnight for viewers who previously paid through Apple’s iTunes.

It means viewers who subscribe through Apple will finally be subject to the price increases that came into effect earlier this year for customers who subscribe directly to Netflix or through third parties such as Sky.

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The streaming giant abruptly removed the cheapest ad-free plan from its subscription options last year, before raising prices in October.

The so-called Basic plan cost £7.99/$11.99 per month, but disappeared in early 2024 for customers in the UK, US and Canada.

However, the removal of the basic subscription has only just gone into effect for customers who bill their Netflix through iTunes.

Ugh! I think I’m going to cancel my Netflix account. It’s cool that I use Hulu and Max more anyway.

@Elyi1M, Twitter

Apple removed the option for Netflix billing through iTunes for new and returning subscribers some time ago.

But now members must sign up directly with Netflix, a spokesperson told The Verge.

Customers who previously paid through Apple will need to update their payment information with Netflix.

Subscribers should note that they will be charged higher membership fees once they update their payment information.

“Netflix stopped working with Apple Pay and didn’t notify me,” said one viewer complained on X (formerly Twitter).

“Now I have been locked out of my $9.99 per month price that I have been paying for years and have been charged $31 until I get a refund through Apple.”

Another added: “It’s so convenient. Ugh! I think I’m going to cancel my Netflix account. It’s cool that I use Hulu and Max more anyway.”

While a third viewer tweeted: “That makes sense, since Apple is now one of Netflix’s competitors.

“No company wants to continually send money to the competition if it doesn’t have to.”

Netflix subscription costs breakdown

Standard with ads (originally launched last year as ‘Basic with ads’)

• £4.99 ($6.99) per month
• 1080p image quality
• no downloads yet
• your date of birth is used for advertising personalization purposes
• add one external user for a fee
• watch on two devices at the same time

Basic (disappearing soon)

• Now £7.99 ($11.99) per month
• no ads
• watch on one device
• not available to new or rejoining subscribers.

Standard

• £10.99 ($15.49) per month
• 1080p image quality
• downloading allowed
• no ads
• Add one additional external user for a fee
• watch on two devices at the same time

Premium

• Now £17.99 ($22.99) per month
• 4K UHD image quality
• High dynamic range (HDR) support.
• downloading allowed
• no ads
• add two external users for a fee
• watch on up to four devices simultaneously

Essential Netflix TV tips

Get the most out of your Netflix account with this handy hack