It seems Netflix’s ad-supported tier will have even more differences from the higher tiers, as a new report suggests that subscribers to Netflix’s forthcoming cheapest plan won’t have the option to download shows to watch later.
First reported by Bloomberg, code found in the Netflix iPhone app revealed that ad-supported tier users cannot download series and movies for offline viewing. As expected, the code also shows that customers cannot skip ads and playback controls are unavailable during commercial breaks.
Netflix Spotlight: August 2022
Currently, Netflix mobile subscribers can download content to watch offline. This is especially useful when preparing for a flight, for example, as you can download content to watch without paying for in-flight WiFi.
That’s not the only limitation we’ve heard about for the ad-supported tier, as we learned last month that Netflix’s ad tier might not include every Netflix show.
Netflix is targeting early 2023 for its ad-supported tier. The tier offers lower subscription costs for the trade-off of non-skippable ads when streaming content. Some of Netflix’s competitors use a similar system, and Disney+ is adding its own ad tier starting in December. We also know that Netflix is working with Microsoft to create the tier, as Microsoft will serve as Netflix’s “technology and distribution partner to support their initial ad-supported subscription offering.”
The ad-supported tier comes as Netflix struggles with losing nearly 1 million subscribers. The company is also in the midst of a crackdown on password sharing and is testing the ability in certain markets to buy additional “houses” where you can use your Netflix account.
There has also been some good news for Netflix recently as Stranger Things 4 has become one of the most watched series in Netflix history.
Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.