Netflix's ad-supported tier allegedly won't let you download shows

Sad to say, Netflix may possibly limit offline downloads to the ad-free tiers.

File photo: Edited logo of Netflix

No offline viewing for the upcoming cheaper plan?

Around two months ago, Netflix's co-chief executive officer Ted Sarandos announced that they are coming up with an ad-supported subscription. He clarified that it was designed for users who want a cheaper subscription plan.

The streaming giant hasn't provided specifics regarding this ad-supported plan yet but there are rumors that it won't allow TV shows or movie downloads. The removal of the download feature was uncovered by Steve Moser, a developer looking into the company's iPhone code.

According to the source, there's a code in the Netflix app for iOS devices that reads "Downloads available on all plans except Netflix with ads."

Originally, users can download shows so they view them even offline. The restriction of that feature to the more expensive subscription plans will allow Netflix to distinguish between existing plans and the new ad-supported plan.

Aside from adding a more affordable plan, the company also tightens its security in terms of account sharing with other households. 

Users have already received notifications that ask them to verify if they share the same household/address with the account holder. According to reports, the message states "If you don't live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching."

Reportedly, the streaming giant is introducing an ad-supported tier because it has been losing customers and revenue. The company lost subscribers for the first time in 10 years in the first quarter of 2022. Netflix puts the blame on two reasons: "a large number of households sharing accounts" and "competition'.

Source: MacRumors