Netflix ad tier won't let users download content

Netflix to release its cheapest tier with ads but no feature to download content for offline viewing

Netflix's new ad-supported tier will not let users download content when it launches next year. 

According to Bloomberg, the revelation came when developer Steve Moser examined the code inside Netflix's iPhone app.

The code read, “Downloads available on all plans except Netflix with ads”. Halting the download feature would remove a key essence of the streaming platform since downloading is commonly used when access to a WiFi connection is unavailable or the connection is unstable.

Additionally, the report revealed that the playback option will also be removed while ads play, preventing subscribers from skipping them.

Previously, Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, and the chief content officer had announced that the ad-tier subscription won't include all licensed content at launch. Sandos said the company was in talks with studios to increase the amount of content available for ad-tier.

The ad tier is expected to launch in early 2023, while the subscription price has yet to be announced, some predict that the fee would be less than $10. Just last year in December, Disney+ also announced its intention on launching an ad tier for a basic subscription fee of $8.