Netflix is reportedly working on a new ad-supported tier that could make the platform’s offline viewing capabilities unavailable to members of this lower-tier service tier.
According to TechCrunch, the discovery surfaced when developer Steve Moser discovered code in the Netflix iPhone app that suggested streaming would prevent users from downloading titles to their devices for offline viewing.
The text in the code reads “downloadable on all plans except Netflix ads,” and it also suggests that users will be instructed to personalize their ad experience and not be able to skip ads as expected.
Netflix declined to comment specifically on the site’s download feature, but suggested it could be part of the final product.
“We’re still in the early stages of deciding how to introduce a lower-priced, ad-supported option, and no decisions have been made. So at this point, it’s all speculation,” a Netflix spokesperson said.
In June, the platform confirmed it would launch an ad-supported tier by the end of the year to cut losses and bring more users to the platform.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed during the Cannes Advertising Festival that the streaming giant’s future will include advertising.