But it will give users the option to pay through the web for only $7 a month, ‘The Information’ says.
If you buy Twitter’s Blue subscription directly from the app when it returns, it might cost significantly more than it did before. The Information claims that the business warned some staff that customers will be charged $11 for Blue subscriptions if they paid through its iOS app. However, if customers pay online, the service only costs them $7 per month, which also includes receiving the website’s blue verification badge. The article points out that the price hike probably takes into account Apple’s 30% commission for payments made on its platform.
In late November, Twitter owner Elon Musk spoke out against Apple’s 30 percent cut on in-app purchases. He also said that the tech giant threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store and won’t tell his company why. A few days later, though, Musk met with Apple chief Tim Cook and resolved what the former called a “misunderstanding.” Musk said the two had a “good conversation” and that Apple never truly considered dropping Twitter from the App Store.
Apple announced in late 2021 that it was going to allow developers of “reader” apps to link to external payment systems following a barrage of criticisms against its practice of taking a 30 percent commission. It’s unclear if the two executives talked about Twitter’s plan to offer Blue subscription outside of the App Store and how the social network would implement its idea.
- Elon Musk orders Twitter employees to put in excessive hours or quit.
- Elon Musk has prohibited Twitter employees from working remotely.
Twitter originally launched Blue verification for iOS devices in early November for $8 a month, but the company decided to pause the service after it led to an influx of impersonators and fake accounts. When the subscription service does come back, it will come with different colored checkmarks: gold for companies, grey for government and blue for individuals, whether or not they’re a public figure.
