YouTube TV Ending Support for App Store Subscriptions in March

[MacRumors]

YouTube today sent out emails to customers who are subscribed to its YouTube TV service through Apple's App Store, letting them know that App Store subscriptions are going to be discontinued in March.

From the emails:

You're currently subscribed to YouTube TV through Apple in-app purchases, so we're writing to let you know that, starting March 13, 2020, YouTube TV will no longer accept payment through Apple in-app purchases.

YouTube TV members will still be able to watch YouTube TV content on Apple devices.

You'll be billed for one final month of service and then your in-app purchase subscription will be canceled automatically on your billing date after March, 13, 2020.

There's no word on why YouTube is ending YouTube TV subscriptions through the App Store, but Apple does take a cut of all subscription purchases, so avoiding in-app purchases will allow YouTube to skirt that fee.

When it comes to subscriptions, Apple takes a 30 percent cut of the subscription price paid by each subscriber for the first 12 months, and then if a subscriber remains subscribed, Apple's cut drops to 15 percent.

The YouTube TV app will need to remove all references to subscribing and signing up from its app when in-app purchases disappear, as Apple does not allow apps to link out to third-party subscription purchase options.

Apps that offer subscriptions on Apple's platform have complained about Apple's cut for years. Some apps raise their subscription prices through the App Store to compensate for the fee, while others choose not to offer subscriptions in Apple's apps.

YouTube TV users will be able to continue using the YouTube TV app on Apple's platforms, but will need to sign up for a subscription on the website.

(Thanks, Kyle!)

Article Link: YouTube TV Ending Support for App Store Subscriptions in March

 

[Baymowe335]

I think I'm going to use Hulu+ Live TV instead. YouTube is too Googly for me.

 

[glowplug]

Wish they would bundle YouTube TV with Google Fi.

 

[trekkie604]

15% cut just to facilitate billing is ridiculous.

 

[smithrh]

When I signed up about two weeks ago, I could not do so through the app store, even though I wanted to and tried to, so this may have already been in effect for some.

Also, yes Google=Youtube. I reluctantly came from Vue when they shut down.
[automerge]1581624197[/automerge]

15% cut just to facilitate billing is ridiculous.

I'd happily pay a 15% premium to keep my personal data personal.

 

[ersan191]

Wish they would bundle YouTube TV with Google Fi.

YTTV is $50 a month, Google Fi starts at $20 per month...

 

[trekkie604]

I'd happily pay a 15% premium to keep my personal data personal.

Then subscribe using Paypal.

 

[aardwolf]

Apple disabled my app years ago and refused to allow any new builds until I implemented In App purchasing. I had been handling everything via PayPal. If YouTube can get away with not paying the Apple premium, then why should I have to?

 

[Varking]

Its because anyone who wants the service on iOS can just sign up online and save money and then login to the app. There is no reason to use the App Store for this subscription to cost yourself more money when two minutes of the website signup will save you money every month. If you go to the YTTV reddit theres always been people telling everyone to avoid signing up via the app store due to this.

 

[ersan191]

Apple disabled my app years ago and refused to allow any new builds until I implemented In App purchasing. I had been handling everything via PayPal. If YouTube can get away with not paying the Apple premium, then why should I have to?

YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, etc. don't allow you to subscribe in the app at all, or even give you a link for where you can sign up. Thems the rules.

 

[aardwolf]

YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, etc. don't allow you to subscribe in the app at all, or even give you a link for where you can sign up. Thems the rules.

That is how my app was working as well. People had to create subscriptions outside of my app via an email they were sent (or log into the website). They made me quit doing that, because I'm not YouTube, Netflix, etc.

 

[Ursadorable]

People actually pay for YouTube?

 

[happyprozak]

That is how my app was working as well. People had to create subscriptions outside of my app via an email they were sent (or log into the website). They made me quit doing that, because I'm not YouTube, Netflix, etc.

That's news to me, I've never seen someone claim this before. There has to be another reason because there are countless apps that use app subscriptions outside of the app store.

 

[seezar]

People actually pay for YouTube?

This is for YouTube TV. Their subscription service for streaming live broadcast TV stations.

 

[smorrissey]

People actually pay for YouTube?

yes too many adds can be pretty annoying, specially when listening to ASMR videos.

what i found pretty dumb right now is still paying for Apple Store music lossy files when qobuz hifi is already here with lossless files....sigh.....Not in my country though.

 

[repoman016]

Its because anyone who wants the service on iOS can just sign up online and save money and then login to the app. There is no reason to use the App Store for this subscription to cost yourself more money when two minutes of the website signup will save you money every month. If you go to the YTTV reddit theres always been people telling everyone to avoid signing up via the app store due to this.

Im pretty sure spotify had this same issue and tried to fight apple over it

 

[mdorais]

I understand this decision. Cord cutting services are having a hard time making a profit as it is. Channels ask for exorbitant fees and these providers need to find a way to package all of them at a price that makes sense. Apple taking its own cut out of that makes the situation even worse.

Youtube TV is most likely subsidized which is why they can offer their excellent channel lineup, however, it's still a good decision to not take further cuts out of what they make from it.
[automerge]1581625670[/automerge]

People actually pay for YouTube?

This is about Youtube TV, not the Youtube site.

 

[KanosWRX]

For stuff like this I am surprised they didn't stop paying Apple sooner. Just dumb to cough up 30% to Apple for a subscription like this. Way to expensive and Apple can't justify a 30% cut. Apple fix your ****!!

 

[ersan191]

That is how my app was working as well. People had to create subscriptions outside of my app via an email they were sent (or log into the website). They made me quit doing that, because I'm not YouTube, Netflix, etc.

I mean, were you sending them the e-mail as a function of the app? Or did you have a link to your website in the app? Because those are both no-no's.

 

[Carnegie]

That is how my app was working as well. People had to create subscriptions outside of my app via an email they were sent (or log into the website). They made me quit doing that, because I'm not YouTube, Netflix, etc.

If you don’t mind my asking...

Were these existing customers of yours who went to the App Store and downloaded your app? Or was your first contact with them, and the way you got their email addresses, through the app?

 

[OtherJesus]

Great. Now I can expect 100% more sign up now” pop ups within the YouTube app.

 

[Cosmosent]

I predict we'll see a flood of such announcements from other companies over the next 18 months OR so.

Logging into a company's website for services will soon become the New Norm.

I suspect we'll hear from Netflix in the next 1-2 weeks, & they will follow YouTube's lead.

 

[dazz87]

Thank god I return my apple 4k.... Wouldve been pissed if google tv app stopped working.

 

[Kkspire]

So I should go setup my shop at the mall, tell customers go outside to pay and come back in, so that I don’t have to pay my landlord their rent because they charge based on your volume in their store? Wow. YouTube TV sucks.

 

[Varking]

Thank god I return my apple 4k.... Wouldve been pissed if google tv app stopped working.

This... is a hot take. The YouTube TV app will continue to work. It literally says it right inside the article. They are no longer billing through Apples App Store. You will need to sign up for a sub/continue your sub through the website.