➡️ The Shortcut Skinny

• 😔 Netflix’s upcoming ad-supported tier could lose one of the streamer’s best features

• ⛔ Code in the Netflix iOS app points to offline viewing being removed

• 🤷‍♂️ The cheapest Netflix plan won’t let you download shows to watch on the go

It appears that Netflix’s ad-supported tier will include fewer features than the company’s premium tiers, as a new report suggests that the ability to download shows to watch offline could be removed.

As reported by Bloomberg, developer Steve Moser found code inside the Netflix iOS app that suggests that Netflix’s ad-supported tier won’t let users download shows. Subscribers also won’t be able to skip any ads shown or access playback controls during an advert.

The text within the code says, “Downloads available on all plans except Netflix with ads.” This makes sense, as it’s a challenge to serve ads to an offline platform.

Speaking to TechCrunch, Netflix refused to confirm whether its ad-supported tier would block offline viewing, saying:

“We are still in the early days of deciding how to launch a lower priced, ad-supported option and no decisions have been made. So this is all just speculation at this point.”

Being able to download and watch your favorite movies and series on the go is one of the streamer’s best features, especially if you frequently commute. If Netflix follows through with the option, it will make the cheapest option far less appealing, especially as you’re already stomaching that commercials will interrupt your viewing experience.

Disney+ is set to launch an ad-supported subscription tier in the form of Disney+ Basic. The service will cost $7.99 per month and is due to launch on December 8. Unfortunately for Disney fans, introducing Disney+ Basic means Disney+ and Hulu will soon be more expensive. The Premium tier with no ads is getting more expensive, with consumers being charged an extra $3 a month.

Meanwhile, Walmart Plus is adding Paramount Plus as a way to rival Amazon Prime, giving subscribers access to the basic plan, which is worth $4.99 a month but includes commercials.

Speaking of Amazon Prime, the company announced its price hike is coming to Europe in September, increasing some subscription fees by 43%.

The only streamer to buck the recent trend of price hikes is anime-streamer Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll is dropping its subscription prices in almost 100 regions, apart from the US, making its Mega Fan plan more affordable.