John Paul M. Joaquin Tech 11.04.2022 09:Nov AM EDT

Netflix’s Ad-Supported Tier Launch Marred by Lack of Apple TV Support

Netflix's new ad-supported subscription plans won't work with Apple TV for now.

The popular streaming platform recently revealed that its new ad-supported subscription plan, called Basic with ads, doesn't have support for Apple TV devices at launch, forcing the device's users to stick to the more expensive tiers.

Netflix's released its called Basic with Ads plans to the public on Nov.3, per the company's blog post on the matter.

Netflix Basic With Ads Apple TV Support Details

A Netflix spokesperson confirmed to Variety that its new Basic with Ads plan doesn't support Apple TV and Apple TV 4k devices at launch. This information can also be accessed on Netflix's Help Center, with the tab for Apple TV confirming the spokesperson's statement.

Although Netflix's spokesperson didn't reveal why Basic with Ads didn't have support for Apple TV devices at launch, he did say it won't be permanent. They mentioned that Netflix would soon add support for Apple TV and Apple TV 4k, albeit without a definite release date.

This exclusion doesn't seem to be due to undisclosed tensions between Netflix and Apple, as the former's Basic with Ads subscription plans is available on iOS and iPadOS devices, per The Verge. Nevertheless, the exclusion is odd as other set-top boxes like Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV/Stick have support.

For those unaware, a set-top box is a device that allows its user to become a display screen for internet content, per Tech Target.

For now, Apple TV and Apple TV 4k users who wish to switch to the ad-supported plans may want to hold off on doing so, at least for the meantime.

Similarly, users of the device who wish to subscribe to Netflix for the first time through its ad-supported tiers should also do the same for now.

However, those who wish to watch Netflix's content through an Apple TV device would have to subscribe to the traditional and more expensive ad-free plans. Otherwise, they will have to use another device to do so, per Engadget.

Netflix Basic With Ads Details

Netflix's Basic with Ads subscription plans is relatively cheaper than the platform's traditional offering. Based on the information on its Help Center, it is $3 cheaper than its traditional basic subscription plan, which costs $9.99 a month to get and maintain.

While the content will be the same, the Basic with Ads subscription plan does have differences: for example, it will display an average of four to five minutes of ads per hour, and some movies and TV shows won't be available under the plan du to licensing restrictions, though Netflix is working on this hiccup as best it can. Downloading titles is also prohibited under the ad-supported plan.

Additionally, 15-30 second ads will play before and during shows and films, though Netflix didn't say how many ads will be displayed at one instance.

Finally, Basic with Ads will only be available in 12 countries in the meantime, which are Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and the US.