Future users of Netflix’s proposed ad-supported tier may be blocked from downloading series and films to watch offline.
According to code found inside the streamer’s iPhone app by developer Steve Moser, the Netflix app may only allow offline downloads “on all plans except Netflix ads”.
It is suggested that only the more expensive ad-free subscription plans will allow downloads.
Moser also told Bloomberg News that users may not be able to use playback controls during ads and possibly prevented from skipping ads altogether.
The streaming service has already confirmed that some content will be held back from users of the cheaper ad-supported tier.
READ MORE: Reactions: Will Netflix’s plans to implement ads work?
Reports from Bloomberg also suggest that the code of the Netflix app includes “hidden references” to the company’s plans to customise ads for specific viewers.
Moser believes there is text in the app that states: “Now, let’s set up your ad experience. We just need a few details to make sure you get the most relevant ads on Netflix. It’ll be really quick, we promise!”
The news comes a month after Netflix announced that it had lost one million subscribers in its second quarter. A week prior the streamer declared that Microsoft would help the company ‘power’ its first ad-supported subscription plan.
The new ad-tier announced in April, plans to offset the loss in subscribers due to the fact that many people have opted to ditch the service due to a hike in price most recently.
Investing.com senior analyst Jesse Cohen told The Guardian: “We expect advertisers seeking the chance to reach younger viewers who have abandoned traditional television will likely allocate a greater part of their marketing budget to advertise on Netflix in the future.”
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