Following a $1 subscription price hike in July, Twitch is now going to raise prices again—but this time only if you sign up through one of the company’s mobile apps. And yes, that includes the iPhone app.
The move will result in a price increase for new Tier 1 subscriptions starting October 1, and the prices for gift subscriptions will also increase. Twitch fans in more than 40 countries are affected. The company has sent emails to confirm the move.
In terms of pricing, this means that a Twitch subscription will become $2 more expensive, or 33% more expensive. Why does this only happen when subscriptions are paid for through mobile apps, you may ask? It probably has something to do with Apple keeping its share of the App Store.
Customers pay for Apple’s share
While Twitch has not confirmed the reason for the price increase, many people have linked it to Apple’s 30 percent cut of subscription fees processed through the App Store payment system. The price increase was first reported by Dexerto.
Of course, this means Twitch is passing Apple’s cut on to customers, forcing them to pay more so the streaming company doesn’t get squeezed. Those who don’t want to go that route can of course pay for their subscriptions through the Twitch website, but that may not be feasible for everyone.
“Starting October 1, we’re increasing prices for new Tier 1 and gift subscriptions in the mobile app in over 40 countries,” the streamer reportedly confirmed in a post on social network X. “We’ll notify streamers and subscribers in those countries via email.”
