Code in the Netflix app suggests the ad-supported version may have a drawback

Nick Barclay / The Verge

I regret to inform you that you were wrong about the ad-supported service being just the regular one. According to the code of the app, the ad-free tiers of the service may be limited.

The company has three tiers. Standard definition content and the ability to watch TV on one screen at a time are included in the monthly price. You'll get HD and the ability to watch on two screens at the same time if you pay. You will have to pay a fee if you want to watch everything in 4k.

Gatekeeping offline downloads to people who pay for the ad-free version of the service is not a new idea. Ted Sarandos, co-CEO, said earlier this year that the ad-supported tier wouldn't include all the same content as the ad-free one, and is meant to be a gateway tier that gives people a taste at a lower price. Offline content can be hard to serve ads on. It is not an impossible challenge but it is difficult. There are paywalls that could be standard. I don't need to be able to watch four streams at the same time to get the most out of my 4K TV with support for multiple forms of high definition, because I pay for it.

Offline downloads haven't been treated as a perk in the past. When the streaming service began to allow offline downloads, it was to support emerging markets with spotty internet. The company was late to the offline viewing market. You could download stuff you wanted to watch later on. It would be assumed that people who aren't yet subscribed to the service cite reasons other than price.

Microsoft will provide the infrastructure to serve ads on the new tier. The new tier is expected to be launched in the year 2023. If we hear back, we will let you know.