Was this inevitable? Probably, but still, Netflix and chilling is about to get a little more expensive for those who have the mid or high tier plans.
Not everything stays the same, not even Netflix’s library from month to month. That also extends to how much you’ll pay for access to that library. According to the Associated Press, things on that front are going to change sooner than you might think.
First, though, the good news: if you’re in the no-HD, $8-per-month tier, then you will continue to be in the $8-per-month, no-HD tier. The AP confirms that that will stay the same.
However, if you shell out for the 4K, four-screen version, then prepare to pay a whopping $14; meanwhile, the HD, two-screen version, which the AP states is the most common plan, will now run you … $11.
Really, it’s not that bad. Sure, it’s up to $2 more than what you’re currently paying, and for some, that might be too pricey. However, AP cites an analyst who predicts that it’s likely that the subscriber pool will shrink by under 10%. Now, granted, that could still be a huge amount of people. Netflix has had over 100 million subscribers since July, per the Guardian. A little simple (and, to be fair, rough) math says that Netflix could be staring down a loss of up to 10 million subscribers.
Additionally, this change will be coming soon — the AP reports that people will have just 30 days to decide if they want to continue despite the new prices, with the information going out Oct. 19. That means it’s time to look at your budget and decide how much you really want to Netflix and chill.
Will you stand by your Netflix, or are you about done with the ever-expanding and not-always-great original library consuming the licensed stuff? Even the AP points out that that’s likely what’s causing the need for a few more bucks here and there.
Next: What we're wondering about ahead of Mr. Robot season 3
But again … 100 million subscribers … those few bucks can start adding up fast.