Have you ever noticed that services like YouTube Premium sometimes cost a bit more when you subscribe through your iPhone or iPad compared to subscribing directly on their website? You’re not imagining things. Many users find themselves asking, “Why Am I paying more for YouTube Premium when I subscribe through the Apple App Store?”. The answer lies in how app store ecosystems operate and the commissions they levy.
When you purchase a subscription within an app downloaded from the Apple App Store, Apple processes the transaction. For this service, Apple charges a commission to the service provider, like YouTube. This commission, which can range from 15% to 30%, impacts the final price you see. To offset this cost, YouTube, and other service providers, often adjust their subscription prices upwards within the App Store. This price increase is directly passed on to the consumer to cover the App Store fees.
Essentially, the extra cost isn’t a direct charge from Apple to you, but rather a surcharge implemented by YouTube (or other service providers) to compensate for Apple’s App Store commission. YouTube sets its base price for Premium, but the price can differ depending on where you subscribe due to these platform fees.
So, how can you avoid this additional cost? The solution is quite straightforward: subscribe to YouTube Premium directly through YouTube’s website instead of through the Apple App Store.
Here’s how to potentially save money on your YouTube Premium subscription:
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Cancel your current App Store subscription: First, you’ll need to cancel your existing YouTube Premium subscription that’s billed through Apple. You can do this in your Apple account settings, ensuring you follow the proper cancellation procedure to prevent unwanted charges for the next billing cycle.
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Resubscribe directly via YouTube: Once your App Store subscription is fully cancelled and has expired, visit the YouTube website or use the YouTube app on a device outside of the Apple ecosystem (like an Android phone or a computer). Subscribe to YouTube Premium directly through YouTube’s platform. By doing so, you bypass the Apple App Store commission, and you should be able to subscribe at the standard, lower price.
Screenshot showing price difference for YouTube Premium subscription in Apple App Store compared to direct YouTube subscription
In conclusion, the reason “why am I paying more” for YouTube Premium through Apple is due to Apple’s commission on in-app purchases. By understanding this system, you can make informed choices about where and how you subscribe to services like YouTube Premium and potentially save money by subscribing directly. Choosing to subscribe directly through YouTube ensures you pay the intended price, without the additional cost incurred from the App Store ecosystem.
