Netflix’s ad-supported tier reportedly won’t support offline downloads

It was discovered inside the coding of Netflix that the incoming ad-supported plan may not support an Offline viewing of Netflix content.

It was reported last time that Netflix is releasing an ad-supported tier which is supposed to be the most affordable plan but it’ll feature ads, which is their answer to retain and gain more users. But it was discovered by developer Steve Moser that there’s a text within the code of the Netflix app that it’ll not allow Netflix content to be downloaded for offline viewing.

The text says :
Downloads available on all plans except Netflix with ads.

Another set of text was seen inside the app that says regarding a ‘set up of experience’ for users who’ll be subscribed to the new Netflix with ads plan.

The text says:
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!

Screenshot from Netflix Web app

But based on a TechCrunch interview, Netflix declines to comment on the download feature but they’ve suggested that it could be part of the final product.

“We are still in the early days of deciding how to launch a lower priced, ad-supported option and no decisions have been made. So this is all just speculation at this point,” a Netflix spokesperson told TechCrunch

With this development with Netflix, they’re not alone because HBO Max, Peacock, and other streaming services already have ad-supported plans that don’t offer a download feature. This means only premium subscribers can view offline content.