YOUTUBE PREMIUM COSTS MORE VIA APPLE APP STORE

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

TUE, JUN 30, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

YouTube Premium subscribers who sign up through Apple's App Store pay more than those who subscribe directly or through other platforms, due to Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases.

The price difference stems from Apple's standard App Store fee structure. YouTube Premium costs $13.99 monthly on Apple's platform, compared to $11.99 when purchased directly from YouTube or through Android. This 17% markup reflects Apple's commission on digital subscriptions, which the company takes from app developers. The disparity affects existing subscribers who renew through Apple as well as new signups. Users can avoid the higher cost by canceling their App Store subscription and purchasing directly through YouTube's website or Android devices. However, this requires managing subscriptions across different platforms. The practice is standard across Apple's App Store, affecting numerous subscription services. YouTube is among the most visible cases due to the service's widespread adoption and the substantial price gap.

■ SOURCES

► Engadget

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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