Twitter has relaunched its subscription-based service, Twitter Blue, which includes a verification badge and other special features for subscribers.
While Elon Musk had previously announced a $8 monthly subscription fee, the relaunch includes a $3 surcharge for iPhone users.
According to Twitter, iPhone users will pay more due to additional charges imposed by Apple on its iOS platform.
Meanwhile, Android does not charge for the app. Twitter, on the other hand, stated that iPhone users who subscribe via the web will be able to pay the standard $8 subscription fee.
More on Apple’s 30% tax:
The additional charge for iPhone users reflects Apple’s 30% cut on app revenue from iOS, its operating system for iPhones and iPads. Musk began criticizing Apple late last month for its commissions on platform transactions and claimed that Apple had threatened to remove Twitter from its App Store.
Musk later recanted his remarks after meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.
we’re relaunching @TwitterBlue on Monday – subscribe on web for $8/month or on iOS for $11/month to get access to subscriber-only features, including the blue checkmark 🧵 pic.twitter.com/DvvsLoSO50
— Twitter (@Twitter) December 10, 2022
Announcing the relaunch, Twitter said:
We’re relaunching @TwitterBlue on Monday – subscribe on the web for $8/month or on iOS for $11/month to get access to subscriber-only features, including the blue checkmark.
When you subscribe you’ll get Edit Tweet, 1080p video uploads, reader mode, and a blue checkmark (after your account has been reviewed).
We’ll begin replacing that “official” label with a gold checkmark for businesses, and later in the week a grey checkmark for government and multilateral accounts.
Subscribers will be able to change their handle, display name, or profile photo, but if they do they’ll temporarily lose the blue checkmark until their account is reviewed again.
In addition, Twitter said tweets from its Blue subscribers would be prioritized, even as they will see fewer ads (50%) than non-verified users.
