When Twitter eventually relaunches, Platformer claims that in order to avoid Apple's 30% fee for App Store transactions, it will not offer its revised Blue subscription as an in-app purchase on iOS. Earlier this month, the new Blue was only temporarily accessible and then only through the Twitter iOS app. Even if Elon Musk frequently tweets his displeasure with Apple, it appears that he wants to avoid paying the company's expenses.
Following a wave of impostors, registration for the new Blue, which lets users purchase a blue verification check mark, was temporarily suspended. However, Musk said Tuesday will mark the return of registration. Platformer, however, indicates that this rollout has been delayed. As reported by Platformer, workers at Twitter have been informed of upcoming changes to Blue, such as a price hike from $7.99 to $8 and the introduction of a phone number verification process. Prime 9ja Online has confirmed this information with a source familiar with the situation.
Musk has been increasing the frequency and intensity of his tweets towards Apple this month. He referred to the App Store’s share as a “hidden 30% tax on the Internet” in a November 18th blog post. In addition, he stated on Monday that Apple, formerly one of Twitter’s largest advertisers, had “largely” stopped advertising on the social network and has “threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store, but won’t tell us why.”
Apple hasn’t commented on Musk’s tweets. Still, observers have speculated that Musk’s actions, such as the massive layoffs that slashed teams responsible for content moderation, or the decisions to bring back suspended accounts and former President Donald Trump, could put Twitter at odds with App Store policies.