If you’re an iPhone user paying ₹1,299 a month for YouTube Premium, you might be overpaying by nearly ₹200 — without even knowing it. The culprit? A hidden surcharge known as the “Apple tax,” which adds a 30% commission to subscriptions made through Apple’s App Store.
Why iPhone users pay more for YouTube Premium
When you subscribe to YouTube Premium through the YouTube app on your iPhone, Apple takes a 30% cut of every payment. To cover this fee, Google passes the cost on to you — the subscriber. The result: you pay ₹1,299/month instead of the standard ₹1,099/month if you subscribed directly through YouTube’s website.
This practice isn’t unique to YouTube. Many services — from Spotify to Netflix — have historically charged more for Apple-billed subscriptions. Some, like Netflix, have even removed in-app subscriptions entirely to avoid the fee.
How much extra are you paying?
The difference varies by plan and region. For YouTube Premium Individual in India, the direct price is ₹1,099/month. Through Apple, it’s ₹1,299/month — a ₹200 monthly surcharge. Over a year, that’s ₹2,400 extra for the exact same service.
For YouTube Premium Family (up to 5 members), the gap widens: ₹1,899/month direct versus ₹2,299/month via Apple — a ₹400 monthly difference, or ₹4,800 annually.
Who is affected by this hidden fee?
Anyone who subscribed to YouTube Premium using an iPhone or iPad and pays through their Apple ID is likely overpaying. This includes users who signed up via the YouTube app on iOS, as Apple requires all in-app purchases to go through its payment system.
Android users and those who subscribed via a web browser are not affected, as they pay Google directly.
What Apple and Google say about the price difference
Neither company has issued a formal statement about this specific pricing gap. However, Apple’s App Store guidelines clearly state that digital goods and subscriptions sold within apps must use Apple’s in-app purchase system, which carries a 15–30% commission depending on the developer’s revenue.
Google, in its support pages, notes that subscription prices may vary based on the platform used to sign up. The company does not proactively notify users about cheaper billing options.
Why this matters for Indian subscribers
India is one of YouTube’s largest markets, with millions of Premium subscribers. For many, ₹200 a month may seem small, but it adds up — especially for families on the Family plan. With rising digital subscription costs, this hidden surcharge is an unnecessary burden on household budgets.
Moreover, unlike some countries where Apple allows alternative payment methods, Indian users have no option but to pay the Apple tax if they subscribe through the app.
How to stop paying the Apple tax on YouTube Premium
The fix is simple but requires a few steps:
1. Cancel your current YouTube Premium subscription through your iPhone’s Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions.
2. Wait for the current billing period to end (you won’t lose access until then).
3. Go to youtube.com/premium on a web browser and subscribe directly using a credit/debit card or UPI.
4. You’ll immediately see the lower price — ₹1,099/month instead of ₹1,299/month.
Important: Do not re-subscribe through the YouTube app on your iPhone, or you’ll be charged the Apple price again.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
Confirmed: Apple charges a 30% commission on in-app subscriptions, and YouTube Premium is priced higher when billed through Apple. The direct subscription price is lower and available via YouTube’s website.
Unclear: Whether Google will ever equalize pricing across platforms, or if Apple will reduce its commission for subscription services in India. Also unclear is how many Indian users are currently overpaying — Google has not disclosed this data.
Risks and balanced view
Switching billing methods has no downside — you keep the same account, history, and features. However, some users prefer Apple’s centralized billing for convenience and family sharing. If you value having all subscriptions in one place, the extra cost may be acceptable.
Critics argue that Apple’s commission is anti-competitive and forces higher prices on consumers. Supporters say it funds the App Store’s security and infrastructure. Regardless, the burden falls on the subscriber.
The wider pattern: Apple tax across services
YouTube is not alone. Spotify, Tinder, and many other apps charge more for subscriptions made through Apple’s App Store. In response, some companies have sued Apple or bypassed the system entirely. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has forced Apple to allow alternative payment methods in some regions, but India has no such regulation yet.
What you should do now
Check your YouTube Premium billing method today. Go to your iPhone’s Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions. If YouTube Premium appears there, you’re likely overpaying. Follow the steps above to switch to direct billing and start saving immediately.
Future outlook
Regulatory pressure on Apple’s commission model is growing globally. India’s antitrust watchdog is investigating Apple’s App Store practices. If changes come, Indian users may eventually see equal pricing. Until then, the workaround remains the only solution.
Our Take
The Apple tax on YouTube Premium is a classic case of a hidden cost that millions pay without question. While ₹200 a month may not break the bank, it’s a reminder that digital subscriptions often carry invisible surcharges. The fix is easy, but awareness is key. Until regulators act, the onus is on consumers to check their bills and switch to direct payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is YouTube Premium more expensive on iPhone?
Apple charges a 30% commission on in-app subscriptions, so Google passes this cost to users who subscribe through the YouTube app on iOS.
How much more do iPhone users pay for YouTube Premium?
In India, the Individual plan costs ₹1,299/month via Apple versus ₹1,099/month directly — a ₹200 monthly difference. The Family plan costs ₹2,299/month via Apple versus ₹1,899/month directly.
Can I switch from Apple billing to direct billing without losing my account?
Yes. Cancel your Apple subscription, wait for the current period to end, then re-subscribe at youtube.com/premium. Your account, history, and playlists remain intact.
Will Apple ever remove this extra charge?
Not unless forced by regulation. The EU’s Digital Markets Act has pushed Apple to allow alternative payments in Europe, but India has no similar law yet. Antitrust investigations are ongoing.
