Twitter is relaunching Twitter Blue; iOS users to pay more
What's the story
After a considerable delay and multiple postponements, Twitter is relaunching its Twitter Blue subscription service today. The premium service that provides users a blue check mark was paused after pranksters overran the platform. As reported earlier, iPhone users will be charged more for Twitter Blue. This time, accounts belonging to companies and governments will get different colored check marks.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The wait for Twitter Blue is finally coming to an end. Unlike the first time when it was launched in a hurry, Twitter certainly took its sweet time now. The pertinent question here is, will the new version of Twitter Blue with more safeguards address the issues of its predecessor? We will know the answer to that question soon.
Relaunch
Twitter Blue will cost $11/month on iOS
It's been a month since Twitter suspended Twitter Blue. The company postponed its relaunch multiple times to ensure that necessary safeguards are in place. After the relaunch, users can subscribe to Twitter Blue through the web by paying $8 per month. On the other hand, users will have to pay $11 per month if they use Apple's App Store to subscribe to the service.
Twitter Post
Users will have to pay $8/month on web
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
Information
Twitter will review accounts in case of any change
Subscribers of Twitter Blue won't be able to change their display name, handle, or profile photo without losing their blue check mark. They won't get it back until Twitter reviews their account again.
Other colors
Businesses will get a gold check mark
Twitter announced that its verification system will be multicolored. Depending on the kind of account, the color of the check mark will vary. Individuals, including celebrities, will receive the blue tick. Instead of the "official" tag, businesses will get a gold check mark. Government and multilateral accounts will get a gray check mark later in the week.
Features
Subscribers will be able to edit tweets, upload longer videos
The benefits of Twitter Blue don't end with the coveted blue check mark. Subscribers will be able to edit their tweets and upload 1080p videos. They will also get priority in replies, mentions, and searches, the ability to post longer videos, get fewer ads and have early access to new features. The blue tick will be granted only after a review.
iOS
Twitter aims to skirt App Store's 30% fee
Twitter did not clarify why iOS users will have to pay more for Twitter Blue. However, it's clear that the company aims to skirt the 30% fee on App Store for in-app purchases. Elon Musk, Twitter's new CEO, has been openly critical of the App Store fee. He has also criticized Apple's treatment of Twitter in a series of tweets.