Both companies are now driving new subscribers to pay directly, avoiding iTunes' 30% cut.
Spotify and Netflix are both directing users away from subscribing to their services via the iTunes App Store -- acts that stand to boost profit margins and distance the companies from the $1 trillion tech giant making moves in content.
TechCrunch learned this week that Netflix is testing a payment method that bypasses iTunes in 33 countries. Until Sept. 30, new or lapsed users in select European, Latin American and Asian markets will be unable to pay using iTunes. Instead -- like with Spotify -- they will be redirected to Netflix's website to enter payment details directly with the video streaming service. In May, Netflix made a similar move prohibiting new subscribers from paying via Google Play.
A rep for Netflix tells Billboard, "We are constantly innovating and testing new signup approaches on different platforms to better understand what our members like. Based on what we learn, we work to improve the Netflix experience for members everywhere."