Twitter re-launches its paid verification plan at a higher price for Apple users

Twitter re-launched its Twitter Blue subscription service on Monday after its launch was delayed in November, the company announced. 

With Twitter Blue, users will be able to obtain the blue checkmark, ensuring that they are verified by the social media platform. Twitter Blue will cost $8 a month for web users and $11 a month for users who purchase the verification plan through the Apple App Store, the company said in a tweet.

While the company has not explained the price difference between Apple and non-apple users, Twitter owner Elon Musk has criticized the so-called “Apple tax,” or the commission that Apple charges for the use of its App Store. 

Musk added that everyone who has received a verified blue check mark would lose it in the coming months because “the way in which they were given out was corrupt and nonsensical."

Instead, Under the new subscription service, Twitter users with a verified phone number will be able to receive a blue checkmark on their account after their application has been reviewed and approved and they meet certain criteria. 

Blue users will be able to edit tweets and get access to new, subscriber-only features that will be added to the social media platform, including posting longer videos and appearing at the top of replies and mentions. Additionally, subscribers will be seeing fewer ads. 

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

As part of Twitter Blue, businesses will be differentiated by receiving a gold checkmark and governments will receive a gray checkmark to help prevent others from using accounts under the same name.

Twitter Blue briefly launched in November but was quickly pulled back after users began impersonating celebrities and brands.