Netflix set to block downloads on no-frills ad-supported version - Bloomberg
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Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) may be joining the streaming crowd with plans for an ad-supported level of its service, but it will likely distinguish that tier with a no-frills approach that will include blocking downloading of shows and films, Bloomberg reports.

That's according to an early review of code hidden within the company's iPhone app, Bloomberg says. Developer Steve Moser found text in the app that said âDownloads available on all plans except Netflix with ads."
For now, the code also indicates unsurprisingly that users won't be able to skip ads, and that playback controls won't be available during ad breaks, as many streamers do.
Downloading is available on Netflix's (NFLX) regular plans so users can view movies and shows in locations without Internet access, such as when traveling.
Netflix (NFLX) - famously historically opposed to allowing ads on the service - is launching the service option after announcing last month it would partner with Microsoft on the offering.