Twitter rolls out changes for some users ahead of new Blue launch

Twitter started rolling out some changes to its platform on Saturday for some users in preparation for the launch Twitter Blue, its new subscription service.

The App Store updated to confirm that users can purchase Twitter Blue for $7.99 per year and receive a blue checkmark. According to the Apple Online Store description, the updates are listed as being available for users located in the U.S.A., Canada and Australia.

Esther CrawfordThe director of product management for the social media company stated in a series tweets that while the new subscription service is not yet available to everyone, a small early group may be able to receive updates.

“The new Blue isn’t live yet — the sprint to our launch continues but some folks may see us making updates because we are testing and pushing changes in real-time,” she wrote. The Twitter team is legendary.  New Blue… coming soon!”

Elon Musk became the new Twitter owner on Oct. 28 and has set out several ideas for a new verification process for Twitter users. acquired for $44 billion.

In an earlier thread of tweetsMusk criticised the current system. gives a blue checkmark, or verification, to notable users like politicians, members of the press, executives and organizations. The checkmark is a sign that an account is authentic. Other social networks include MetaSimilar verification systems are used by Instagram and Facebook.

Musk stated that he wants to give “power the people” through offering verification to any user of Twitter Blue for $8 per month. Musk said that subscribers will be given priority in searches, mentions and replies. They will also get half the number of ads, have longer videos and audio, and receive more search results.

These changes were announced Saturday in an updated App Store listing. Blue members were promised a “better reading experience” and early access to certain new features in the updated app.

Musk stated in a tweet SaturdayTwitter Blue will go global once it is verified that it works in the initial set.

These changes are a result of an earlier report from The Verge that said the Musk was considering charging as much as $19.99 per month for the subscription. According to the report, Twitter employees who were working on the project were informed that they had until Nov. 7, to launch the feature. Otherwise, they could be fired.

November 8th is the date for midterm elections in America.