Spotify submits iPhone app update that lets users purchase through external links
Spotify is celebrating “a win for authors, audiences, and developers” with an app update which includes features it was previously unable to offer.
Spotify’s iPhone app is finally seeing changes that give users in the US more freedom when it comes to buying content and subscriptions. The update follows a landmark court ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case, which found Apple in “willful violation” of a 2021 injunction that banned it from limiting how developers direct users to external payment options.
Spotify has now submitted an app update to Apple that, if approved, will allow users to see pricing information for individual audiobooks and tap on links to buy them directly through Spotify’s own site. This marks a major shift from previous restrictions, where Spotify couldn’t even show prices or include in-app links. In the past, it had to email users a separate link to complete a purchase, or pull the feature entirely from the iOS app.
Premium users in the US may also soon be able to buy extra audiobook “top-up” hours beyond the 15 free hours available each month. These updates open up new buying options across the app, including the ability to view subscription prices, sign up for Premium plans, and switch between Premium tiers such as Student, Duo or Family – all via easy-to-access external links.
Spotify says this is a long overdue win. “It helps level the playing field by allowing developers to offer basic pricing information and easy-to-access links to purchase digital goods through iPhones with no unnecessary steps or additional taxes levied by Apple,” Spotify wrote in a post. “In short, this freedom is a win for authors, audiences, and developers everywhere – if Apple approves and if the legal ruling stands despite Apple’s continued attempts to stop it.”
Although Apple is appealing the decision and has asked the court to halt the order, other companies such as Amazon and Patreon have already started to make similar updates to their iOS apps. Last November, Apple introduced a 30% commission on Patreon subscriptions made through the iOS app, affecting creators’ earnings. It’s certainly not just Spotify that’s been unhappy with Apple’s practices. Other companies making similar updates to Spotify suggests that the landscape is shifting, potentially offering more control and revenue options for developers and creators.
Spotify called the ruling “the opening act of a new era” and highlighted the benefits for both creators and fans. “We can now give consumers lower prices, more control, and easier access to the Spotify experience. There is more work to do, but today represents a significant milestone for developers and entrepreneurs everywhere who want to build and compete on a more level playing field.”