Spotify submits new app update after huge court ruling against Apple
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Following a major US court ruling, Spotify is moving fast to take advantage of new freedoms from Apple’s App Store restrictions.
Apple loses some power over the App Store
Earlier this week, a major US court ruling has ordered Apple to loosen its anticompetitive grip on the App Store. Amongst other things, this now opens the door for apps like Spotify to offer alternative payment options and communicate directly with users about them- without Apple taking a cut.
This follows the recent outcome of the Epic Games v. Apple case, which found Apple had engaged in anticompetitive practices. Under the court’s new order, developers can now tell users about alternative payment methods, marking a pivotal shift for apps on Apple devices.
Spotify via a blog post
What Spotify’s new app could mean for US users
Spotify has wasted no time. The company has already submitted an updated iOS app to the App Store. Once the update is approved, Spotify’s US users will be able to:
- View subscription pricing details and promotional offers that can save money
- Click through to purchase Premium subscriptions via external payment methods
- Seamlessly switch subscription plans
- Pay outside of Apple payment systems
Additionally, it will open new opportunities for creators and publishers to offer content through its platform, such as smoother purchases of audiobooks. Spotify believes these changes enable apps to offer tools which are “obvious and user-friendly tools” that apps should be able to offer.
A long overdue change?
Spotify has regarded these changes as long overdue, for what it calls “anticompetitive” behavior. Although the judgement allowing these changes was handed down four years ago, Apple has delayed implementing them. Now, the latest court decision has reaffirmed the decision, and the Judge has made it clear that these changes are now “effective immediately”.
While Spotify has submitted its new app, it still awaits Apple’s approval as the tech giant looks to appeal the ruling. Still, the decision marks a significant shift towards a system that make it easier for apps to monetize their content without Apple taking a cut.