Apple loses appeal over external links, marking a win for Spotify and other app developers.

Apple told to keep web links in the App Store

It’s official: Apple must keep letting app developers include external links in their iOS apps.

In April, a significant US court ruling ordered Apple to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods and use external web links, all without needing to pay Apple’s 30% commission on in-app purchases. Following this, Apple submitted an emergency request to block that earlier ruling which has now been rejected by the appeals court. 

Spotify submits new app update after huge court ruling against Apple

Until recently, Apple had total control. Apps couldn’t tell users about other ways to pay outside of the App Store and Apple took a 30% service charge on in-app payments. Now, developers can include links that take users to external websites where they can subscribe directly.

The court said it was “not persuaded” by Apple’s appeal, after considering:

  • Whether Apple would win the appeal
  • If Apple would suffer unrepairable harm
  • The impact on other parties if the order is halted
  • The public’s interests

Good news for Spotify

Spotify was one of the first to take advantage of the ruling. Almost immediately it launched an updated iOS app with new features that Apple previously didn’t allow. Now, Spotify users on iPhones can:

  • See subscription prices in-app
  • Use external links to purchase subscriptions
  • Buy audiobooks directly in-app

For Spotify, these changes are already paying off. Since launching the new iOS Spotify app, the company has seen a boost in Premium subscribers on iOS. Not to mention, audiobook sales are also climbing thanks to direct in-app purchases and its new “top-up” hours for Premium users.

Spotify’s new iOS app sees subscription boost after App Store changes

For Spotify and app developers-alike, this ruling could be exactly what is needed to help them grow.

What lies ahead in the Apple saga?

This whole fiasco traces back to Epic Games’ lawsuit against Apple over its App Store restrictions, back in 2020. After a long legal battle, this year’s court ruling made it clear: Apple needed to ease control over its App Store.

Apple isn’t giving up. The tech giant is standing firm in its appeal as they “strongly disagree with the district court’s opinion”.

“We are disappointed with the decision not to stay the direct court’s order, and we’ll continue to argue our case during the appeals process.”

Olivia Dalton, Apple spokesperson via The Verge

For now, the order stands. That means developers can keep adding external links to their apps, which only spells good news for the likes of Spotify.

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