Spotify’s new iOS app sees subscription boost after App Store changes
Following Apple’s key legal ruling, Spotify’s revamped iOS experience is already increasing subscriptions.
Apple forced to loosen its grip
Earlier this month, a pivotal court ruling forced Apple to loosen its rules for developers in the App Store. The decision allows apps like Spotify to steer users towards alternative payment methods directly within the app, without having to pay Apple’s 30% commission.
Spotify wasted no time. Almost immediately, it launched a new version of its iOS app that capitalizes on this shift. Spotify can now:
- Display clear subscription pricing in-app
- Direct customers to Spotify’s website to subscribe
- Offer direct audiobooks purchases within the app
Premium subscriptions on the rise
Spotify is already reporting a “significant increase” in iOS users upgrading to Premium since rolling out the updated app. This data comes from an amicus brief Spotify filed in support of Epic Games’ ongoing legal battle with Apple.
As part of the tweak, Spotify now includes in-app information that outlines how free users can upgrade to a Premium subscription, including pricing and links to a checkout page. This change has already translated into real gains.
“The 2025 Order has created substantial benefits for developers and – more importantly – consumers. Spotify’s internal data show that its iOS app updates have already resulted in a significant increase in iOS users upgrading to a Premium subscription.”
Spotify’s filing in support of Epic Games
Importantly, this spike in conversions is exclusive to iOS devices. Android devices already offered basic pricing information, with conversions from free to Premium subscriptions remaining constant. However, the conversion rate on the iOS app has increased substantially. This shows how effective direct communication and payment options are to gaining subscribers.
Audiobooks get a boost too
Beyond music, Spotify also reports success in audiobook sales through the new app after just a couple days of launching. The updated functionality allows seamless in-app purchases, something that was previously not possible. Premium users can also now purchase “top-up” hours beyond the 15 free hours included each month.
According to Spotify, these product innovations “would not have been possible without the Injunction.”
What it means for the music industry
The boost in subscribers could have a more wide-ranging impact. A surge in Premium subscribers on iOS could reignite the slowed growth of music streaming services. This could have a knock-on effect that benefits artists and rightsholders alike. More subscribers could mean more revenue flowing into the industry.
As of now, Spotify hasn’t revealed the exact subscription figures surrounding the iOS increase. Unless revealed soon, it could be more likely that we’ll have to wait for Spotify’s Q2 financial report for the specifics.
What’s next?
Apple isn’t backing down from the case. It has appealed the court’s decision, and tried to revert to its previous policies. This was rejected, and Spotify is taking full advantage.
As the case between Apple and Epic Games continues to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the outcome could reshape how app developers interact with iOS users.
With the case still up in the air, whether Spotify’s subscriber growth can be maintained in the long term remains to be seen. For those in the industry, the case’s development is worth watching.
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