Following the recent Apple vs Epic courtroom shake-up, developers are finally breathing a little easier.
A New Era for App Store Freedom Begins, and Spotify’s First in Line
Thanks to a judge’s ruling that Apple can’t force apps to use its in-app purchase system, companies like Spotify can now show you how much their plans cost, and even send you straight to their website to pay for them. What a concept, right?
Spotify, never one to miss a beat, has already submitted an app update to Apple that flips the script on how it offers Spotify Premium. This means big changes are coming to the U.S. version of the app, as soon as Apple gives it the green light.
What’s New for Spotify Users?
In the past, Spotify was stuck in a weird App Store purgatory. It didn’t want to use Apple’s in-app purchases (and fork over that 30% commission), so Apple blocked it from showing any pricing or subscription info in the app. Not even a polite “Go to our website” was allowed.
Now? Everything’s changed.
With the new update:
- You’ll see Spotify Premium pricing right inside the app.
- There’ll be links that take you straight to Spotify’s site to complete the purchase.
- Switching plans (say, from Student to Family) just got way easier.
- Oh, and they’re teasing smoother audiobook purchases too, bring it on.
Spotify called the judge’s ruling the “most consequential action to date”, and honestly, it’s not wrong. This is a huge shift in how the App Store operates, and potentially a win for consumers who want options.
Related: Epic Games Challenges Apple Again with Zero Commission Plan and App Store Workaround
Of course, Apple isn’t just rolling over. The company says it will appeal the decision, though it’s following the new rules for now.
Either way, this is just the beginning. Expect more developers to follow Spotify’s lead and give users more flexible (and affordable) ways to subscribe and pay — without funneling through Apple’s checkout lane.
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