KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Spotify confirms a spike in iOS Premium subscriptions after enabling external web payments.
  • The update came after a 2025 court ruling forcing Apple to allow external payment links in iOS apps.
  • Spotify now guides free users to its website for purchases, boosting both subscriptions and audiobook sales.
  • Android conversion rates stayed steady, while iOS saw a clear jump, highlighting Apple policy’s previous limitations.
  • Spotify joins Microsoft and others in backing Epic Games as Apple appeals the court ruling.

Spotify’s iOS Update Boosts Premium Signups as Court Forces Apple to Allow External Payments

Spotify just dropped a bombshell in the ongoing Apple vs. Epic Games saga, and it’s great news for developers and consumers alike.

According to a new court filing, Spotify’s recent update that allows U.S. iOS users to pay directly on its website, instead of through Apple’s infamous in-app payment system, is already paying off. Big time.

What’s New on iOS?

Thanks to a 2025 federal court order, Apple was forced to allow developers to include external payment links inside their apps. Spotify jumped on the opportunity, updating its iOS app to:

And the results? Spotify says it has seen a “significant increase” in the number of free users converting to Premium — specifically among iOS users.

Why It Matters

Spotify’s internal data tells a compelling story: the conversion rate on iOS spiked, while Android (which already supported external links) saw no meaningful change. This clearly shows how Apple’s previous restrictions were holding back user choice — and company growth.

In the two weeks since Spotty updated its iOS app in accordance with the 2025 Order, the rate of conversions from the Free to Premium-tier service has remained relatively constant on Android, while conversion among iOS users has increased substantially. This strongly suggests that the increase is due to Apple finally complying with the Injunction thanks to the 2025 Order.

Even better? Spotify says it’s seeing promising signs for audiobook sales too, just days into offering web checkout.

Bigger Picture: Epic, Microsoft, and the Fight Against Apple

Spotify’s filing is part of an amicus brief in support of Epic Games, who won the case that made all of this possible. Microsoft has also sided with Epic as reported by The Verge, while Apple is trying to reverse the injunction altogether.

Apple attempted to delay compliance with the court order, but a judge shut that down. The legal battle continues in the Ninth Circuit, but for now, U.S. developers can finally steer users toward better, commission-free payment options.

Conclusion

Spotify’s move to support web payments in its iOS app is already driving up Premium subscriptions which is a major win for user choice and app developers. Apple may be appealing the decision, but for now, the App Store rules are finally shifting in favor of openness.

Categorized in:

Apple, iPad, iPhone, News,

Last Update: May 21, 2025

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