Spotify announced that Apple has approved a new app update enabling iPhone users in the U.S. to purchase individual audiobooks directly within the Spotify app. Users can now view audiobook prices and buy additional listening hours beyond the 15 hours included in Spotify Premium each month. This update follows a recent U.S. court ruling that ordered Apple to stop charging fees on purchases made outside the App Store, allowing developers to provide clear pricing and direct purchase links without Apple’s restrictions.
Key Features of the Update
- Audiobook purchases: Users can buy individual audiobooks and additional “Top Up” hours.
- Pricing transparency: Consumers can see clear pricing information, subscription details, and promotions.
- Subscription management: Users can upgrade from Free to Premium plans and switch between Individual, Student, Duo, or Family plans seamlessly.
- Payment flexibility: Spotify offers payment options beyond Apple’s system via its website.
- Expanded buying opportunities: The update opens the door for more seamless purchases benefiting creators, such as audiobook sales.
Legal Background and Impact
The update results from a U.S. federal judge’s ruling on April 30, 2025, which found Apple in “willful violation” of a 2021 injunction by restricting developers’ ability to communicate freely with customers and imposing fees on external purchases. This ruling, part of the Epic Games v. Apple case, forces Apple to loosen its App Store restrictions, marking a significant victory for consumers, creators, and developers.
Spotify’s Perspective
Spotify views this change as a major milestone toward a fairer and more open internet ecosystem that fosters innovation and creator discovery. The company emphasizes that these improvements—such as clear pricing and easier purchasing—are basic services that should have been available long ago. Spotify believes removing Apple’s anticompetitive barriers will benefit creators and consumers alike, not only in the U.S. but globally.
Summary
The approved update allows U.S. Spotify users to purchase audiobooks and manage subscriptions with transparent pricing and flexible payment options. It reflects a broader legal shift forcing Apple to reduce its control over app purchases, promoting competition and benefiting creators and consumers. This development signals a new era of openness and fairness in digital marketplaces.
