Spotify has made to user experience for iPhone users. Now, developers can sell subscriptions through other channels beyond the App Store. This progress comes on the heels of a groundbreaking U.S. court decision. The court’s ruling includes an injunction that stops Apple from collecting fees on purchases made outside of its walled garden. The end result is that users can now view pricing details and links to outside payment portals right inside the Spotify mobile app.
Earlier this month, Apple finally greenlit an important update for Spotify. With this update, we’ve added new features that make it easier to see audiobook prices, too. This shift is a win for U.S. users, who will soon be able to purchase more listening hours above the 15 free hours included in their plans. Each top-up will set users back $13 for another 10 hours of programming.
This update represents a huge turn in the narrative Apple vs Spotify war of words. Now, Spotify is doubling down on its commitment to bringing audiobooks to the masses.
“This change lowers the barriers for more users to embrace their first — or tenth — audiobook, while allowing publishers and authors to reach fans and access new audiences seamlessly,” – Spotify.
The implications of this update extend beyond mere convenience. It reflects a broader trend in digital content consumption and the push for more flexible payment structures. Spotify enhances its marketplace by giving preference to external payment links. The big win for consumers. This move puts the company ahead of an evolving legal landscape when it comes to app store regulations.
The lawsuit that led to this court ruling, which spurred this update, has been instrumental in changing how companies do business on digital marketplaces. Spotify’s approval is a major victory for developers. They’ve been lobbying to reduce the fees that platform holders such as Apple charge developers.
Lauren, a former data expert at TechCrunch, now specializes in streaming apps and platforms. She highlighted how big this news is for the continued fight to make digital content accessible and ensure fair app store practices.