Apple approves Spotify app update with external payments
- Apple has approved an update to Spotify’s iPhone app that allows US users to pay for plans on an external site without restrictions, marking a significant shift in Apple’s App Store policies.
- The updated app, version 9.0.40, includes clear pricing information and links to purchase, giving consumers more control and transparency over their subscription plans.
- Spotify submitted the update as a test of Apple’s new rules, which were recently loosened by a US federal judge in response to Epic Games’ ongoing case against Apple.
- The updated app will no longer be subject to Apple’s 30% service charge on in-app payments, allowing Spotify to offer lower prices and more competitive pricing options.
- This approval represents a major victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, who will now have greater freedom to choose their payment options and access more affordable subscription plans.
Apple has approved an update to Spotify’s iPhone app that makes it the first major app to support direct links for US users to pay for plans on an external site, without restrictions. Apple has been forced to change its rules on external payments following an order in its ongoing case against Epic Games. The updated app, version 9.0.40, is available now on the App Store.
Spotify spokesperson Jeanne Moran confirmed the approval from Apple in a statement to The Verge:
“In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s U.S. app update. After nearly a decade, this will finally allow us to freely show clear pricing information and links to purchase, fostering transparency and choice for U.S. consumers. We can now give consumers lower prices, more control, and easier access to the Spotify experience. There is more work to do, but today represents a significant milestone for developers and entrepreneurs everywhere who want to build and compete on a more level playing field. It’s the opening act of a new era, and we could not be more ready for the show.”
Spotify submitted the update to Apple’s App Store yesterday, in what was seen as a test of Apple’s new rules. The new version includes details on promotional pricing and subscription plans available directly from Spotify’s website, where its transactions won’t be subject to Apple’s 30 percent service charge on in-app payments.
Apple previously included strict restrictions on how developers were able to advertise and link to external payment options, forbidding the use of buttons or any mention of cheaper pricing outside the app.
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