Spotify has updated its iOS app to let users see subscription prices and buy plans directly on its website, bypassing Apple’s in-app payment system. This change comes after a U.S. court ruled that Apple must allow developers to include links to external payment options without charging fees.
The ruling, part of a legal battle with Epic Games, found Apple in violation of a 2021 order to support fair competition. Spotify called the decision a major win for users, saying it finally lets them share clear pricing and easy payment options. The updated app, now awaiting Apple’s approval, will let users upgrade from free to premium plans, switch between plans like Individual or Family, and use various payment methods on Spotify’s website.
Apple has agreed to update its App Store rules to follow the court’s order but plans to appeal the decision. The new guidelines allow developers like Spotify, Epic Games, and Patreon to add external payment links in their apps.
This shift means companies no longer have to pay Apple’s 30% fee for in-app purchases, giving them more control over their revenue. For users, this could mean better deals and more flexible payment options. The change marks a big moment for app developers and could reshape how digital purchases work on iOS apps in the U.S.