It did not take a long time. The California -based district court ruled that Apple would have to open external payments in apps in the US, and Apple changed its policies, first such an app has been approved. With the latest app updates, Spotify has become the first app to allow external payment options directly from its iOS and iPados app.
This step is being observed by the world’s top music streaming service. In a statement 9to5macSpotify spokesman Jean Mora said:
“In a win for consumers, artists, creators and writers, Apple has approved the US app update of Spotify. After almost a decade, it will eventually allow us to show the link to freely pricate and buy links, can promote transparency and choice for American consumers. Want to build and compete on a higher level playground.
On Wednesday, a district court said that Apple Landmark failed to follow the 2021 verdict in Apple vs. Epic Games Antitrest case. As a result, the company adjusted it App review guidelines Hence the apps listed on the iOS and MACOS app store will no longer include “buttons, external links, or other call to action” for payment outside the app. While these changes were already implemented in 2024, Apple was required to apply for a special “eligibility” for them to allow developers to pay through external sources.
Prior to these changes, Apple collected 27% of any outdoor payment made by an app developer, assuming that the payment was started from the app itself. It will not collect anything now.
As the 9to5Mac reported, the following changes are being made in the Spotify app in America:
- In the end, we can see how much cost our app contains some cost, including information about pricing details and promotion on subscription that will save money;
- You can click on a link to buy membership of choice, upgrade from a free account in one of our premium plans;
- Basically, you can click on the link and easily change the premium membership from the person to a student, pair, or family plan;
- Can use other payment options beyond the payment system of Apple – we provide a wide range of options on our website; And
- Moving forward, it opens the door for other spontaneous purchases opportunities that will directly benefit the creators (think of audibook to buy easily)
There is no doubt, the Spotify will not be the first app to go on the external payment route. Keep in mind, these changes affect the apps sold only in America
At the time of this writing, changes in pricing in the Spotify app are just rolling, so they might not have been shown on your iPhone or iPad, but they will do soon.