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Recently, Spotify announced that Apple has approved a new app update. This Spotify iOS update will allow iPhone users in the U.S. to purchase individual audiobooks directly within the app. Additionally, users can check audiobook prices and swiftly purchase more listening hours beyond the basic 15 hours.
The company says, “This change lowers the barriers for more users to embrace audiobooks simultaneously. Similarly, publishers and authors can reach fans and access new audiences seamlessly.”
TechPolyp notes that this Spotify iOS update follows the long-awaited U.S. court ruling that shakes Apple. The court ruled that Apple should stop charging fees on purchases made outside of the App Store.
Moving forward, TechPolyp also notes that users used to buy audiobooks on the web before they could access them within the app. However, the new Spotify iOS update enables the purchase of audiobooks directly from the iOS app and viewing pricing. Notably, Spotify removed audiobook purchases in 2022 due to Apple’s strict rules around in-app purchases. Following new developments, users can purchase an audiobook with just a few taps.
Additionally, iPhone users had to visit the web to purchase more listening hours, known as “top-ups” previously. However, the recent update has made these purchases easy, directly within the app. From TechPolyp’s findings, each top-up costs $13 for 10 additional hours.
Apple Allows Spotify’s Update, Creates Rooms for Change
In early May 2025, Spotify began allowing iPhone users to purchase subscriptions outside the App Store. This action followed Apple’s approval of an update enabling access to pricing details and external payment links.
Furthermore, Spotify recently expressed satisfaction with the new update. Significantly, the Spotify iOS update has made it easy to direct customers to external payment links in its iOS app. Spotify confirmed that this has already had a positive impact on its sales.
Spotify recently filed an amicus brief in support of Epic Games in its ongoing legal battle with Apple over external payments on the App Store. The app contends that its internal data indicates that its recent update supporting web payments has significantly increased. This event particularly affects iOS users who are upgrading to a premium subscription.
Apple earlier allowed U.S. app developers to direct their customers to alternative payment routes, albeit with a caveat. However, this disclaimer later attracted a backlash. Apple’s approval further paved the way for customers to be aware of other billing options and discounts for iOS users. Interestingly, this development trails the decision of the U.S. District Court in Northern California in favour of Fortnite maker Epic Games on external payments.
Further, the music-playing app positioned the Spotify iOS update to take advantage of the new policy. The updated version displays the cost of the subscription to customers. It also points them to its website to purchase and lets users buy audiobooks directly.
Spotify iOS Update: Spotify Confirms Amazing Development for its App
Spotify has affirmed that the 2025 Order has created substantial benefits for developers in the U.S. It also, more importantly, mentions consumers as beneficiaries of the ruling. The app’s internal data confirms this development. According to their filing, Spotify iOS updates have significantly increased the number of upgrades to Premium subscriptions.
Accordingly, Spotify said that its revised “Premium Destination Page” in its iOS app tells free users how to upgrade. Additionally, it directs users to run a paid subscription by offering information about prices and a link to a checkout page. Spotify confirms this development is a reaction to the link and pricing information it added to the app. This has had an immediate impact on the app’s changes.
Two weeks after implementing the injunction, Spotify’s rate of conversions from the free to the premium tier has remained “relatively constant” on Android. Meanwhile, Spotify has already been able to offer basic pricing information here. The company says the conversion rate among iOS users has increased substantially.
Furthermore, the company says the Spotify iOS update has influenced the increase because Apple finally complied with the injunction. Similarly, Spotify has been seeing the effects on audiobook purchases just three days after launching the new product options.
Spotify Joins Microsoft, Files Amicus Brief Against Apple
Despite the Spotify iOS update, the company has filed a brief with those from Microsoft and others in support of Epic Games. This is because Apple is fighting the injunction that upended its U.S. App Store business. Notably, Apple doesn’t want to comply with the court’s decision. Therefore, the company has started the process of appealing until all legal matters are fully settled.
Apple also tried to keep Epic Games’ Fortnite out of the App Store for the same reason. However, the judge pressured Apple to allow the game back in the App Store. Alternatively, Apple should return to court to explain why it hasn’t complied with the ruling.
Apple and Epic’s lawsuit has continued in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. During the appeal’s pendency, the tech giant hurriedly filed an emergency motion to revert to its old policy. Unfortunately for Apple, the court refused the motion, saying it had to comply with the default briefing schedule.
