Spotify Update: Apple Allows External Payment Links

Apple has recently approved an update to the Spotify app. This update now allows U.S. users to see pricing information and, more importantly, access external payment links. This marks a significant shift in Apple’s policies and offers Spotify greater control over its user subscriptions.

What This Means for Spotify Users

With this update, Spotify users in the U.S. can now:

• View subscription pricing directly within the Spotify app.
• Access external links to manage their subscriptions and payment methods outside of the Apple ecosystem.

This change provides users with more flexibility and transparency regarding their Spotify subscriptions. By allowing external payment options, Spotify can bypass Apple’s in-app purchase system and its associated fees.

The Impact on Apple’s Policies

Apple’s approval of this update signals a potential shift in their App Store policies. For a long time, Apple required apps to use its in-app purchase system, which gave Apple a percentage of the revenue. Allowing external payment links could open the door for other apps to follow suit.

Benefits for Spotify

This update brings several key benefits to Spotify:

• Increased User Control: Users have more control over their payment options.
• Reduced Fees: Spotify avoids Apple’s in-app purchase fees.
• Direct Relationship: Spotify can build a more direct relationship with its subscribers.

Looking Ahead

The approval of Spotify’s update could set a precedent for other app developers seeking more control over their payment systems. It will be interesting to see how this change affects the broader app ecosystem and whether other companies will push for similar concessions from Apple. This move could potentially reshape how apps handle subscriptions and payments on iOS devices.